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

adventurous emotional informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The characters in this book are vivid and leap off the pages with their distinct personalities and traits. They are well-developed, each showcasing an important learning experience and connection that I believe young readers will be able to feel and relate to. Gianna Z is a realistic and highly artistic character who expresses her love for art, family, learning, and struggles in a way that allows readers to connect and explore these challenges and passions alongside her as the story unfolds. The writing is vivid, imaginative, and realistic, immersing the reader in the book's autumnal setting, learning valuable lessons with each falling leaf. The plot is well-developed and engaging, although some character decisions, like Gianna not confiding in an adult about a classmate sabotaging her leaf project, may raise questions. The book tackles themes of bullying, procrastination, school projects, Alzheimer's, and varied approaches to learning and difficult subjects adeptly. What particularly appealed to me about this book were the realistic elements woven throughout, from Gianna's procrastination on her project to her unique approach to completing it, her grandmother's handling of memory loss, the friendship between Gianna and Zig, the differing parenting styles of Gianna's parents, and the vivid artistic imagery portrayed through Gianna's artwork and Ian's photography. The leaf project adds an intriguing and artistic learning dimension to the story, especially when Zig and Gianna assign tree personalities to people they know and the various ways Gianna and her classmates infuse the project with their individual touches. "The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z" is a compelling middle-grade novel for readers seeking a story that addresses themes of bullying, procrastination, family challenges, friendship, and the journey of embracing one's personality and traits, much like Gianna does through her art.