Book Review: Lifting The Sky

Lifting The Sky by Mackie D'Arge


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This debut middle grade novel is wonderful. D’Arge has a quiet voice, but true, and has crafted a setting that is rich with detail and a plot that drives the narrative – in the final pages I couldn’t put the book down. Her protagonist, Blue, is a spunky girl who has a special gift. Blue would appeal to all middle grade kids - this is not just a girl book, as Blue tackles numerous real-life hurdles on her Wyoming ranch. The subplots involving animals are honest (I knew that western ranchers called orphaned calves "bums" but D'Arge uses this kind of idiomatic language with the ease of one who lives the life.) Blue doesn't get everything she thought she wanted, but she does get exactly what she needs - and isn't that the way it is? I think LIFTING THE SKY is flying far too far below the radar and deserves more attention from the MG audience.

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