The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.

Written by Kate Messner

A missing grandmother upends Gianna's race against time for a crucial science project.

3.9 Goodreads · 1,402 ratings

224 pages· 48,454 words· Est. 5.5 hour read· 710L

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Bookroo's summary

Gianna Z. faces a whirlwind week in rural Vermont. With a crucial science project deadline looming and a rival threatening her spot in cross-country sectionals, her life is chaotic. Her dad's funeral parlor and her grandma's antics add to the chaos. But when her beloved Nonna vanishes, Gianna must decide what truly matters. Can she balance family, friendship, and her own dreams? This humorous and heartfelt tale will have you cheering for Gianna as she navigates unexpected challenges and discovers the importance of being true to herself.

From the publisher

In the mountains of rural Vermont, fall is a season of beauty and transformation . . . but not for Gianna Z. With less than one week to collect twenty-five leaves for a science project, her spot at cross-country sectionals is in serious peril. Plus with a dad who runs a funeral parlor out of the basement, a grandma who keeps losing her teeth, and a rival trying to steal her spot on the team, Gee just wishes life could leave her alone to finish her project. But when Nonna disappears one afternoon, suddenly some things seem more important than projects and races.Gianna Z. will have readers rooting for her-and maybe even for science projects-from the very first page of this funny and poignant novel about family, friendship, and being true to yourself.Winner of the 2010 E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older ReadersBank Street College of Education Best Books of 2009IndieBound Fall 2009 Kids IndieNext ListKids’ IndieNext PickNew Hampshire Great Stone Face Award NomineePennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award NomineeMissouri Mark Twain Award NomineeNew York Charlotte Award Nominee