Me and the Pumpkin Queen

This was a very good book for the 9-11 year old age group... some of the content was a little advanced for my 5 year old granddaughter to comprehend but my daughter said the explanations of some of the terms helped her to understand the story... I have let my 14 year old granddaughter read it and she really said it was a cute story and that her 9 year old sister would definitely like it... Good coming of age story that also deals with loss. Great story for all to enjoy. Go Roundtown!!!!

Mildred may only be eleven years old, but she has an obsession. Unlike most girls her age, it isn't clothes or boys. It's giant pumpkins. Now this isn't as strange as it sounds. Mildred lives in Circleville, Ohio, and has spent every October enjoying the annual pumpkin festival. The display of giant pumpkins always fascinated her mother, and her mother always planned to try to grow one herself some day. The year Mildred's mother died, Mildred decided to grow a giant pumpkin herself. Over the last five years, she has learned everything she can. And over the last five years, something has happened every year to ruin her chances. Will this be the year that Mildred is able to submit a pumpkin of her own for the contest? This is a wonderful book. All the characters are wonderful and real. Even the aunt who thinks that Mildred needs to give up her pumpkin growing is realistic and well drawn. And the obstacles that Mildred faces along the way are realistic. I had no interest in growing pumpkins of any kind, but I got so caught up in Mildred's quest that I felt every joy and set back right along with her. Since this is a coming of age book, there are a couple scenes that might make boys uncomfortable involving Mildred getting her first bras. For this man, they were worth noting only in passing. This is an entertaining and emotional book that will satisfy anyone who reads it.

What a delightful first novel! The characters are interesting and believable. I am impressed that the author can make pumpkin growing into such a compelling topic. Although the "coming to peace with parent death" theme is somewhat tired, the novel is fresh and not at all heavy-handed. This book will be satisfying to readers in the intermediate grades, especially girls, perhaps even inspiring some of them to raise their own giant vegetables.

I recommend this book to all children of the age specified and/or parents, teachers, after school directors, baby-sitters - well you get the idea... Anyone who spends time with children, this is a wonderful read, meant to be shared and savoured. To honor her Mom, eleven year old Mildred is determined to win the Circleville, Ohio, Pumpkin Show and fulfill a dream left undone by her mother's untimely death. However, with each passing season something goes inherently wrong and her dreams are dashed again and again. Aunt Arlene is more than a bit concerned about Mildred's apparent obsession with pumpkins and tries, in her overtly pushy way, to persuade her niece to pursue more feminine interests, such as make up and fancy clothing. Thankfully, Mildred's dad doesn't agree with Auntie Arlene and continues to support his daughter and her individual dreams. Knowing and understanding his only daughter in ways that only a father can, he is able to challenge Mildred to take her future into her own hands and follow her heart with unbridled passion. Thus allowing herself to grow into the incredible young woman her mother always knew she would one day become. Kennedy's attention to detail proves this to be a well researched novel that introduces readers to the relatively unknown competitions that require much more than good seeds and luck to produce a thousand pound champion. Well crafted and heartwarming, the characters could easily be members of your own family or next door neighbors. The narrative reads like a family tale told over a huge dinner, with lots of laughs, a few tears and the busy body aunt that always means well but just can't quite find the right way to express herself without appearing... well, pushy. This is a coming of age tale that will be enjoyed by all, despite their age. A magical journey that is more about Mildred's inner growth than that of her pumpkins. Chosen as a Junior Library Guild Selection, Marlane Kennedy's solo debut, Me and the Pumpkin Queen is a first place read. Happy Reading! RJ xx 3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

I am a former 1st, 4th and 5th grade teacher. I now teach graduate level courses to future teachers preparing to teach elementary school. Me and the Pumpkin Queen is delightful from start to finish and I wish that I had it when I taught 4th and 5th grade years ago. I believe my advanced readers as well as my reluctant readers would have enjoyed it. It is written in a straightforward way without being "flowery" or overly simplistic. The voice of the main charater is clear and genuine. The main character, Mildred, is a determined and well grounded 5th grade girl who wants to grow a giant pumpkin. The book contains elements of growing up and a platonic friendship between Mildred and her best freind, Jacob. Both of these issues are written about in a tasteful and realistic way. Mildred's father is a veterinarian and she discusses his work and the animals they encounter. I think that this element, among others, will make this book appealing to both boys and girls. Mildred also reflects upon the loss of her mother when she was only six and she deals with her grief through the pumpkin growing process. This is a strong theme in the book that is beautifully and subtle handled. Mildred also has an aunt who has other ideas for her than growing giant pumpkins. All of these themes are written about gracefully and age appropriately, which is very refreshing. I was deeply satisfied with the ending (I won't give it away!) and will recommend this book to my future students and also to my friends who have children that are the age of Mildred. I look forward to reading future books by this author.