內容簡介

New York Times bestselling author Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving yet witty story of an unforgettable summer friendship. For fans of Jacqueline Wilson, David Almond and Katherine Rundell.

In her seventh novel, international bestselling author and twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal Kate DiCamillo tells a masterful story that blends pathos and humour. Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father - who has run away 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 has to compete with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante with her show-business background and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship - and challenge them to come to each other's rescue in unexpected ways.

Review by Ben Hunter

My only criticism of this book is that it made my face hurt, having read the thing cover to cover with an enormous cheese-eating grin. Raymie Nightingale and her fellow Little Miss Central Florida Tire pageant contestants, Louisana Elefante and Beverly Tapinski are some of the most wonderful children's characters I've ever read. Hopelessly unaware, adorable and doomed to become the best of friends, theirs is a ridiculous story that leaves you begging for more.