When ten-year-old Journey Song hears that two pandas are being held in a warehouse in her neighborhood, she worries that they may be hungry, cold and lonely. Horrified to learn that the pandas, originally destined for a zoo in Washington, might be shipped back to China because of a diplomatic spat between China and the United States, Journey rallies her friends and neighbors on the poverty-stricken Eastside. Her infectious enthusiasm for all things panda is hard to resist, and soon she's getting assistance from every corner of her tight-knit neighborhood. Gr 3–6—In this title, Prendergast imagines what would have transpired if two pandas, donated by the Chinese government in 1972 to the United States, were stranded in a warehouse in Vancouver. Ten-year-old Journey Song lives in the Eastside, a poor neighborhood that is full of an eclectic cast of characters. There's Mr. Huang, the Taiwanese store owner who sometimes gives the girl day-old doughnuts; Kentucky Jack, an alcoholic who lives on the street, even in winter; Journey's teacher Miss Bickerstaff, whose brother just died in Vietnam; and Nancy, Journey's dyslexic best friend. Journey is an endearing character full of wit, intelligence, and charm. So when she makes it her mission to help the stranded pandas, this group of diverse characters band together to help her with her task. Prendergast asks readers to look at others as friends, not examine their differences, and consider what they can do to influence the happiness of others. VERDICT This affecting novel with its delightful heroine and positive message will appeal to lovers of historical fiction.—Tiffany Davis, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY "[B]eautifully portrayed characters, all seen compassionately but realistically through Journey's eyes...a book to inspire readers to be the change they want to see in the world." ― Kirkus Reviews "Prendergast...demonstrates a formidable skill for writing an intricately plotted, character-filled middle-grade novel that confronts prejudice without preaching. Yet it's her rich setting that truly drives the story, providing the impetus for the action and, consequently, acceptance." ― Quill & Quire "The spirited and likeable character Journey Song navigates a life filled with struggles in this novel set in 1970s Canada...Young readers who deal with tough challenges will identify with Journey Song. Recommended." ― School Library Connection "This book is heartfelt and hopeful, a gift to anyone of any age." ― Canadian Children's Book News "This excellent novel contains a variety of characters and...some historical background on the Vietnam war...The action is fast-paced and will hold the reader's attention...An excellent read-aloud, this novel should promote both lively discussion and further study. It is well written, appropriate for intermediate readers but should interest advanced readers as well. This book is highly recommended for both an elementary library and classroom collection." ― Resource Links " Pandas on the Eastside is undoubtedly one of the grooviest books I've read in ages...Prendergast has created a multicultural community of complex, authentic characters, just like the real people who lived and continue to live in the neighbourhood...Sweetness and humour infuse this book...Prendergast's book celebrates the emergence of a young activist, and the power in a group of people coming together to make a difference. I hope we get to read more about Journey in the future." ― Library Matters blog Sometimes all the help you need is right around the corner. Vancouver, Downtown Eastside, poverty, the 1970s, alcoholism, homelessness, Vietnam War, diplomatic relations, China, pandas, friendship, community, learning disabilities, politics, neighborhood, neighbors Vancouver, Downtown Eastside, poverty, the 1970s, alcoholism, homelessness, Vietnam War, diplomatic relations, China, pandas, friendship, community, learning disabilities, politics, neighborhood, neighbors Gabrielle Prendergast is the award-winning author of numerous books for children and teens. She won the BC Book Prize for her YA sci-fi novel Zero Repeat Forever and the Westchester Award for her YA novel Audacious . After years of working in social welfare and the music and film industries, Gabrielle began writing books when she became a mother so that she could work from home. She is the author of Aftershock and Flash Flood in the Orca Anchor series. Gabrielle lives in East Vancouver.