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“Hannigan keeps a strong narrative hand on the several stories she has going on simultaneously…Nell—strong-willed yet scared, tough but needy—makes a solid heroine.”
— Booklist (starred review)
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“Hannigan makes skillful use of period details, bringing the novel’s threads together in a nail-biting conclusion. Nell is a fearless, no-nonsense heroine, and her dry-witted narration drives this rollicking historical escapade.”
— Publishers Weekly
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“Nell is an irrepressible character: spirited, thoughtful, and intuitive…Recommend to readers who enjoy adventure, history, and stories featuring independent, strong-minded girls.”
— School Library Journal
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“A rousing fictional account of the remarkable career of a pioneering woman.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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A Booklist Editors' ChoiceA Chicago Public Library Best BookA Nerdy Book Club Award WinnerA Bank Street College Best Children's BookAn SCBWI Golden Kite WinnerAn ALA Amelia Bloomer Project List for Feminist Books SelectionA Mighty Girl Top Books for Tweens and Teens Pick
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* "Accessible and captivating...With skilled writing that conveys the excitement of detective work, the appeal of history, and Nell's authentic, good-humored personal growth, this is one for the ages.
— The Bulletin (starred review)
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* "Hannigan keeps a strong narrative hand on the several stories she has going on simultaneously: the mysteries surrounding the deaths of Nell's father and uncle; Nell's correspondence with her best friend, who traveled the Underground Railroad to safety in Canada; and several Pinkerton adventures that involve chicanery, American history, and lots of excitement.
— Booklist (starred review)
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Hannigan makes skillful use of period details, bringing the novel's threads together in a nail-biting conclusion. Nell is a fearless, no-nonsense heroine, and her dry-witted narration drives this rollicking historical escapade.
— Publishers Weekly
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A rousing fictional account of the remarkable career of a pioneering woman.
— Kirkus
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Nell is an irrepressible character: spirited, thoughtful, and intuitive...Recommend to readers who enjoy adventure, history, and stories featuring independent, strong-minded girls.
— SLJ