A review by bkmuse7
The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. by Kate Messner

4.0

Seventh grade Gianna must finish her leaf collection so that she will be eligible to run in the upcoming cross-country sectionals. At the same time she struggles with family issues, as her beloved Nonna is becoming more and more forgetful, the first stirrings of romance with longtime friend Zig, and mean girls at school who try to sabotage her project. Gianna's mother is reluctant to face her mother's declining mental health and in trying to be supportive becomes a bit overbearing. But Gianna is made of strong stuff and finds her own personal way to complete her project. Though the issues with her grandmother are unresolved (appropriately true to life), Gianna seems to have a very good sense of herself and she has gained friends and more of a support system -- so even though things aren't entirely okay, Gianna will be.
Audience: Ages 10 + (generally)
For those who like stories like The Higher Power of Lucky, and Becoming Naomi Leon (also a strong relationship with a grandmother)