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vtsarahd's review against another edition
5.0
Great characters, poignant look at life with a family member who has dementia.
gmamartha's review
3.0
Good story. Know anyone who puts off their homework? Grandmother has beginning Alzheimers.
stephxsu's review
4.0
Can you really go wrong with a 2009 middle-grade novel? THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z seems to say that no, you can’t. Kate Messner is a shining voice in middle-grade fiction, and her characters will rank right up there with Sharon Creech’s for best-friend potential.
Messner effortlessly introduces us to the totally normal yet exceptionally charming Zales family within just a few pages. Characterization leaps off the page: Gianna’s mother, father, little brother, and grandmother all sound like they could be your next-door neighbors, the smoothness with which their characters are developed an unfortunately rare accomplishment in fiction. There are hardly any stereotypes, and those that are a bit flat (like Gianna’s mean classmates) are completely excusable and perfect in their two-dimensionality.
The story is a beautiful weave of school troubles, family troubles, dealing with memory loss, and exploring new romantic feelings for your close friend. That’s a lot to pack into a book, but it never feels overwhelming in THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. Messner proves that it’s not about the number of issues you are or aren’t allowed to include in a book, but rather the way the author integrates the problems. And she does it beautifully.
It may be a little early to say this for sure, but Kate Messner just might become one of my favorite middle-grade authors. Her prose is effortless and her characters rich, and readers of all ages will be able to fall in love with the characters and find a bit of themselves in the book. THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z transcends its genre boundaries and becomes a classic tale of growing up that will reach anyone’s heart.
Messner effortlessly introduces us to the totally normal yet exceptionally charming Zales family within just a few pages. Characterization leaps off the page: Gianna’s mother, father, little brother, and grandmother all sound like they could be your next-door neighbors, the smoothness with which their characters are developed an unfortunately rare accomplishment in fiction. There are hardly any stereotypes, and those that are a bit flat (like Gianna’s mean classmates) are completely excusable and perfect in their two-dimensionality.
The story is a beautiful weave of school troubles, family troubles, dealing with memory loss, and exploring new romantic feelings for your close friend. That’s a lot to pack into a book, but it never feels overwhelming in THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z. Messner proves that it’s not about the number of issues you are or aren’t allowed to include in a book, but rather the way the author integrates the problems. And she does it beautifully.
It may be a little early to say this for sure, but Kate Messner just might become one of my favorite middle-grade authors. Her prose is effortless and her characters rich, and readers of all ages will be able to fall in love with the characters and find a bit of themselves in the book. THE BRILLIANT FALL OF GIANNA Z transcends its genre boundaries and becomes a classic tale of growing up that will reach anyone’s heart.
shirleytupperfreeman's review
Gianna Z is having a tough Fall. She's a competitive runner and an artsy procrastinator. Gianna is in danger of being barred from running sectionals unless she completes her science project on schedule. Worst of all, her beloved Nonna is having serious memory problems. With help from best friend Zig, her well-meaning mother and funeral director father, Gianna pulls it off. The story ending is both loving and realistic.
brandypainter's review
3.0
This is a typical realistic fiction book about a 12 year old girl, her relationship with her grandmother, her changing relationship with her male best friend, and the peaks and valleys of being a modern day kid. This is a great read for any MG reader who enjoys these stories.
trisha_thomas's review
3.0
I read this book based on the necessity of a challenge. It was the only book I could find that met the requirement.
But I actually found myself enjoying this read. I know it's for a middle schooler (and obviously I'm not a middle schooler! LOL!) but the struggle Gianna had and the conflict were all well done and easy to read.
her friendship was light and cute
and her love for her nanna, and her mom and dad were sweet and endearing.
But I actually found myself enjoying this read. I know it's for a middle schooler (and obviously I'm not a middle schooler! LOL!) but the struggle Gianna had and the conflict were all well done and easy to read.
her friendship was light and cute
and her love for her nanna, and her mom and dad were sweet and endearing.
kilbmc's review
3.0
A good story for kids who have trouble in school or experiencing the ups and downs of life with family members,
lbb00ks's review
A loving and tender look at a family dealing with the beginnings of Alzheimer's through the lens of a genuine and endearingly imperfect narrator. Realistic pre-teen school situations, wonderful friendships, and believable adults with their own issues to face. Love the matter-of-fact funeral home family setting.
blakehalsey's review
5.0
Really great school-age story about a girl dealing with real life--school, sports, family. Messner captures all of these dynamics really well.