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

3.0

Gianna is a likeable mess with poor organizational skills and time management issues. But what she lacks in good study habits, she more than makes up with her creative, caring, earnest side. She loves her family, especially her Nonna who lives with them. But Nonna is forgetting things lately and her behavior is sometimes erratic which is worrisome to Gianna. And, to top it off, she may miss out on a big cross country meet if her science grade doesn't improve very soon. A big project is due but Gianna seems to be sidetracked by everything else going on in her life. She loves running and competing in sectionals is very important to her. Her nemesis is doing everything she can to make sure Gianna won't be able to compete so she can take her spot. Add to that all of the other typical seventh grade concerns and preoccupations like friendships and a blossoming romance and you a quick paced, sweet story. Gianna has to figure out how to be her authentic self, pass science and stand up to bullies.