Review: Hope is a ferris wheel by Robin Herrera

In this debut novel from Robin Herrera, we meet a fifth grader named Star who has had a unique life.  She lives with her mother and sister in a trailer park right next to the city dump.  She has a hard time making friends in her new school, and many students make fun of her hair (it is blue and a mullet style) as well as her living arrangments (a trailer park named Treasure Trailers).  However, with perseverance and pluck she is able to navigate the often treacherous waters of middle school, and understands more about herself, her family, and the meaning of friendship.
I must say, I did not have high expectations for this book.  I am a fantasy/sci-fi girl by nature, and I thought this might be a little too "feel-good" for me.  I am not going to lie - there were a few sugary parts that made my inner Sweeney Todd cringe.  For example, when excited or surprised, the main characters would blurt out "Heavenly donuts!"  Also, when Star has a confrontation with another student that ends in a food fight, she is told to write an apology letter to the other student. That's it.  No in school suspension, no detention, nothing. 
With all of that said, I must admit, I did like this book.  It was a sweet story, but I think it is something that many children can relate to - being the new kid in town, living with a single parent, being treated a certain way because of stereotypes instead of who you really are...that sort of thing.  So, out of 5 stars, I would give this a sold 3.5.