Here’s a brand-new middle grade outing to give to future readers of Sarah Addison Allen. Gigi has a strong, southern voice and is facing all the drama and questions that come with being a 12-year-old girl. There seems to be a fad of books dealing with food (especially sweets) for youth and adult readers alike. This book didn’t feel as shallow as many of those outings (“Snicker of Magic” – I’m looking at you) but rather took on some real issues in Gigi’s life. The supporting characters are mostly strong, and I liked that friendship dramas and crushes seemed to take a backseat to the driving issue of finding one’s true self. There are a few mature themes (a boozy and world-weary mother at one point) that might keep this best suited to 5th and up. Otherwise, a strong choice for the middle grade crowd.
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