Piper Reed, Forever Friend

Piper Reed #6

by Kimberly Willis Holt, Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

Piper Reed is excited to move to a new state and catch up with old friends. But the move doesn't go as smoothly as she Piper has trouble feeling accepted in her new surroundings. But then she meets Arizona Smiley. Arizona is an avid stamp collector and bowls in a league. Piper is intrigued by Arizona's originality and before long, she wins Arizona's affections, and the two become great friends. This move turns out to be the best one yet, and in Kimberly Willis Holt's Piper Reed, Forever Friend , Piper is eager to spread her trademark "Get Off the Bus" catchphrase once again.

Genres: Childrens

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2012

About the author

Kimberly Willis Holt is the author of the Piper Reed series, including Piper Reed, Navy Brat, Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen, and Piper Reed, Rodeo Star. She has written many award-winning novels, including The Water Seeker and My Louisiana Sky, as well as the picture books Waiting for Gregory and Skinny Brown Dog. A former Navy brat herself, Holt was born in Pensacola, Florida, and lived all over the U.S. and the world—from Paris to Norfolk to Guam to New Orleans. Holt long dreamed of being a writer, but first worked as a radio news director, marketed a water park, and was an interior decorator, among other jobs. A few years after she started writing, her third book, When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, won a National Book Award for Young People's Literature. She resides in West Texas with her family.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/kimber...

Reviews

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a kid’s book by Holt, a very versatile writer. The Piper Reed series is about a middle child, who is also a “military kid.” Due to this, she and her family move often. In this volume the Reeds move from Pensacola to Virginia Beach. Lots of humor is mixed in to this story which focuses on the changes and challenges that Piper must adjust to.

This series deserves more notice than it gets. Perfect for Grades 2-3.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first of this book series that I've read (and it might be the last one in the series, ironically?) and I enjoyed it. The characters felt real and I liked the story about kids who move ALL. THE. TIME. There's definitely niche market for that, and this is a good book to fill it.

[Kamicarlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We hope this isn't the last book in the series. We want more Piper!

[Mary E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic; friendship insights; and still wacky;

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title wasn't as good as the previous books but the writing was better, the end however just stopped.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sixth and (thus far) last book in the Piper Reed series by Kimberly Willis Holt. We can relate to these stories about a military family, even if our experiences with the military aren't quite the same. We also love Piper's spunk and enthusiasm.

This story chronicles the Reed family's move from Pensacola, FL to Norfolk, VA. Piper learns that even though she's a pro at moving, it is never easy. Anyone can get 'Newkiditis.' And she experiences disappointment when some of her expectations about the move are not met.

But in the end, Piper adjusts to her new situation and displays the resiliency that is so critical for a child of a military parent who moves often. She watches her sister follow in her footsteps in creating a club and making new friends and it is heartwarming to see how the sister's support each other, even if they don't always get along.

Overall, this is a very entertaining story. Piper certainly learns some important lessons and matures a little in the process. Over the last six books, we've gotten to experience one tour of duty with the Reed family and it feels like we really go to know them well.

Even though we aren't a Navy family, we understand the trials of moving, the patriotic spirit of being surrounded by those in military service, the sadness of continuous goodbyes from folks who are leaving, and an equal amount of hellos from those arriving.

We understand how hard it is to say goodbye to your home, and how exciting it is to discover a new place. We are not likely to move again and I plan to retire in the next couple of years, but we will remain in an area that is heavily populated with military members and in close proximity to several military bases, so I'm glad that our girls will not lose sight of what it means to be a military family member.

We read this entire book in two reading sessions and although it took us about ninety minutes, I would still consider it a fairly quick read. We enjoyed the story and are a bit sad to say goodbye to Piper.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

The time has come. Piper Reed’s dad, the Chief, has gotten new orders, which will send the entire family from Pensacola, Florida to Norfolk, Virginia. Normally a new move means having to start all over, but this time Piper won’t have to do that, because her friends Michael and Nicole already live in Norfolk. She can’t wait to see them again, and to start the Norfolk branch of the Gypsy Club. Unfortunately, though, in just the short time they’ve been gone, Michael and Nicole have already made new friends, and upon Piper’s arrival, she is accosted by Arizona, who seems much better at adjusting to new situations than Piper is, and who shakes Piper’s confidence just a bit.

I think Forever Friend is one of the best books in the Piper Reed series, because it actually gets to heart of what Piper’s Gypsy Club has been all about it - her family’s many moves. Piper is forced to face the fact that no matter what, each move will bring changes, and that sometimes even her club won’t be able to keep her from feeling sad or uncertain. This situation lets us see a new side of Piper - a quieter, more nervous side - and it also gives us an opportunity to see her make new friends in ways she did not expect - by going bowling,collecting stamps, and trying skateboarding!

Arizona is a great addition to the series, and I’ll love seeing how she figures into future adventures, since she and Piper both have such big personalities. I also thought Piper’s sisters seemed a bit more three-dimensional this time around. Piper actually has a few positive thoughts about Tori now and then, which might be a sign that their relationship will mature even further in future books.

Piper Reed: Forever Friend would pair nicely with Moving Day from Meg Cabot’s Allie Finkle series, or with Mo Wren, Lost and Found by Tricia Springstubb. Also don’t miss any of Piper’s previous books - there are five other titles!

[Mel]

Poor Piper Reed – she’s on the move again!

Fortunately, it’s to Norfolk, Virginia, where dear friends Michael and Nicole live. But due to distance, she’s anxious she may not see them as often as she wants, and is concerned about the continuity of her precious Gypsy Club!

Luckily, Piper’s new neighbor, a stamp collecting, bowling phenom named Arizona Smiley, shows her that friends (and Gypsy members!) can be found in all the right places.

Kimberly Willis Holt’s, Piper Reed Forever Friend, is a delightful continuation of Piper’s exploits as the middle sister in a very mobile Navy family.

As someone who moved often as a child, Piper is a literary friend I wish I had to comfort me during my many moves! Her spunk was infectious and her creativity enjoyed.

My only regret is that I haven’t read the previous five installments of Piper’s adventures!

This would have made the perfect addition to our Mother/Daughter book club selections.

Thanks to the author, I’m thrilled to offer a giveaway!

1 winner will receive signed copies of these 3 Piper Reed books
PIPER REED, FOREVER FRIEND
PIPER REED, NAVY BRAT
PIPER REED, RODEO STAR
Open to US only
Ends 8/29/12 (2 weeks!)

Also – I had the opportunity to ask Ms. Holt a few questions about Piper – come back on Saturday for her responses!

Please follow the Piper Reed blog tour at What’s New with Kimberly for other blogger’s thoughts and giveaways!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper is excited to move to a new state and catch up with old friends. But the move doesn’t go as smoothly as she expected: Piper has trouble feeling accepted in her new surroundings. But then she meets Arizona Smiley. Arizona is an avid stamp collector and bowls in a league. Piper is intrigued by Arizona’s originality and before long, she wins Arizona’s affections, and the two become great friends. This move turns out to be the best one yet, and Piper is eager to spread her trademark “Get Off the Bus” catchphrase once again.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of a series, but this stands on its own. I read the first one when it was on the Bluebonnet nomination list 3 years ago, and missed everything else, but this one is charming. Well-written & funny, this book subtly points out the advantages of being openminded, trying new things, thinking positively and making new friends.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper Reed is such an endearing character for all kids, including me. I've had the pleasure of her friendship as she traveled from California in the first book, to Pensacola, and in the last book, to Norfolk. I'll always "get off the bus" with Piper and the Gypsies.

[Tam Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was sad. And depressing. At least compared to the others. It's like she had to write a last book in the series and made it SOOOOOOOOOOO sad. Definitely did not have the same fun feel as the others. But a depressing life changes and you're all alone feel. Shiver.

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked when Piper made friends.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

piper becomes friends with arizona. she attends everything arizona goes to and at the end she says they will be friends forever.