Giant Pumpkin Suite

In a warmhearted debut novel, Hill shows what happens when a serious-minded girl is forced to reevaluate her priorities and reach out to others. Twelve-year-old Rose Brutigan might not feel comfortable about her appearance (she's grown seven inches since fall and towers over her twin brother, Thomas), but she's confident about her ability to be a disciplined student both at school and when playing cello. As Rose prepares for an upcoming cello competition, Thomas and a neighbor, Mr. Pickering, need her help with another project: growing a giant pumpkin from a special and valuable seed. In spite of herself, Rose becomes increasingly absorbed by the gardening project and finds new neighborhood friends along the way, including reticent Mrs. Kiyo and noisy "Calamity" Jane, a girl Rose's age. When a terrible accident renders Rose's left hand useless and her precious cello broken, it takes the support of her newfound friends to carry her through hard times and open her up to new interests. Offering distinctive characters, a relatable plot, and some useful gardening tips, Hill's story promotes connectivity in neighborhoods and communities. Ages 9-12. Agent: Carrie Hannigan, HSG Agency. (Sept.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-6--Though Rose and Thomas are twins, Rose is much taller and two grades ahead of her brother in school. While he easily makes friends and socializes with classmates, she is a devoted student and cello player. This begins to change as Thomas embarks on a project to grow a giant pumpkin from a seed he found in the basement of their neighbor's house. The project unites an eclectic and diverse (in age and background) group of neighbors who work together to grow a pumpkin that is big enough to enter into the state fair. The book is a bittersweet tribute to the experience of growing up in a close-knit neighborhood; characters are written with care and depth. Mrs. Holling, Rose's cello teacher, is particularly nuanced. In one scene between Rose and Mrs. Holling, the older woman holds Rose's hands as she asks her not to practice so much so she can have time to be a kid (including digging in the dirt to help her brother take care of his pumpkin.) Students will identify with Rose's over-scheduled calendar and perfectionist tendencies, and would be lucky to have an understanding mentor like Mrs. Holling. At times the book feels like it may veer into saccharine territory, but the author's bold writing usually prevents this from happening. Hill describes an accident that abruptly halts Rose's cello-playing, proving she doesn't shy away from addressing complex sadness and grief. Hill strives to portray an inclusive community, though a few of the secondary characters are somewhat stereotyped. (For example, a neighbor who is Mexican speaks in a mixture of Spanish and English phrases that don't quite ring true.) However, Hill's skilled character development prevents this from being a larger problem in the book. VERDICT Fans of Sharon Creech's Moo and other books about intergenerational friendship will enjoy this book.--Celia Dillon, The Brearley School, New York

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

There's abundant warmth, humor, and heart in this charmer, and readers will root for both characters and pumpkin. A winning debut.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In a warmhearted debut novel, Hill shows what happens when a serious-minded girl is forced to reevaluate her priorities and reach out to others...Offering distinctive characters, a relatable plot, and some useful gardening tips, Hill's story promotes connectivity in neighborhoods and communities.
—Publishers Weekly

The book is a bittersweet tribute to the experience of growing up in a close-knit neighborhood; characters are written with care and depth...Fans of Sharon Creech's Moo and other books about intergenerational friendship will enjoy this book.
—School Library Journal

The story is filled with a diverse cast of characters, and the twins live in a multi-generational household...music lovers will connect with Rose, and readers who make it to the end will be rewarded with a satisfying finish.
—School Library Connection

This book is an easygoing title, highlighting the stress that goals of perfection can bring. Readers will love just how particular and grownup Rose tries to be, rejecting any bit of frivolous behavior, and they will find comfort as her community helps her ease back into the joys and simplicities of life outside of music.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This debut novel is a creative account of one 12-year-old trying to figure out what defines her and how she can still be herself if one of her defining traits is taken away...the conclusion is sweet and satisfying. This is a must-read for music lovers, math enthusiasts, and all who extend the boundaries of their families to their whole block.
—Booklist Online

A variety of subplots—an elderly Japanese neighbor introduces the tea ceremony and the concept of kintsugi, mending with gold; a con man convinces the group to enter the pumpkin in the Minnesota State Fair— add depth to the novel, and Rose's earnest struggles with her precocious appearance and oddball tendencies keep a unique character from descending into twee quirkiness...Hill delivers an emotionally resonant story.
—The Horn Book

Rose is focused on winning the upcoming Bach Cello Suites competition and her happy-go-lucky brother has taken up the challenge of growing a giant pumpkin in the yard of their elderly neighbors. When a serious accident occurs, Rose has to grow and change in ways she never expected. Expect: tap dancing, classical music, mail-order worms and the Minnesota State Fair.
—Pioneer Press