Indies Introduce

Middle Grade

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  Gertie's Leap to Greatness, Kate Beasley
  Farrar, Straus and Grioux (BYR)/Macmillan, 9780374302610, October 4, 2016 (Middle Grade)
  

  “Gertie is on a mission — to be the greatest fifth-grader ever! But things never quite to work out like she plans. You will love Gertie’s spunk and moxie as much as I did and will cheer her on as she stumbles, falls, and leaps to greatness.”

  Lisa Nehs, Books & Company (Oconomowoc, WI)
  
  

  “Gertie is such a character! There is a lot going on in her busy little head. She knows for sure that she is going to be the greatest fifth grader there ever was. She is going to be so great that her mom will come back, and her dad is going to be so proud! But all her carefully thought out plans are scrambled when Mary-Sue Spivet shows up. This new girl is going to ruin everything! Beasley touches on some big points, giving this book a lot of meaning and soul. Paired with Jillian Tamaki’s illustrations, Gertie comes fully to life and I know that she is going to be one of the most memorable characters we meet in 2016!” 

  Clarissa Murphy, Brookline Booksmith (Brookline, MA)
  

  “Gertie, a fifth grade girl with divorced parents, sets out to become the greatest student in her school in order to convince her mother not to move out of the small town where they live. Her imaginative drive and determination are entertaining and surprising as she deals with and defeats all the obstacles thrown in her path. Gertie comes to the realization that, sometimes, not getting what you want can be the solution to your problem. Gertie’s Leap to Greatness is a charming and inspiring book that was truly written for and about children!” 

  Diane Howell Robinson, Eagle Eye Book Shop (Decatur, GA)