Piper Reed, Clubhouse Queen

by Kimberly Willis Holt

Book Overview

Previously published as Piper Reed, the Great Gypsy.
The Gypsy Club Creed

We are the Gypsies of land and sea.
We move from port to port.
We make friends wherever we go.
And everywhere we go, we let people know
That we're the Gypsies of land and sea.

Piper's dad--the Navy Chief--might be gone again, but Piper's got plenty to keep her busy at home: new neighbors, a spaceship beach house, a trip to New Orleans,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312616767
• ISBN13: 9780312616762
• Release Date: March 2011
• Publisher: Square Fish
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

Piper Reed, The Great Gypsy

This book is an appealing story about a navy brat who finds positive aspects in the life she leads. The character is so appealing. Chapter book readers will enjoy the escapades.

Courtesy of Mother Daughter Book Club.com

Every now and then I get to take a break from some of my heavier reading and get a reminder of how much fun it can be to read something geared to early readers. Piper Reed, The Great Gypsy by Kimberly Willis Holt is one of those books. I've been of fan of Holt's since reading My Louisiana Sky several years ago. Being from Louisiana originally, I was particularly taken with a book set there that didn't involve negative clichés about the state or its people one often sees in works set in Louisiana. And I liked the story of a pre-teen girl who must choose between living a glamorous like with her sophisticated aunt or staying to live with her mentally challenged parents. Piper Reed has appeal for younger readers in large part, because Holt has a very down-to-earth voice that imparts lessons to younger readers without being preachy. Readers get a glimpse of what life is like for the family of a military man when he is on assignment for long periods of time and they remain on the base. But they also get to know and love Piper, a middle sister who does her best to make friends wherever her family is stationed. The book also makes use of its setting in Pensacola, Florida, to help readers learn something of the area. Piper and her family take short vacations to the beach and to New Orleans, with descriptions of each place that may help to spark interest in learning more about them. It all ties into a navy family's exploration of a new area they move into and adapt to. Younger readers in particular will be able to identify with Piper's desire to win the prize at the pet show she puts on and the conflicts that arise with her sisters. Now, I'm inspired to go back and read the first book in this series, Piper Reed, Navy Brat.

How can Piper win a contest when her dog is too difficult to train?

Piper's father is gone again in the Navy, but Piper has lots to keep her busy at home - including a pet talent show that she's determined to win in Kimberly Willis Holt's PIPER REED: THE GREAT GYPSY. Unfortunately her dog is nearly unteachable: how can Piper win a contest when her dog is too difficult to train? A fun tale evolves.

Nannie's Happy

My Granddaughter loved this book. Both my granddaughters enjoy this author and can't wait for her books to come out.

A Fan's Review

I found this creation very entertaining. Especially liked the chapter that presented the 3 childrens' individual versions of "how mom broke her leg". That was classic. Ms. Holt, the author is the eldest daughter among 3, but she told the story from the eyes and mindset of the middle child. She rose to the challenge and pulled that off flawlessly. I'm also remembering that she had to think like a pre-teen boy when she created an earlier book - "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town". She obviously did an excellent job with that, as the book was awarded the NBA (National Book Award) for young adult literature in 1999, and was later made into a movie, which is shown regularly on various cable and dish network channels. I know those sisters that are presented in "Piper Reed (Navy Brat) and Piper Reed (The Great Gypsy). Both books have taken me down nostalgia lane and refreshed many fond memories. I may be a little biased because -I'm "The Chief".