School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-In this "companion to the Julie books," set in San Francisco in the 1970s, the spotlight is on 10-year-old Ivy Ling, who is trying to find her way in a time of change. Julie moved away with her mother after her parents' divorce and, while she visits frequently, it is not the same as having a best friend since kindergarten right next door. Mrs. Ling is in law school, Ivy's father has taken a second job, her 12-year-old brother seems to do everything right, and Ivy feels the weight of every mistake she makes. The writing is accessible and appealing, and color illustrations are scattered throughout. Readers will be able to relate to but won't be overwhelmed by this story of making difficult decisions-Ivy needs to choose between her gymnastics tournament and attending a reunion of the Lings. Family interactions are warm and reassuring. Fans of the series will not be disappointed, and newcomers will enjoy meeting this member of the "American Girl" crew. Back matter has a brief but interesting look into the history of Chinese Americans.-Susan Moorhead, New Rochelle Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
The American Girl franchise adds a new character to its list. In'70s California, Julie Albright and best friend Ivy navigate the pitfalls of growing up as well as the major social changes of the era in seven books, all penned by Megan McDonald and illusrated by Robert Hunt. Meet Julie introduces the new American Girl; Julie Tells Her Story finds Julie dealing with the repercussions of her parents' divorce; in Happy New Year, Julie, Ivy's family invites the Albrights over for the Chinese New Year; Julie and the Eagles centers around the best friends' efforts to raise money to care for two injured bald eagles; Julie's Journey centers on the celebration surrounding America's Bicentennial; and Changes for Julie sees the fifth-grade girl running for class president. A seventh title, Good Luck, Ivy, focuses on Julie's best friend, who uses gymnastics to cope with stress. (American Girl, $6.95 each paper ages 8-up Meet 104p ISBN 9781-59369-257-5; Her Story 104p ISBN 9781-59369-288-9; New Year 88p ISBN 9781-59369-291-9; Eagles 88p ISBN 9781-59369-350-3; Journey 88p ISBN 9781-59369-352-7; Changes 104p ISBN 9781-59369-354-1; Ivy 96p ISBN 9781-59369-356-5; Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved