colin_cox's review against another edition
3.0
This is an interesting little book. The narrative is predictable enough, but it's not attempting to be Ulysses. It seems appropriate for the genre.
zoe_'s review against another edition
fast-paced
3.0
I want to give this 3.5 stars because of three reasons: the first chapter, Trip, and Billy. Those three... "elements" (?) were really cute and I enjoyed them a lot. Billy, especially, with his constant high-fives and good attitude was a joy to read about even though he only appeared sporadically.
Overall, though, the book was more of a 3 star experience for me. It was pretty cute but Gigi/Leia was often very frustrating at times (understandable, seeing as how she's 12 years-old but still) and the plot sometimes just made big leaps that came a little bit out of nowhere (conflict between characters just started without any real preamble or build-up and then the resolution just resoluted out of thin air).
It is a fast read and I still think that there are plenty of people who could find a lot of joy in this little book.
(We don't talk about the recipes.)
Overall, though, the book was more of a 3 star experience for me. It was pretty cute but Gigi/Leia was often very frustrating at times (understandable, seeing as how she's 12 years-old but still) and the plot sometimes just made big leaps that came a little bit out of nowhere (conflict between characters just started without any real preamble or build-up and then the resolution just resoluted out of thin air).
It is a fast read and I still think that there are plenty of people who could find a lot of joy in this little book.
(We don't talk about the recipes.)
leahlovesreading13's review against another edition
4.0
I love this book, and has but me through tears with its heartbreaking yet beautifully and living plot.
inkygirl's review against another edition
5.0
Twinkie Pie is my favorite kind of book: a wonderful voice, characters I cared about and an unexpected but thoroughly satisfying ending. Highly recommended!
I devoured Kat Yeh's debut middle grade novel, The Truth About Twinkie Pie, in two sessions. I had to stop partway through is because I got so hungry from reading the fabulous-sounding recipes sprinkled through the book, and had to snack. But before I stopped, I had already teared up as well as laughed out loud at least once, and I couldn't wait to keep reading.
I'm also a big fan of food books and food movies. While reading E. Nesbit's books, I lusted after an English Tea years before I really knew what it was. I always felt ripped off when a story text said "they had supper" but didn't give any details. The Truth About Twinkie Pie deftly weaves together the themes of food, family and friendship in an irresistable story about two sisters trying to make it on their own.
An aside: I wasn't kidding when I said that the recipes throughout the book sound fantastic. I am SO going to try making No-Peek Chicken, Maybe Even Better Soup, Madder'n Heck Smashed Potatoes, Special-Occasion Fancy Sandwiches, Pull-Aparts, Easier-Than-Pie Pudding, Impossible Pie, Tangled-Up Pie, Heartbreak On Toast, Pick Me Up, Cherries In The Snow, and of course...Twinkie Pie!
I devoured Kat Yeh's debut middle grade novel, The Truth About Twinkie Pie, in two sessions. I had to stop partway through is because I got so hungry from reading the fabulous-sounding recipes sprinkled through the book, and had to snack. But before I stopped, I had already teared up as well as laughed out loud at least once, and I couldn't wait to keep reading.
I'm also a big fan of food books and food movies. While reading E. Nesbit's books, I lusted after an English Tea years before I really knew what it was. I always felt ripped off when a story text said "they had supper" but didn't give any details. The Truth About Twinkie Pie deftly weaves together the themes of food, family and friendship in an irresistable story about two sisters trying to make it on their own.
An aside: I wasn't kidding when I said that the recipes throughout the book sound fantastic. I am SO going to try making No-Peek Chicken, Maybe Even Better Soup, Madder'n Heck Smashed Potatoes, Special-Occasion Fancy Sandwiches, Pull-Aparts, Easier-Than-Pie Pudding, Impossible Pie, Tangled-Up Pie, Heartbreak On Toast, Pick Me Up, Cherries In The Snow, and of course...Twinkie Pie!
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
The target reader will have far fewer problems with this than I did: the inconsistencies in the story and the Southern stereotype will probably go unnoticed. How GiGi managed to be so clueless about her background (really? never tried to look for that shade of lipstick before? not buying it) and DiDi for so long just irritated me. It also felt like forced tension between Mace and GiGi, rather than a natural relationship. Still, as I said, middle grade readers will not notice that and will be eager to try those recipes!
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
jbojkov's review against another edition
3.0
Not as funny as I expected from the title. I was hoping for a middle-grade version of Fried Green Tomatoes, but this was not it.
It was ok and I can see how younger teens might find it interesting. There is one big plot twist that I suspected about half way through and another one that I didn't suspect until a few chapters before the reveal, but I don't think most kids would pick up on them.
Overall, it was entertaining and just a tiny bit whiny toward the end.
It was ok and I can see how younger teens might find it interesting. There is one big plot twist that I suspected about half way through and another one that I didn't suspect until a few chapters before the reveal, but I don't think most kids would pick up on them.
Overall, it was entertaining and just a tiny bit whiny toward the end.
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
5.0
Loved. Loved. Loved.
This is a wonderful upper, middle grade book. It dealt with middle grade, self-identity issues beautifully.
At times, it's predictable. Maybe the story line gets a little dramatic. But that's what middle school is. I think kids that age will really enjoy this book.
I adored the main character GiGi. Your heart breaks for her and you really want to see her succeed.
All of the characters touched me in some way.
I've had this book on my to-be-read shelf for a long time. It was worth the wait.
This is a wonderful upper, middle grade book. It dealt with middle grade, self-identity issues beautifully.
At times, it's predictable. Maybe the story line gets a little dramatic. But that's what middle school is. I think kids that age will really enjoy this book.
I adored the main character GiGi. Your heart breaks for her and you really want to see her succeed.
All of the characters touched me in some way.
I've had this book on my to-be-read shelf for a long time. It was worth the wait.
herlifewithbooks's review against another edition
3.0
1) I did not see the twist ending coming.
2) I'm still not sure the book *needed* to twist in that particular way.
3) Normally uninterested in recipes that include prepackaged snack products as ingredients but WOW I wanted to make them all.
2) I'm still not sure the book *needed* to twist in that particular way.
3) Normally uninterested in recipes that include prepackaged snack products as ingredients but WOW I wanted to make them all.
msaplusteacher's review against another edition
4.0
This story is a great middle grade story about family & food! The recipes in this book will make you crave Twinkie Pie & Ez Cheese Sandwiches! Kat Yeh develops authentic characters with charm & voice. I felt like I knew GiGi & DiDi right from the start. The story follows both sisters as they "turnover" a new leaf in the Northeast from the South. Full of southern charm & sweet soulful characters this a book that will take readers on a journey to discover the truth about a family's past (and their recipes).
Story seemed a little disjointed at times (almost like two stories in one) & I wasn't sure where the story was headed, hence, the four star rating.
I'd recommend for grades 6+.
Story seemed a little disjointed at times (almost like two stories in one) & I wasn't sure where the story was headed, hence, the four star rating.
I'd recommend for grades 6+.