[5] Mildred struggles with the pumpkins and finds herself increasingly stressed about protecting them, to the point where when some are damaged, she begins sobbing, causing Jacob to feel so sorry for his friend that he cries, as well.

After winning the contest, Mildred is finally able to reconcile her grief and start letting go of the past, and while still interested in farming and gardening, she embraces the idea of friendship and growing up.

A. Kaszuba Locke describes the book as "a chummy read, projecting heartwarming tenderness and a youngster's determination.

"[6] Robin Smith describes the book as a "marvelously heartwarming story [that] deserves a big blue ribbon!

"[8] Kathryn Kosiorek notes that "The author combines the art and science of horticulture with a gentle family story, a feel for a child in mourning, and just the right amount of humor and tension to keep the plot moving along.