“…Their age-appropriate realism echoes Keller’s matter-of-fact storytelling, which balances Polly’s fictional experiences with historical facts. Info about the science behind charcoal gas masks, an author’s note about segregation, and the story’s basis in history help make this a unique introduction to the Great War and related scarcity measures.”

“Part of the Tales of Young Americans series, author Shana Keller takes a little-known episode from World War I and weaves it into not only a story about family, but one of determination to help and the strength of community to make things happen… An engaging story with many truths to tell.”

“In portraying America’s nationwide campaign to collect peach pits, Keller centers the story on Polly, who is desperate to do something to help her father overseas. She organizes her Girl Scout troop into a parade to collect peach pits. Lucas’ bright illustrations depict loving middle-class Black families, a Black Scout troop, and a mostly Black community all eager to do their patriotic best for their country. While children of all races can imagine themselves taking on a similar role, Black children will see themselves as important agents of history.”