Twelve-year-old Mavis Elizabeth Betterly (May B. for short) is a true frontier girl. She lives in the prairies of Kansas in the nineteenth century when life was much harder than it is now. When her parents send her fifteen miles away to a neighbor's home to live and help out with chores, May tries to stay positive. She misses her parents, but it's necessary, and it's just a few months until Christmas. Or so she thought. Shockingly, May is abandoned by the couple she was living with, far away from her family and neighbors. Scared and alone in a tiny sod house, May is forced to prepare for the long, harsh, unforgiving midwestern winter, and hope that she survives.

May B. is a gripping story about a girl who is forced to overcome her fears and insecurities in order to survive a winter in the prairie all by herself. Readers will love May, who starts out rather insecure about her own abilities because of her prior experiences in school. May, who is likely dyslexic, had been labelled "stupid" and ridiculed by her teacher. But May is a survivor, and her persistence and resourcefulness get her through some dark and lonely times. As the winter progresses, May becomes better at quieting her doubts about herself, and grows up and into a new, stronger version of herself. A brave young heroine, May's spirit is inspiring, and she is a great role model for young girls. May B. will have wide appeal with young girls. Because it is beautifully-written in verse, it moves at a rapid pace, making it a great choice for both reluctant readers and reading enthusiasts alike. This book would also make a fantastic read-aloud for an elementary school classroom.
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