Illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis
Nominated for Young Hoosier Book Award
Nominated for Iowa Children’s Choice Award        ISBN: 0618472770

"Zoe’s the smartest," said Vanessa, "I’m the best actress, and you, Winifred Fletcher . . ." she said, turning to Winnie. "You are the best- " Winnie waited to hear what Vanessa would say. It seemed as if Vanessa had to check every cupboard in her brain to find an answer. How do you know if you’re really good at something and not just ordinary? Can you be the best at something if you really want to? With humor and insight, Jennifer Richard Jacobson captures the complex emotions of jealousy, competition, self-doubt, and, ultimately, self-acceptance.

Readers will empathize with Winnie’s complicated emotions and will cheer when she finds out her real gift, which is much more important than art or acting or intellect. Jacobson’s gift is telling the true story of girls who wish for independence, but who can still support their friends and love their family. Winnie Fletcher is the kind of friend we all wish we could be.
— Kirkus

Winnie is a well-rounded and earnest protagonist who can comfortable join the ranks of spunky girls like Amber Brown, Ramona and Junie B. Jones.
— School Library Journal

Both story lines come together in the satisfying and ultimately touching conclusion. Winnie’s single-parent dad is supportive of her artistic aspirations as well as the choices she makes in the end. With illustrations featuring a beautiful economy of line, a story that sensitively depicts the characters’ feelings, and fine-tuned, realistic dialogue, this is a rewarding choice for young readers.
— Booklist

While Winnie works on her drawing for the contest, she is assigned to be a "reading buddy" to a withdrawn kindergarten boy with a seriously ill mother, and this challenge brings out strengths that are valuable but not so easy to measure. Graceful black-and-white sketches of the characters are by turn pensive and warm and open, showing Winnie what she likes to do best — being a caring friend.
— The Horn Book

The story, entertaining and humorous, conveys the importance of friendship and self-acceptance. The illustrations, although simple black-and-white sketches, effectively demonstrate the emotions and personalities of the characters
— Children’s Literature - Kasey Pryor