INTRODUCTION
Several years ago I was in a critique group with three Greenville, SC friends. One of the members, Marcia Pugh, offered insightful feedback on Half-Truths. I was delighted to hear that she recently published her debut middle-grade novel, Gelato Queen, (Bookwing Press: 2026). Marcia has a self-admitted quirky sense of humor so I knew I wanted to read it.
Cover by Leigh Wright.
REVIEW
At 137 pages, this entertaining book will appeal to readers from ages 10-12. The protagonist, 12-year-old Liza Gordon, feels as if her life is over. Her father has decided to move the family to Greenblossom, SC (A name presumably based on Marcia’s close proximity to Greenville). Liza is tired of her father always moving the family. She has to go to a new school and make new friends. Plus, her dad expects her to help out in Gordon’s Gelato shop–while he leaves on an exciting out of town trip. Of course, her two older brothers have previous summer commitments so they get off scot-free.
The author packs in sibling tension, friendship angst, a crush, an unappreciated admirer, a rescue cat, and Liza’s feisty grandmother (probably my favorite character!). Plus, Mr. Gordon experiences unexpected success on a national TV show. But the best part of it all are the magnificently gross gelato flavors that Liza names “Gordon’s Gaggers.” Who would predict that licorice-mushroom or vinegar-spinach with bacon bits gelato would fill the shop with customers?
Typical of Liza’s snarky character, when one of her brother’s friends demands a second helping of one of her unusual concoctions, she thinks: “I was devastated. Gordon’s Gaggers were a hit.”
GIVEAWAY
The cover hints at the fun readers will find inside this quick read. If you want to win it for the young reader in your life (save it for a Christmas gift!) please leave a comment by November 11. Educators and librarians, this will be a good book for the reluctant readers in your class. As always, let me know in the comments if you are an educator and you’ll receive a second chance.
MMGM
Don’t forget to check out Greg Pattridge’s MMGM blog with a number of Middle Grade book reviews.
It looks so cute! I think my 6th grade students would love Gelato Queen!
Gelato Queen looks like such a fun read!
What a welcome, wholesome book! I would love to read this!
Sounds like a fun read! Love quirky, too!
This looks like a fun book to read, with a funny cast of characters, including Liza’s feisty grandmother! I would like to enter the contest, please. :-)
I’m always up for quirky! And who doesn’t love a feisty grandmom?