Women & Children First

Description

It’s not easy being the middle child, especially when your dad is a Navy Chief. Meet Piper Reed, a spunky nine-year-old who has moved more times than she can count on one hand. From Texas to Guam, wherever Piper goes, adventure follows, inspired by her active imagination, free-wheeling spirit, and a bit of sister magic. Unlike her older sister, Piper loves being part of a Navy family, and unlike her little sister, Piper is no prodigy genius. Piper is Piper—fearless and full of life.

Based on her own childhood experience, Kimberly Willis Holt portrays the life of a Navy family with warmth and humor. Chief stood in the hallway, again. “Piper, you’re going to be late for mess hall.” Mess hall was what the Navy called the place where they ate their meals, but Chief called our kitchen that, too.

The bed creaked as I rolled off my mattress. I took Bruna outside to see if she’d do her business, but she kept jumping on me, wanting to play. Finally I figured she didn’t need to do her business. She’d already done it on me. I gave up and we went inside.
I needed to get out of my stinky nightgown and take a shower. But it was too late. Tori was already in the bathroom. That could take forever.

Sam hurried with Annie toward the bathroom door, wearing her stupid crown. “I’m next!” she hollered.

“You forgot about the list,” I reminded her. “You’re last.”

Sam rubbed her eyes. “But I have to go real bad.”

“Okay. Real quick because I get to shower next.” I pounded on the door. “THAT’S IF TORI REED EVER DECIDES TO GET OUT OF THE BATHROOM!”

“LEAVE ME ALONE!” Tori shouted back.

I was feeling grumpier by the minute.

About the Author

KIMBERLY WILLIS HOLT is the author of the novels My Louisiana Sky; When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, winner of the National Book Award; and Keeper of the Night. She has also written the picture books Waiting for Gregory and Skinny Brown Dog. She lives in West, Texas.

WWW.KIMBERLYWILLISHOLT.COM

CHRISTINE DAVENIER has illustrated many books for children and is the recipient of a New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award. She lives in Paris, France.