I had the pleasure of meeting Kate at the New England SCBWI last week, and she is a lovely and talented person. I'm thrilled her wonderful book has been honored. Ok, I'll stop gushing. :)
Summary from Kate Messner's website.
Gianna Zales is a star runner with one more hurdle to jump before she goes to cross-country sectionals – a monster leaf collection project. To get it done, she’ll have to survive a rival who desperately wants to take her place at sectionals, a grandmother who leaves her false teeth in the refrigerator, and a best friend whose feelings about her are changing like the leaves. Gianna Z needs a stroke of brilliance to make it work!
The book isn't necessarily about Gianna being a track star, it's about her relationships with her friends and family and coming to terms with her grandmother's health, but she is a track star. It's part of her -- and that's what I like about this book. It's not an unusual thing for Gianna to run - it's just what she does.
I'm anxiously awaiting Kate's next book - Sugar and Ice. Visit Kate's website for more information.
8 comments:
I too, have been anxiously awaiting Kate's next book!
I loved The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z--as did my ten year old son. Marvelous book. Made even better by how amazing Kate is in person. I love her too!
I am currently reading it! You know I was surprised that it was shelved in the YA section of my library and not the MG section.
Heather and Ansha -- Gianna was one of my favorite new discoveries this year.
Thanks for stopping by.
A wonderful story. Very moving. The addition of the grandmother really deepened the story. I loved it.
I haven't read this but the running element you write of makes me think of Heartbeat by Sharon Creech. Do you know that one? A powerful novel in verse that totally works with your girls and sports theme. I will keep my eyes peeled for this.
I haven't read this one but I feel like I missed out on something really good. Thanks for the post!
Just finished reading it this week. LOVED IT!!! Wonderful book!
Glad you liked it! I've been recommending it to everyone!
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