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tifftenn's review against another edition
4.0
12yo gives it 3.5. 10yo gives it 4. It was a fun read that managed to be funny even though the loss of a much loved auntie is what puts the plot in motion. Kids loved the whodunit story, and, of course, they loved the cat.
brandypainter's review against another edition
3.0
Originally posted here.
Warning: If you read Pie by Sarah Weeks you had better either eat first or have pie on hand. You should probably have a pie on hand either way. This is book will make you want to eat one or three.h
Pie is a Middle Grade historical fiction set in a small Pennsylvania town in the 1950's. The plot of the book covers just a couple of days in the life of Alice but through several flashbacks we get a complete picture of her, the small town that is her home, and her beloved Aunt Polly. This is a short book that uses a lot of old tropes: the boy/girl friendship (though it really is JUST a friendship), a quirky town full of quirky people, parents that don't understand the main character, a mysterious stranger in town, a mystery to solve. Weeks doesn't do anything new with these tropes, but she did write them well. Alice is a sympathetic character, Charlie an interesting one, and their friendship reads genuine. If you or someone you know is looking for a sweet short predictable read about small towns and friendship this is a book to keep in mind. While it was a nice afternoon's read the only strong impression it left on me was an overwhelming desire to eat pie. (And I'm not a pie eater.) The pie descriptions are well done for sure. And there are recipes included.
Warning: If you read Pie by Sarah Weeks you had better either eat first or have pie on hand. You should probably have a pie on hand either way. This is book will make you want to eat one or three.h
Pie is a Middle Grade historical fiction set in a small Pennsylvania town in the 1950's. The plot of the book covers just a couple of days in the life of Alice but through several flashbacks we get a complete picture of her, the small town that is her home, and her beloved Aunt Polly. This is a short book that uses a lot of old tropes: the boy/girl friendship (though it really is JUST a friendship), a quirky town full of quirky people, parents that don't understand the main character, a mysterious stranger in town, a mystery to solve. Weeks doesn't do anything new with these tropes, but she did write them well. Alice is a sympathetic character, Charlie an interesting one, and their friendship reads genuine. If you or someone you know is looking for a sweet short predictable read about small towns and friendship this is a book to keep in mind. While it was a nice afternoon's read the only strong impression it left on me was an overwhelming desire to eat pie. (And I'm not a pie eater.) The pie descriptions are well done for sure. And there are recipes included.
tt0rres's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a wholesome and solid read, which of course wraps up with a sweet ending.
maureen_fox's review against another edition
4.0
Both of Week's mysteries are entertaining end engrossing. With the cast of characters, they make great read alouds!
bookgirl4ever's review against another edition
3.0
Aunt Polly has a magical ability to create the most scrumptious pies. And she shares her talent with everyone. All her pies are free and people often donate ingredients to make the pie as payment. Alice loves her Aunt Polly and spends a lot of time in her pie shop. But then Polly dies leaving her secret pie crust recipe to Lardo (the cat??) and Lardo to Alice. People are determined to find that recipe so they can win the national Blueberry Award for best pie.
This is a sweet story with a sweet message that goes in unpredictable directions.
Upper elementary/middle school.
This is a sweet story with a sweet message that goes in unpredictable directions.
Upper elementary/middle school.
maryhannawilson's review against another edition
5.0
This was an absolutely delightful read. Alice, a young girl, has just lost her Aunt Polly who ran the local pie shop, PIE. Aunt Polly was a beloved neighbor and an award-winning baker. Now someone is searching for Polly's award-winning crust recipe and it is up to Alice to solve the mystery. In addition to a clever mystery, this book explores the themes of family and friendship throughout the fun twists and turns.
bechug's review against another edition
4.0
Cute book! I like the thought that we should find our own talents and use them to make the world a better place.
storywarden's review against another edition
4.0
This was a satisfying little mystery for the Middle Grade set. Also, I really want to make a lot of pie now.
My one complaint is that for most of the novel Alice's mother is painted as such a greedy B*** it just seems unrealistic. I've seen and other adults painted meanly like that, but it always chalks up in my mind as someone the kid doesn't know very well.
Still, the pie recipes alone make the book delicious. :)
My one complaint is that for most of the novel Alice's mother is painted as such a greedy B*** it just seems unrealistic. I've seen and other adults painted meanly like that, but it always chalks up in my mind as someone the kid doesn't know very well.
Still, the pie recipes alone make the book delicious. :)
nssutton's review against another edition
4.0
A lifetime of love and song and pie, what more could a person need.
This was a short read - one and 1/3 nap short - full of little twists and turns. Strong characters anchored the story. After seeing so many kids check it out last year, I'm glad I finally got to it myself!
This was a short read - one and 1/3 nap short - full of little twists and turns. Strong characters anchored the story. After seeing so many kids check it out last year, I'm glad I finally got to it myself!
saidtheraina's review against another edition
3.0
Fun cute cozy mystery.
This isn't a thriller by any means, but I enjoyed it for what it was. Weeks totally lead me through the story - I was fooled at the appropriate times, and surprised by the ending. It wasn't a pageturner by any means, but for a soothing, light mystery, this is great.
Elementary ages.
This isn't a thriller by any means, but I enjoyed it for what it was. Weeks totally lead me through the story - I was fooled at the appropriate times, and surprised by the ending. It wasn't a pageturner by any means, but for a soothing, light mystery, this is great.
Elementary ages.