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Children's Book Review: Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas by Karen Pokras Toz

My middle daughter,Macy, debuts on the blog today with her review of Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas by Karen Pokras Toz with me.  We read it together over a winter break afternoon--and we are both excited to share our thoughts about this fun book.   

About Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas

From the Award Winning Author of Millicent Marie is Not My Name

Ballet and baking pies – these are two of twelve year old Georgie Harris’ favorite things. When her parents decide to move closer to her grandmother’s nursing home, Georgie quickly learns the bad news: dance lessons are too expensive in this new town. Instead, Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her grandmother at the Willow Lakes Nursing Home. There she meets Eve, who inspires Georgie with stories of having danced with a world famous Russian ballerina many years ago. As Georgie and Eve’s friendship evolves, their tales intertwine in this feel good story showing dreams really can come true.

Macy's Thoughts on Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas
Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas by Karen Pokras Toz was very entertaining. I just could not stop reading it. The main character, Georgie, reminded me a lot of the main character of the Winnie Years Series by Lauren Myracle.  Sometimes, she also reminded me a little bit of an older Junie B. Jones from the series by Barbara Park.  I think the ending was the best part. I would tell what happens but I don’t want to spoil the end because I would love for you to figure out what happens!

At first, I was a little confused when Eve was telling her dance stories because she kept saying “I” and I thought that “I” was referring to Georgie since the book was written in first person. I soon realized that Eve was telling a story at times and it made a LOT more sense!

Some people might wonder what age this book was best for. I really think that it is for all ages, but, if I had to pick, I would say the reading level/words would be 4th grade to 6th grade but the story itself is for all ages! I did find some of the Russian names a little difficult. 


I think Georgie and her best friend Amber were outgoing and sweet. Grandma Jane could be a little rude; but, other times she could be nice and caring--and she loved her pie! Eve and Paulina were both sweet, caring and nice. My favorite characters are Eve and Paulina, although I really like all of the characters. 


I learned that Karen Pokras Toz wrote other books and I cannot wait to read them because this book was so lovely and I bet her other books will be just as great! 

My Mom Thought on Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas.  This was a very good book.  It was well written enough that it was great for both mom and younger tween daughter.  It was wonderful to see her reaction to the story--especially the last chapter or so when the story came together for her.  This was a great book--and I agree with Macy's thoughts--especially that we need to read another book from Karen Pokras Toz!



Kindle  | Paperback

About the author:

Karen Pokras Toz writes middle grade and adult contemporary fiction. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, First Place in the Children’s Chapter Books category and the Grand Prize overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as winning first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature, and placing Finalist in the USA Best Book Awards. Her books for children include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie Is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adults, she recently published Chasing Invisible. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children.

Follow Karen:

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Literary Addicts / Goodreads
Follow the Book Tour The author is giving away the audiobook of Millicent Marie is Not My Name and a gorgeous ballet charm bracelet to one lucky reader.
 

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you so much Macy (and Mom) for your great reviews! I'm so glad you enjoyed reading about Georgie and Eve (and Paulina). I so appreciate you being a part of the tour!

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