School Library Journal
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Gr 3–7—In the third installment of the "Peapod Farm" series, Jen is beginning to feel more at home in the country. She's learned to live with her difficult stepfather, Walter, and has grown close to her stepsisters, Andy and Reese. When the three are together, it feels like having real sisters—until Jen calls Reese her sister, and Andy corrects her: "She's MY sister, really." The moment leaves Jen questioning where she truly belongs. As the girls navigate the ups and downs of blended family life, they're also busy carving out their own paths. Andy prepares for her bat mitzvah, Jen joins 4-H and makes new friends, and Reese finds joy in cooking. This warm, character-driven story captures the complexities of growing up, including figuring out friendships, going to dances, and finding one's place in the world. Jen continues to clash with Walter, who among other things wishes she dressed more like a "typical girl," but she finds comfort in comics and drawing, even as the future feels uncertain. The artwork is bright and expressive, matching the tone of the previous books. Jen and her family are white. VERDICT An earnest, relatable addition to the series that is perfect for middle grade readers.—Amy Ribakove

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Winter brings a sense of family to Peapod Farm. This third and final installment of the graphic novel series begins with Jen immersed in farm chores, hauling firewood, and caring for chickens in the winter snow. Since stepsister Andy is taking classes for her bat mitzvah in town, Jen’s mom suggests she find a weekend activity, too, like 4-H. Her participation leads to a meltdown when an older boy tells Jen’s younger stepsister, Reese, that the adorable bunny she’s cuddling will soon be eaten. Jen comes to her sister’s defense, which prompts Andy to remind Jen that “she’s MY sister, really,” leaving Jen feeling dejected. Knisley depicts the growing pains of a blended family learning to care for each other as they move through a rural winter with emotional insight. Jen figures out how to enjoy a school dance on her own terms and learns about the fun of making maple syrup. She even begins to envision a future that includes her beloved drawing. Jen and her Christian and Jewish family appear white, and there’s racial diversity in background characters. Wordless full-page spreads effectively convey action and emotion, and the ending gently connects fictional Jen to the author. Understated and full of heart. (FAQ, maple snow candy recipe)(Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.