Starred Review From Booklist March 15, 2008:
Sixth-grader Jesse Lou is consumed by thoughts of Conrad Smith, but in the small Virginia town where they live, Conrad is popular, while tomboy Jesse Lou has only “maybe-when-I-feel-like-it” friends. Then Conrad starts wearing a leg brace, which translates into loss of his popularity and gives Jesse Lou an opening. Soon she, Conrad, and quirky fourth-grader Quentin form a triumvirate and become involved in an outlandish plot to save Bailey Hardware from big-box store competition. Meanwhile, refreshingly honest Jesse Lou hopes that Conrad keeps limping. This is an ode to love in many forms. Jessie Lou has loved Conrad since second grade, and she learns someone has been in love with her, as well. There is also a sweet relationship between Jessie Lou and her grandfather, who knows how to turn a southern phrase, and between Granddaddy and his daughter, Jessie Lou’s mama. Jessie Lou tells her tale with the strong, rough-edged purity of a young poet, which she is; equally strong are the story’s underpinnings, longing and laughter, and a willingness to believe in something despite the facts, which tangibly manifests itself in a field of flowers that were never supposed to bloom.--Irene Cooper
Deep Down Popular chosen as Summer 2008 Book Sense Children's Pick:
"Conrad used to be the most popular person in his class, until, in 6th grade, a leg brace hinders his athletic abilities, and his popularity disappears. But new friendships grow, and, with them, the understanding that knowing who you are, where you're going, and what you want to do might be more important than the perceived idea of popularity (with all its fickleness). I think this is Stone's best novel."
-- Sue Carita The Toadstool Bookshop Milford, NH
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"Jessie is such an engaging, innocent/wise character . . .
there is a lovely, happy ending. Sweet and winning."
--Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2008 Read the full review
"A lonely tomboy finally sees her chance to befriend the most popular boy in school after an illness leaves him friendless and wearing a leg brace in this beautifully written, poignant story set in the present-day rural South. Stone creates such vivid characters, such heartbreak and humor and loveliness, that her book approaches poetry."
--The Buffalo News, July 10, 2008
