Granny Torrelli Makes Soup
Written by: Sharon Creech
Harper Collins Recommended for ages 8-12
$19.99

She has done it again. Newbery Medal winner, Sharon Creech has written another gem of a novel for juvenile readers.

In this tale that takes place over two days, twelve-year- old Rosie is troubled by her best friend Bailey. As in most circumstances like this Granny Torrelli can read Rosie’s thoughts and is able to draw out of her what is really happening. Before they know it they have made a pot of good old-fashioned Italian soup and figured out why Bailey is acting the way he is. In so doing Rosie and Granny have discovered so much about each other simply through their humorous and touching recollections.

Granny’s young life in Italy is paralleled to her granddaughter’s American upbringing showing that friendship between boys and girls have always existed. Despite roadblocks that seem so difficult at the time, true friendships always endure these tough tests.

Although it is a relatively easy read, middle school students who are experiencing some of Rosie’s adolescent troubles will find it a heartfelt story that will stay with them for a long time.

Creech has also written Walk Two Moons, The Wanderer, Chasing Redbird and Bloomability. She is one of my all-time favourite authors for this age group and this book proves she is not slowing down at all.