Icey May

At the age of eight years old Janiece Addison learns how cruel life can be when someone you love is taken away from you. Her best friend Judy develops polio and it isn't long after that she passes on. Janiece is forced to look at life a little differently. After all, how can she possibly go to school without her best friend? Growing up in Love, Oklahoma won’t be easy for poor Janiece. While her life is otherwise normal, it is the people she will meet on the way who will have a hand in altering her life forever. One of the individuals with the most impact will be Icey May. The two will meet and neither will be the same again.

Icey May is a remarkable heartwarming story about one little girl who is brave enough to handle all life will throw at her. While Janiece is the main character, it is Icey May who will affect readers the most. Her story will not leave one dry eye. Kowanda Stroud does an excellent job in bringing both girls’ stories to life. The realism of Mrs. Stroud's writing is truly amazing. She takes her readers to Love, Oklahoma and makes them feel like they are part of what is going on. Beware, this author will make you will feel anger, sadness and other emotions as this tale unfolds. That however is what adds to the overall story. Readers get to feel just what the characters feel. While the first book this reviewer has read by this author, there will definitely be more.

Reviewed by: JoAnn