Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Written by Sharon Creech

Can Granny's stories and recipes mend a fractured friendship?

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·3.9/5 Goodreads · 6,698 ratings

160 pages· 15,383 words· Est. 2 hour read· 810L

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Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Rosie is furious with her lifelong friend, Bailey. Their bond is tested, but Granny Torrelli knows just the remedy. Through her captivating stories and secret recipes, she helps Rosie rediscover the essence of friendship and family. As Granny makes soup, Rosie learns that life's twists can't break true connections. Will Granny's wisdom and warmth heal the rift between Rosie and Bailey? Dive into a tale where love and laughter simmer together, reminding us of the ties that bind.

From the publisher

Bailey, who is usually so nice, Bailey, my neighbor, my friend, my buddy, my pal for my whole life, knowing me better than anybody, that Bailey, that Bailey I am so mad at right now, that Bailey, I hate him today. Twelve-year-old Rosie and her best friend, Bailey, don’t always get along, that’s true. But Granny Torrelli seems to know just how to make things right again with her interesting stories and family recipes. It’s easier to remember what’s important about love, life, and friendship while Granny Torrelli makes soup.

At a glance

Format
Pages: 160
Words: 15,383
Reading age: 8–12
Audience: Middle Grade
Lexile: 810L

Themes & topics

Books about food Books about multigenerational Books about friendship Books about family Books about disabilities

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Religious Leanings

This book includes a few inclusions of Catholicism, as Granny Torrelli is Catholic, such as Granny making the sign of the cross on herself and saying prayers on food.

Violence

This book includes a few insantces of violence, such as Granny hitting an intruder on the head with a broom and saying she has a gun to scare them away (though she doesn't have a gun), a few kids punching each other, and a story of Granny's old friend, Pardo, who got "squished" by a train. A girl has a best friend, but isn't allowed to go over to her house because her father is "very creepy."

Sex

This book features a scene where Rosie recognizes she doesn't want to share her friend, Bailey, with their new neighbor, Janine. Rosie gets jealous of Janine, but it's not clear if Rosie's feelings for Bailey are becoming romantic or remain in the realm of friendship.

After the last page

Talk about it together

Rosie is best friends with Bailey, who is blind. Did you learn anything new from Bailey about blindness that you didn't know or realize before?

Rosie feels jealous of Janine, the new neighbor, and her beginning a friendship with Bailey. Have you had friendships change over time, as you meet new people? How did that experience help you learn how to be a good friend?

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

5.5

“An intergenerational tale of Rosie and her Granny Torrelli guiding her through hard spots of her friendship with her lifelong best friend, "that Bailey boy." Rosie is full of personality, some sass, and most of all, love for her Granny and loyalty to her friend. Overall, it's touching, fun, and shares some wisdom. :)”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

The author