Cheerful Ruby and her shy friend Eleanor couldn’t be more different. Ruby has lived her whole life in Paris, New Hampshire. Eleanor's family is from Sri Lanka. But these best friends share one thing: they both have impossible dreams. Paris, New Hampshire, is home to Sugar Mountain, an exclusive ski resort. Every winter, it comes alive with “Outers,” wealthy families from out of town who own ski condos and wear designer clothes, luxuries that Ruby and Eleanor cannot afford.
One December day, the girls stumble across Madame Magnifique, the “World’s Most Divine Psychic,” who urges them to unlock their deepest dreams. Ruby’s has always been to mingle with Outers, and now, more than ever, she is determined to make that dream come true. As events unfold over the winter, both girls find themselves on a journey of self-discovery that starts with unlikely friendships, secret crushes, and newfound skills, and both girls discover that people are not always who they appear to be.
“Atkinson offers two adorable characters who are as different as they are brave and builds a sweet tale of inspiration and triumph over factors usually far beyond kids' control. The author tackles multiculturalism, socioeconomic disparity, disabilities, and healthy eating … Ruby is engaging enough that it's hard to be distracted from her glass-half-full enthusiasm for life.”
----Kirkus Reviews
“This affable story of a snow-filled middle school winter is a pleasant and entertaining read. Ruby is a typical middle school girl who eats a lot of junk food, takes care of her brothers, moons over the popular boy at school, and finds herself in humorous situations … the integration of issues around socioeconomic status and cultural sensitivity elevate this novel beyond the usual friendship tale. Sri Lankan characters are few and far between in young adult fiction, and the author’s respect for Sri Lankan culture shows.”
----VOYA
“A feel-good story that has it all, this work touches upon topics such as blended families, cultural diversity, economics, and even physical well-being without an ounce of moralization. This delightful tale with a hint of mystery will engross readers from the first page. Realistic characters in contemporary situations add to the narrative, and a satisfying ending will charm even the most selective tweens.”
----School Library Journal
“In prose as smooth as a dripping icicle, Elizabeth Atkinson tells the tale of one eventful winter in the lives of sixth grader Ruby and her friend Eleanor. Beginning - and ending - with lost socks and readings from the mysterious psychic Madame Magnifique, this story is about discovering what it means to have your dreams come true.”
----Cynthia DeFelice, award-winning author of more than 30 books
including Weasel, Wild Life, and Fort
“You’ll be instantly drawn into the lives of Ruby and her best friend Eleanor when just a little bit of magic sets them on a quest to make their dreams come true. Having lived in the shadow of ritzy Sugar Mountain and the seemingly perfect kids who vacation there, Ruby ultimately learns who matters most. The Sugar Mountain Snow Ball celebrates friendship, family and new beginnings—and the voices of Atkinson’s characters will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished the book.”
----Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor, Parents Magazine