SUGAR SHACK

Winter brings a sense of family to Peapod Farm.

This third and final installment of the graphic novel series begins with Jen immersed in farm chores, hauling firewood, and caring for chickens in the winter snow. Since stepsister Andy is taking classes for her bat mitzvah in town, Jen’s mom suggests she find a weekend activity, too, like 4-H. Her participation leads to a meltdown when an older boy tells Jen’s younger stepsister, Reese, that the adorable bunny she’s cuddling will soon be eaten. Jen comes to her sister’s defense, which prompts Andy to remind Jen that “she’s MY sister, really,” leaving Jen feeling dejected. Knisley depicts the growing pains of a blended family learning to care for each other as they move through a rural winter with emotional insight. Jen figures out how to enjoy a school dance on her own terms and learns about the fun of making maple syrup. She even begins to envision a future that includes her beloved drawing. Jen and her Christian and Jewish family appear white, and there’s racial diversity in background characters. Wordless full-page spreads effectively convey action and emotion, and the ending gently connects fictional Jen to the author.

Understated and full of heart.