Kate DiCamillo's latest balm-for-the-soul of a novel. . . 'Ferris' is full of love . . . deeply satisfying. * The New York Times Book Review *
DiCamillo's gift for conveying an entire person and world in a few brushstrokes of storytelling provides depth and quiet magic to this account of an eventful summer. . . Tenderly resonant and memorable. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *
Terrifically zany, it certainly is, but it's also wonderfully grounded in deep familial bonds, a tight-knit community, and the beautiful idea that every relationship is a love story in its own way. The kindly town and its eccentric inhabitants come to life via comical anecdotes and gorgeous descriptions, and it all sets the stage for some truly transcendent moments that will leave readers in a state of wonder, no matter their age. It's a spectacularly silly and perfectly sincere exploration of what it means to stay tenderhearted in a sometimes challenging world. . . It's a DiCamillo! That alone should get patrons lining up for this one. * Booklist (starred review) *
The limited third-person narration glimpses other lives but never dwells on them, thus leaving Ferris's honest, preadolescent perspective to drive the story line. As Clarisse tells Ferris, Every good story is a love story. Here, DiCamillo adeptly proves this axiom. * The Horn Book *
DiCamillo's latest work is a sweet and heartfelt effort. . . dialogue shows the author's characteristic charm. * School Library Journal *