Did I open and read this within an hour of getting the approval? I did. Linda Sue Park is one of my all time favorite authors, and she did not disappoint here. When I review middle grade, if it’s not for me, I try to think about it from the perspective of a middle grader. But I think truly great middle grade literature is for everyone, and that’s why Park is one of my favorite authors. She gets the voice of middle graders just right and this is thought provoking without being schmaltzy or talking down to students.

My only disappointment with this book is that it doesn’t come out until April, because I was already lesson planning with it in my head. If you liked Love That Dog by Sharon Creech, Just One Gift should be on your list.

What a great idea for a classroom lesson for a teacher or librarian. I loved this book. Linda Sue Park should win the Newbery for this book. Great eye-catching cover too.