"This story is gently told through a well-written text and warm gouache, colored-pencil, and crayon illustrations. ... Fluid lines and saturated hues depict a cast of diverse characters and colorful settings."
     —School Library Journal

"Brisson's clear and heartening story is balanced by Bloom's mixed-media, deeply colored gauche/pencil/crayon paintings depicting an assortment of scenes filled with multicultural children and a compassionate and benevolent young girl who has found her way to make a difference."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"The story is well-crafted and shows Melissa's growth as a character. Even more, the illustrations are colorful and eye-catching. Overall, readers will connect to both the story and the illustrations. Recommended."
     —Library Media Connection

"Melissa is a memorable character who inspires us to look beyond outward appearances and search for the beauty inside."
     —The Reading Teacher

"For this moral tale, Bloom's illustrations—done in gouache, colored pencil, and crayon—tell a vigorous visual tale of youthful engagement in life's opportunities."
     —Children's Literature