Summer of a Thousand Pies

Cady, 12, is used to being homeless, sleeping next to her father in his old van, and getting taunted at school. Her life changes abruptly, though, when social services arranges for her to live with an aunt she’s never met in the tiny village of Julian, apple pie capital of greater San Diego. At first, Cady is wary of pie shop owner Aunt Shell and her partner Suzanne, but it doesn’t take long for her to warm up to their hospitality and their quaint town, where people offer support. Here, Cady has a chance to practice her baking skills as Aunt Shell and her employees teach her how to make pie. When the business flails, and Aunt Shell is in danger of losing both her shop and her home, Cady is determined to find a solution. In a novel that evokes the warmth of home, newfound security, and friendship, Dilloway (the Momotaro books) effectively contrasts Cady’s old life with her new one while examining her muddled emotions, including the mixture of anger and love she feels toward her father. Those who share the protagonist’s passion for the culinary arts will delight in the easy-to-follow pie recipes following the story’s gratifying conclusion. Ages 8–12. [em]Agent: Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. (Apr.) [/em]