Fans of Creech's hallmark beautiful writing won't be disappointed even if the story reads like an idea not fully realized. What is Antonio really seeing when he spins his tales? How much havoc is her Italian Nonna's fabled Angel Lucia actually responsible for? Gina's eventual revelations about how the lives of her family, neighbors, and classmates unfold flesh some of this out, but the story never feels wholly complete. As Gina navigates this transition, the line between real and imagined is blurred. Newbery-winning Creech skillfully catches Gina at the point in life when a child's small world opens up into a much wider adult one. Through her writing prompts, Gina, her classmates, and readers simultaneously discover that with most people there is far more than meets the eye. At school, their English teacher, Miss Lightstone, poses questions that ask students to imagine both who they are and who they could be. In new neighbor Antonio she finds a friend whose wild mind seems connected with hers. She has a bright imagination and a vibrant wardrobe to match. Eleven-year-old Gina has always felt different from the other students. JA standout teacher and mysterious new student open the minds and notebooks of Gina Filomena and her fellow classmates.

With the help of Antonio and Miss Lightstone, will Gina find the answers to the questions Who am I? and Who do I want to be? That is, until she meets her new neighbor, a mysterious boy named Antonio with a wide, welcoming smile.Īdd in a creative new teacher, Miss Lightstone, and a world of possibilities opens up for Gina, Antonio, and their classmates. With her bright clothing and artistic spirit, she's always felt different from the other kids in her class. Gina Filomena has been told she has an overactive imagination.

It's a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, at home or at school. Perfect for fans of Love That Dog, this tale is about the transformative power of imagination and the journey to becoming who you are meant to be.

From Sharon Creech, Newbery Medal winner and New York Times bestselling author, comes a powerful coming-of-age story of a girl who discovers the endless possibilities her future may hold, with help from a brilliant teacher and a boy with a generous smile.

One time by sharon creech