This is a new novel by a new author named Michelle Houts. Before we tell you about the story, it may be useful for you to know that Michelle Houts lives on a grain and livestock (animal) farm in West Central Ohio with her husband and their three kids. Whe
This is a new novel by a new author named Michelle Houts. Before we tell you about the story, it may be useful for you to know that Michelle Houts lives on a grain and livestock (animal) farm in West Central Ohio with her husband and their three kids. When you read the book, you can really see how the author writes about something she knows about and is familiar with – she was inspired to write from her own life experiences living on a farm.
The Story
Libby Ryan has grown up around beef her whole life: she lives on a farm in Nowhere, Indiana, where her dad raises beef cattle. After all, it's a Ryan family tradition, ever since her grandfather's Irish ancestors settled the land.Now Libby is 12 years old, and it's time for her to raise her own two steers to show in the famed Practical County Fair, just like her brother did when he was 12, and Libby is thrilled. She picks out Piggy (the hungry, sweet one) and Mule (the stubborn one), and against her father's suggestion, she starts getting attached ... even though she knows that at the end of the fair, she'll be saying goodbye.
Meanwhile, not only is the pressure rising to win Grand Champion Steer in the Fair, she's also been entered by her mom to compete in the Beef Princess beauty pageant – so not jeans-and-ponytail Libby's thing. Even worse, she'll be competing against the perfect-but-vicious Darling sisters (Precious, Lil and Ohma) in both competitions! Luckily, Libby has her best friend and her family at her side ... but can she handle the competition and the heartbreak that's coming?
Kidzworld Komment
We really liked reading The Beef Princess of Practical County. It’s a simple, clean and sweet book about growing up and letting go. We loved the narration: Libby has a real voice and actually sounds like a 12 year old girl. While you’re reading about Libby, you can really picture her in your head. In fact, all of the characters are well-developed, especially Frannie (Libby’s hilarious little sister) and the Darling sisters.So Pick up The Beef Princess of Practical County – we guarantee good summer reading and even a few little laughs!
The Beef Princess of Practical County Rating:
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