I am a pushover for books in which a girl becomes immersed in the intense world of an individual sport. Messner's novel is engrossing, realistic and still full of unpredictable plot twists. Reading about Claire's experiences in the competitive world of ice skating, complete with mean girls, competition anxieties, and lack of time for anything else kept me riveted to the page. Details about Claire's life off the ice provide for interesting reading as well; a report on Fibonacci for math becomes a springboard for a fascinating look at numbers in nature, sugar tapping is described and bee-keeping practices explained. The outcome of this book is very satisfying and realistic - it provides kids with a choice they may not have known they had. You don't have to skate or know anything about the sport to love this book. I can't wait to share it with some of my library readers. This is the second Kate Messner book I have read, and both are absolutely wonderful. The main characters are middle school girls, but I think my fourth grade girls will make a lot of connections with these pre-teen characters. In this book, the main character doesn't think much of her own skating talents, and is terrified to compete, but as the book goes on she learns to appreciate her own talents and how to enjoy and overcome the challenges she faces. There is a "mean girl" character in this book that the main character deals with very well - a great role model for young readers. In the end, she is faced with a very grown-up decision to decide her future path in life, and she makes this decision with great wisdom and grace. Love, Love, LOVE!!!!
What do You think about Sugar And Ice (2010)?
I liked it. I really did. And especially because it was about ice-skating.
—raphaelyal
Sammy and I are reading this together, it's off to a good start!
—maria
I thought it was REALLY good. I never expected the end.
—matthew2012
