Bookverdict.com

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; chara...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Rose likes to set goals for herself. Win the cello competition so she can study with a famous maestro. Stop growing so much taller than her twin brother Thomas. Keep her hair under control at all times. "You are twelve and you're living the life of an intensely focused middle-aged woman," her mother tells her. Growing a giant pumpkin is nowhere on Rose's list of summer plans, but when her cello teacher tells her to ease up on her practicing, ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Rose likes to set goals for herself. Win the cello competition so she can study with a famous maestro. Stop growing so much taller than her twin brother Thomas. Keep her hair under control at all times. "You are twelve and you're living the life of an intensely focused middle-aged woman," her mother tells her. Growing a giant pumpkin is nowhere on Rose's list of summer plans, but when her cello teacher tells her to ease up on her practicing, ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More