The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. (Hardcover)

~ Kate Messner (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Gianna Z has less than one week to collect, identify, and creatively display 25 leaves for her science project—or else she won’t be able to compete in the upcoming cross-country race. As the deadline for her leaf project draws near, life keeps getting in the way. Some things are within Gee’s control, like her own procrastination, but others aren’t, like Biana Rinaldi’s attempts at sabotage and Nonna’s declining health. If it weren’t for her best friend Zig, Gee wouldn’t have a chance at finishing. His knowledge of trees and leaves in their rural Vermont town comes in very handy, as does his loyalty to Gee. But when Nonna disappears one afternoon, things like leaves and cross-country meets suddenly seem less important.

About the Author

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z is Kate Messner's first book. She teaches junior high in Plattsburgh, New York, where she lives with her husband and two children.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080279842X
• ISBN-13: 978-0802798428
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #142,866 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book for Kids, October 11, 2009

By	A. Hall "Vilate" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Messner does a phenomenal job in making Gee, her friends, school and home life seem real. In many ways, Gee is a typical middle schooler who struggles with her school work, with budding emotions for her male best friend, and with the transformation of her family life due to her grandmother's failing memory. Without giving too much of the story away, Gee's quest to find 25 leaves and assemble them into a display for her science teacher becomes the metaphor for all of the changes and challenges that she is facing.

I loved the tender and fragile relationship between Gee and her grandmother. And as a teacher, I recognized in Gianna so many of my own students who struggle to attend and to conform to the system and structure called school. My only criticism was that Gianna's perspective often times seemed more mature than I would expect from a 12 year old who leaned more towards being a creative free-spirit than the "I've had to grow up too fast" type of kid. Much of Gianna's reactions and dialogue seemed fairly aligned with her character's persona, but at times the narration which was from Gianna's point of view seemed more adult like. However, I don't believe that it takes away from the story and I would recommend the book to children and adults, especially for children who are dealing with a close family member whose health concerns are impacting the lives of other the family members.

[...]

Review by Aly

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book, September 30, 2009

By	Kaylie (USA) - See all my reviews

I thought when I started this book that it would be just another boring middle school novel about due dates and boys. But I was pleasantly surprised. I love how Messner uses the symbolism of Gianna's ever-looming leaf project to illustrate all the struggles in Gianna's life--a wandering grandmother, unpleasant personalities, a quirky family, and finding her own unique style at school. Set in Vermont, this novel is also really funny and well-written. I hope Messner writes more!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gianna is brilliant!, September 2, 2009

By	Jenny (California) - See all my reviews

This is one of the most charming Middle Grade books I've read in ages. Funny (but not dumb), heartwarming (but not sentimental) - More Gianna, please!