In this third installment of the Peapod Farm graphic novel series, Jen and Andy continue to navigate what it means to be a blended family.  Jen is having a hard time adjusting to living in the wilderness, especially in the winter when one of her chores is hauling wood.  She joins 4-H to have something to do while Andy is at Torah class, but she doesn’t get along with one of the boys in her class.  Jen cares for and tries to protect her younger stepsister, Reese, but Andy sometimes gets offended at her efforts.  They do have some fun together playing in the snow and sharing their traditions for Hanukkah and Christmas.  The story reaches a nice conclusion as their family hosts a Maple Fest party for the community.

Readers who enjoyed the other two graphic novels in this series will enjoy this graphic novel as well.  The family dynamics are interesting and reach a satisfying conclusion.  There’s variety in the number of panels and text throughout the book, which helps maintain interest.  At the end, there are frequently asked questions where the author shares how this series reflects her own life.  This book is perfect for libraries who have the first two books in the Peapod Farm series.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library