The Sweetheart of Prosper County

by Jill S. Alexander

Summary: Ninth grader Austin Gray wants to be FFA (Future Farmers of America) Sweetheart, so she can ride on the hood of the car in the Christmas parade. In order to do that, she's got to first join FFA! She asks for a chicken for Christmas, and her mom lets her go pick one out from Lafitte Boudreaux, a local Cajun man rumored to involved in cock fighting. She picks a beautiful rooster and names him Charles Dickens. Her path to the parade is full of obstacles, though, including a boy who has been bullying her her whole life, a new friend, a new crush, and dealing with the death of her father three years earlier.

My thoughts: This book reminded me of my own childhood in so many ways, and anyone who is growing up in the south (especially Texas!) will be able to relate to Austin. She's awkward and funny and believable and sweet. You'll cringe at her mistakes, and cheer at her victories!