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Praise

★ “The graphic-novel illustration style, in which windows of alternating action move the storyline forward, adds to the feeling that this duo of everyday heroines is unstoppable. A celebration of female perseverance and success: brava!”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ “In this rhythmic celebration of family and self-reliance, a mother and daughter embark from their shared home into parallel story arcs . . . This picture book unobtrusively featuring women in nontraditional roles empowers, as does its message of teamwork and support.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“The spare narration perfectly complements Kath’s rhythmic watercolor panels, and the independence and mutual support between tattooed mom with her shaved and curly blond hair, and bronze-skinned, long-haired daughter shines through every scene. Kids who gravitate toward Bob Graham’s picture books, with their tight-knit, gently norm-tweaking families, will feel right at home.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books  

“This family is real. Red-haired, freckled mom has tattoos and is worrying over meals and bills, but she also is a successful businessperson and skilled tradeswoman. The daughter, of light-brown skin and hair, does her chores and her homework and then is ready to step up to the mound and pitch at Saturday’s game. The watercolor-and pastel illustrations depict the concurrent story lines through panels, contrasting the two characters in a humorous and effective way.”—Booklist

“With only a few descriptive words displayed on each page, the illustrations truly carry this story. Loose watercolor and pastel panels depict both characters’ determination, commitment, perseverance, and love for their respective activities.—School Library Connection

“What’s touched on in the text is made specific in Kath’s watercolor and pastel illustrations. . . . . Details such as the umpire’s bubblegum bubble as our ballplayer prepares her pitch, or Mom’s colorful arm tattoo, add comfort and, for many, familiarity to this welcome and unconventional family story.”  —The Horn Book