Peaches

Starred review from August 8, 2005
In a novel about broken hearts, broken spirits and the healing power of friendship, Anderson profiles three one-of-a-kind Georgia "peaches," a trio of teenage girls who converge at Darlington Orchard during picking season. There's plump and sweet Birdie Darlington, a sheltered, homeschooled girl, whose father owns the orchard and is on the verge of going bankrupt. Then there's her perfect-on-the-outside cousin, Leeda Cawley-Smith, who has everything a girl could want (except her mother's love). Last but not least is tart Murphy McGowen: beautiful, brilliant and wild. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, the three girls have two things in common. All have been coerced (for different reasons) to spend spring break and a long hot summer working alongside more experienced migrant pickers, and all three girls carry the weight of discontent to the orchard. Alternating the characters' points of view, the author delves into the teenagers' family conflicts, problematic romances and secret longings. while tracing how they slowly, cautiously form bonds of camaraderie with each other. Descriptions of the scent of the orchard, the flavor of the peaches, the sting of fire ants, the cheerful chatter from workers and the beauty of the landscape form an enticing backdrop. Anderson's tale encapsulates the state of ennui and anticipation that accompanies the last stretch of adolescence. Ages 14-up. (June)
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August 1, 2005
Gr 9 Up -During a summer at the Darlington Peach Orchard in Georgia, Murphy, Leeda, and Birdie discover the true meaning of friendship despite their differences. Murphy, a bright, sarcastic 16-year-old from the wrong side of town, is completing community service at the orchard. Wealthy Leeda lives in her perfect older sister's shadow. She decides to work at her uncle's orchard on a whim and then is too proud to change her mind. Birdie Darlington is trying to keep the farm running despite the fact that her mother has left and her father refuses to face the desperate straits that the business is in. As the summer progresses, the girls bond and realize that you cannot judge someone by her financial or family situation. The characters are realistic and the dialogue is fresh. Readers looking for light reading will not be disappointed." -Angela M. Boccuzzi-Reichert, Merton Williams' Middle School, Hilton, NY"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2005
Gr. 8-11. Anderson's debut reads like a first cousin to Ann Brashares' Traveling Pants series. Here, rather than the perfect pair of jeans, it's an intoxicating peach orchard that works its magic on three teens, brought together to pick fruit in the summer before their last year of high school. Shy, awkward Birdie, the homeschooled daughter of the Darlington Orchard's owners; Leeda, Birdie's gorgeous, wealthy, "kind of cold and uptight" cousin; and restless, rebellious Murphy discover in one another a strong, unlikely friendship that helps each girl move past her own limitations and open herself to thrilling possibilities. The Darlington's financial troubles, overtures from a sleazy developer, and several dreamy romantic interests add tension and intrigue to the friendship story. Interspersed vignettes of momentous scenes from the orchard's past add to the setting's mysterious aura, and Anderson's vivid descriptions of the scented rows of trees, buzzing with heat and life, echo the restlessness of her well-drawn teen characters. A charming, breezy choice for strong and reluctant readers alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2006
An odd trio--bad girl Murphy, dreamer Birdie, and rich Leeda--spend the summer together at a peach orchard in Georgia, surprised to find themselves dedicated to the failing farm and their emerging friendship. Despite a plodding start, the book's universal themes of friendship and personal growth retain their appeal.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)