Some momentous things happen in the course of this book: a father leaves, buildings are burgled, a cat is lost and found, hearts are broken, good deeds attempted, and someone is saved from drowning. More affecting than all of that however, is the friendship formed between three girls, and the anxieties soothed as a result. In the hope of becoming Little Miss Central Florida Tyre, Raymie is having baton-twirling lessons with the fearsome Ida Nee. There she meets Louisiana, orphaned daughter of high wire stars the Flying Elefantes, and Beverly Tapinski, gruff, stubborn and fearless. Together they become the Three Rancheros, and as such their worlds are changed. DiCamillo lets readers see through Raymie’s eyes, live through the summer with her and it’s an unforgettable experience. ~ Andrea Reece
As featured on The Today Show's Read with Jenna Jr. Book Club
Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots in this 2016 National Book Award Finalist - a moving, masterful story of an unforgettable friendship. Raymie Clarke has a plan. If she can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton, but she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. As the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship - and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.