Lisa Greenwald

The format will be attractive to a of lot kids. It's all texts, emails, and notes. An easy read about middle school drama that borrows heavily from [b:The Hundred Dresses|42369|The Hundred Dresses|Eleanor Estes|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1476941110s/42369.jpg|1000219] and [b:Wonder|11387515|Wonder (Wonder, #1)|R.J. Palacio|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1522713326s/11387515.jpg|16319487].

For a much deeper book about middle school friendship, first love, and texting I highly recommend [b:Goodbye Stranger|23615709|Goodbye Stranger|Rebecca Stead|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1439670673s/23615709.jpg|43219487].

Even though I thought this was kinda meh, I have to admit I got sucked into the drama and finished it. It took me less than an hour to read. On the positive side, it raises important questions about social cruelty, bullying, and privacy. Do you have to be friends with a new kid (even if you think she's annoying)? How can you stop digital bullying in your school? Should parents be allowed to read all of their kids' texts?… (mehr)

While determination, friendship, and dreams create a girl to root for, the yummy food has the reader wishing they could visit the deli themselves.

Eleven-year-old Ellie has a great family, wonderful friends, and, best of all, delicious food whenever she wants thanks to the family's deli. Unfortunately, the deli's business has been going down hill. When she overhears her parents mentioning they might have to close for good, Ellie's world crashes around her. Not ready to ever give up the deli, she decides to see what she can do to save it. Luckily, she has amazing friends on her side...or maybe not. A new girl throws a wrench into her friendships, and she's learning that there's more problems to the deli than just the declining customer base. Even a wish on the special chicken soup might not be enough to save everything.

This is a charming read from beginning to end. Ellie is a character with a big heart, lots of love, and enough spunk to ensure she can't be underestimated. The dedication she has to her family and friends sets a wonderful foundation, which gives that extra sense of warmth. Friendship drama and family health issues bring all-to-familiar problems, which many readers can identify with in some way or another. While these add depth and heart, they also are handled in wholesome ways, which make Ellie that much more likeable as she does her best to stay afloat and still make a difference.

Ellie's personality drives this tale and inspires. Readers will enjoy watching how she and her friends find solutions where the adults cannot...and none of these stretch beyond the realm of reality. Instead, kids get the message that they can make a difference if they put forth the effort.

To top things off, there are simple but fun illustrations sprinkled throughout the book. There is also a recipe at the beginning of each chapter. These vary greatly not only in types of food (hearty to sweet), but also span a somewhat wide span of cooking skills, making sure that there are some recipes for the younger end of the age group as well as the upper. If nothing else, parents can lend a hand...which fits to the family togetherness of Ellie's deli. Also, the author has naturally worked in various facets of the Jewish culture and traditions. So, there's more than just a lovely story involved, and I can't wait to see what other adventures Ellie and the deli will bring in the future.
I received a DRC, enjoyed meeting Ellie quite a bit, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.… (mehr)