What do you think?
Rate this book
The Truth About Twinkie Pie
There's something about asking for Impossible Things. For one little second, they feel Possible.
Take two sisters making it on their brainy twelve-year-old GiGi and junior-high-dropout-turned-hairstylist DiDi. Add a million dollars in prize money from a national cooking contest and a move from the trailer parks of South Carolina to the North Shore of Long Island. Mix in a fancy new school, a first crush, new friends and enemies, and a generous sprinkling of family secrets.
That's the recipe for The Truth About Twinkie Pie , a voice-driven middle-grade debut about the true meaning of family and friendship.
Take two sisters making it on their brainy twelve-year-old GiGi and junior-high-dropout-turned-hairstylist DiDi. Add a million dollars in prize money from a national cooking contest and a move from the trailer parks of South Carolina to the North Shore of Long Island. Mix in a fancy new school, a first crush, new friends and enemies, and a generous sprinkling of family secrets.
That's the recipe for The Truth About Twinkie Pie , a voice-driven middle-grade debut about the true meaning of family and friendship.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 16, 2014
106 people are currently reading
2929 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
September 29, 2015
Yeh, Kat. The Truth about Twinkie Pie. Little, Brown BFYR, 2015.
GiGi and her older sister DiDi have just moved to upstate New York so that GiGi can attend an elite private school. DiDi works as a hairdresser and never finished high school, so she insists that her sister work really hard at school. But GiGi wants to use this move as an opportunity to reinvent herself. She changes her name to Leia and starts spending time with friends at school instead of studying through lunch. But when GiGi uncovers clues about their mother's death years ago, she finds herself spiraling through secret after secret until nothing is what she thought it was.
WARNING - SPOILERS ABOUND BEYOND THIS POINT
This is a contemporary story aimed at a middle grade audience that contains some rather mature themes. Interspersed between the chapters are recipes that DiDi's mother wrote, recipes she used to win a contest and one million dollars, which she is saving for GiGi's education. But that isn't the focus of the story. The focus of the story is GiGi's school life and her attempt to reinvent herself and getting to know her friends and her frenemies.
What I liked: The Southern voice was very obvious in this book, and it gave the story a quirky sort of cuteness. I liked that GiGi became friends with Trip, that this caused a "friendship jealousy" triangle between her, Trip, and Mace. There are recipes included in the book for many of the foods that are mentioned in the story. The book itself does have a decent Disney-esque happy ending.
What I didn't like: Gigi is a jerk. She reacts badly to finding out that DiDi is actually her mother and not her older sister, but she's also really, really mean to Mace. Mace started out as a mean girl but ended up showing a softer side when she is befriended by DiDi, but even through the end of the book, GiGi is never nice to her at all. Also, the mention of DiDi, the hairdresser, having a "gay best friend" is a bit too much of a stereotype for me. Said Gay Best Friend never shows up in the story, either, so it's like he was invented so the author could check off the diversity box.
For those who expected this book to have LGBT themes, here are the three appearances of queerness:
1. The aforementioned Gay Best Friend - We never meet him, find out his name, etc.
2. One of the cab drivers mentions that she's going to meet up with her girlfriend. Because this is happening in the Deep South, she might mean, "My friend who is female and we like to hang out a lot." It's not clear.
3. Trip is gay. He's also 12, so he just really figured that out. This only becomes an issue because GiGi has a crush on him, so he tells her why he doesn't like her as a girlfriend. But he doesn't come out to anyone else, he doesn't get teased or have a crush on a guy or anything, and he's just a minor character, so all of this takes up maybe two paragraphs in the entire story.
Overall, this story was interesting and unusual, but needed stronger writing. We have it at my library, but I won't be making a point to book talk it.
Recommended for: middle grade
Red Flags: the real mom in the story is called "Dead Drunk Dawna," and GiGi meets her when she returns to SC to figure out the mystery; Dawna is indeed quite drunk. Also, DiDi tells GiGi about how Dawna dropped her when she was a baby - this is why GiGi has a star-shaped scar on her head.
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
GiGi and her older sister DiDi have just moved to upstate New York so that GiGi can attend an elite private school. DiDi works as a hairdresser and never finished high school, so she insists that her sister work really hard at school. But GiGi wants to use this move as an opportunity to reinvent herself. She changes her name to Leia and starts spending time with friends at school instead of studying through lunch. But when GiGi uncovers clues about their mother's death years ago, she finds herself spiraling through secret after secret until nothing is what she thought it was.
WARNING - SPOILERS ABOUND BEYOND THIS POINT
This is a contemporary story aimed at a middle grade audience that contains some rather mature themes. Interspersed between the chapters are recipes that DiDi's mother wrote, recipes she used to win a contest and one million dollars, which she is saving for GiGi's education. But that isn't the focus of the story. The focus of the story is GiGi's school life and her attempt to reinvent herself and getting to know her friends and her frenemies.
What I liked: The Southern voice was very obvious in this book, and it gave the story a quirky sort of cuteness. I liked that GiGi became friends with Trip, that this caused a "friendship jealousy" triangle between her, Trip, and Mace. There are recipes included in the book for many of the foods that are mentioned in the story. The book itself does have a decent Disney-esque happy ending.
What I didn't like: Gigi is a jerk. She reacts badly to finding out that DiDi is actually her mother and not her older sister, but she's also really, really mean to Mace. Mace started out as a mean girl but ended up showing a softer side when she is befriended by DiDi, but even through the end of the book, GiGi is never nice to her at all. Also, the mention of DiDi, the hairdresser, having a "gay best friend" is a bit too much of a stereotype for me. Said Gay Best Friend never shows up in the story, either, so it's like he was invented so the author could check off the diversity box.
For those who expected this book to have LGBT themes, here are the three appearances of queerness:
1. The aforementioned Gay Best Friend - We never meet him, find out his name, etc.
2. One of the cab drivers mentions that she's going to meet up with her girlfriend. Because this is happening in the Deep South, she might mean, "My friend who is female and we like to hang out a lot." It's not clear.
3. Trip is gay. He's also 12, so he just really figured that out. This only becomes an issue because GiGi has a crush on him, so he tells her why he doesn't like her as a girlfriend. But he doesn't come out to anyone else, he doesn't get teased or have a crush on a guy or anything, and he's just a minor character, so all of this takes up maybe two paragraphs in the entire story.
Overall, this story was interesting and unusual, but needed stronger writing. We have it at my library, but I won't be making a point to book talk it.
Recommended for: middle grade
Red Flags: the real mom in the story is called "Dead Drunk Dawna," and GiGi meets her when she returns to SC to figure out the mystery; Dawna is indeed quite drunk. Also, DiDi tells GiGi about how Dawna dropped her when she was a baby - this is why GiGi has a star-shaped scar on her head.
Overall Rating: 3/5 stars
October 6, 2016
The Truth About Twinkie pie takes you behind the life of a girl named Gigi who has been living under a lie a big lie her whole life. Gigi is a twelve year old girl living with her sister DiDi in a apartment above their bakery which used to be their grandmama, but is know theirs. Acordding to every one shes very met her mom died when she is very young and the only thing that she every knew about her mom is that she always wore some lip stick called cherries in the snow, that apparently they stopped making years ago and that her mom always told stories about someone named "Dead Drunk Dana", at least thats what her sister said. When school starts in their town Gigi meets many friends and even a new boy that she really likes. Know something that Didi doesn't know is that, Gigi met the right friends at the right time, and in the right places.
One night, Gigi goes over to her friend's house where she learns some pretty neat things about her family. For one that her mom out of all people is some that works at the makeup company, that use to sell "cherries in the snow". Gigi of course has lots of questions about this lipstick, it's pretty much the only thing that she knows about her mom. One of them include "why did you do selling that type of lipstick" and they answer was five words "we didn't stop selling it". Know Gigi thought it was all a plane but when she gets a notification that someone in her family bought some lipstick of the exact same type she was lost in her own world how could they keep a lie for that long. That's when the fire inside of her stared to get really mad how could her sister turn on her like that, but when she scans down the list of the card number, state, and address of the person who bought it, the address was out of state. This book reminds me of myself some time, I mean my parents don't keep secrets from me, I think, but a lot of times I find myself lost not physical,but mentally. I would recommend this book to people in 6th graded or higher cause it gets very confusing at parts and hard for younger kids to take in.
One night, Gigi goes over to her friend's house where she learns some pretty neat things about her family. For one that her mom out of all people is some that works at the makeup company, that use to sell "cherries in the snow". Gigi of course has lots of questions about this lipstick, it's pretty much the only thing that she knows about her mom. One of them include "why did you do selling that type of lipstick" and they answer was five words "we didn't stop selling it". Know Gigi thought it was all a plane but when she gets a notification that someone in her family bought some lipstick of the exact same type she was lost in her own world how could they keep a lie for that long. That's when the fire inside of her stared to get really mad how could her sister turn on her like that, but when she scans down the list of the card number, state, and address of the person who bought it, the address was out of state. This book reminds me of myself some time, I mean my parents don't keep secrets from me, I think, but a lot of times I find myself lost not physical,but mentally. I would recommend this book to people in 6th graded or higher cause it gets very confusing at parts and hard for younger kids to take in.
June 17, 2014
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book after the Middle Grade Buzz Panel at Book Expo America. The editor spoke so passionately about it that attendees were clamoring for it and offering trades with those who got one.
For me, the book definitely lived up to the excitement surrounding it. These characters held on tight and never let go. The main character has so much going on inside her, yet the voice is just the right amounts of deep and light with a sprinkling of humor. Even the recipes in the book are fun to read. And I do plan on trying some of them. :)
Beautifully written.
For me, the book definitely lived up to the excitement surrounding it. These characters held on tight and never let go. The main character has so much going on inside her, yet the voice is just the right amounts of deep and light with a sprinkling of humor. Even the recipes in the book are fun to read. And I do plan on trying some of them. :)
Beautifully written.
September 19, 2016
The Truth About Twinkie Pie is about a twelve year old brainy little girl named GiGi who lives with her junior high drop-out, best hair dresser ever made, older sister DiDi. GiGi has grown up without her mother, since she died while GiGi was still very young. The only thing that the sisters have left from their mother is her recipe book, filled with recipes that will make your mouth water, and leave you with an appetite for more. But when the two sisters win one million dollars, everything changes. GiGi is to go to a prestigious private school, where she is to find some friends (and enemy's) to call her own. She might even be in love, or so she hopes. Following her Recipe of Success, GiGi may just get more than what she wished for. In this story you will find out that things aren't always as they seem, and you will be told the most heart shattering yet soothing family secrets. This book started off a little bit confusing to me, but once you get past the first chapter everything really starts moving along. This book also contains small bits about drinking, nothing bad, just your basics. People who do not like talk about drinking may want to just skim these parts, because they are very small and aren't mentioned too often. The Truth About Twinkie Pie will really pull on your heartstrings. I was crying, laughing, and could never seem to put this book down. Kat Yeh does an amazing job leading you through all of GiGi's story. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes The Battle Of Darcy Lane and Pennyroyal Academy. This book made me feel all out wonderful, and I just know that you will feel the same!
March 8, 2023
Twinkie Pie is my favorite kind of book: a wonderful voice, characters I cared about and an unexpected but thoroughly satisfying ending. Highly recommended!
I devoured Kat Yeh's debut middle grade novel, The Truth About Twinkie Pie, in two sessions. I had to stop partway through is because I got so hungry from reading the fabulous-sounding recipes sprinkled through the book, and had to snack. But before I stopped, I had already teared up as well as laughed out loud at least once, and I couldn't wait to keep reading.
I'm also a big fan of food books and food movies. While reading E. Nesbit's books, I lusted after an English Tea years before I really knew what it was. I always felt ripped off when a story text said "they had supper" but didn't give any details. The Truth About Twinkie Pie deftly weaves together the themes of food, family and friendship in an irresistable story about two sisters trying to make it on their own.
An aside: I wasn't kidding when I said that the recipes throughout the book sound fantastic. I am SO going to try making No-Peek Chicken, Maybe Even Better Soup, Madder'n Heck Smashed Potatoes, Special-Occasion Fancy Sandwiches, Pull-Aparts, Easier-Than-Pie Pudding, Impossible Pie, Tangled-Up Pie, Heartbreak On Toast, Pick Me Up, Cherries In The Snow, and of course...Twinkie Pie!
I devoured Kat Yeh's debut middle grade novel, The Truth About Twinkie Pie, in two sessions. I had to stop partway through is because I got so hungry from reading the fabulous-sounding recipes sprinkled through the book, and had to snack. But before I stopped, I had already teared up as well as laughed out loud at least once, and I couldn't wait to keep reading.
I'm also a big fan of food books and food movies. While reading E. Nesbit's books, I lusted after an English Tea years before I really knew what it was. I always felt ripped off when a story text said "they had supper" but didn't give any details. The Truth About Twinkie Pie deftly weaves together the themes of food, family and friendship in an irresistable story about two sisters trying to make it on their own.
An aside: I wasn't kidding when I said that the recipes throughout the book sound fantastic. I am SO going to try making No-Peek Chicken, Maybe Even Better Soup, Madder'n Heck Smashed Potatoes, Special-Occasion Fancy Sandwiches, Pull-Aparts, Easier-Than-Pie Pudding, Impossible Pie, Tangled-Up Pie, Heartbreak On Toast, Pick Me Up, Cherries In The Snow, and of course...Twinkie Pie!
May 6, 2020
Ein wunderbares Kinderbuch aus dem von mir geliebten Magellan Verlag, das so viel mehr ist, als ich erwartet habe.
Eine wunderbare Geschichte voller Freundschaft, Liebe und der Suche nach dem eigenen Ich.
Authentische Charaktere, die für mich perfekt ausgearbeitet waren.
Ein besonderes Lesevergnügen inklusive wunderschöner Aufmachung durch die Rezepte zwischen den Kapiteln.
Kurzum: Alles, was das Leseherz begehrt!
♥️
Eine wunderbare Geschichte voller Freundschaft, Liebe und der Suche nach dem eigenen Ich.
Authentische Charaktere, die für mich perfekt ausgearbeitet waren.
Ein besonderes Lesevergnügen inklusive wunderschöner Aufmachung durch die Rezepte zwischen den Kapiteln.
Kurzum: Alles, was das Leseherz begehrt!
♥️
December 2, 2017
Right in the feels.
June 8, 2019
this is the cutest, fluffiest, most heart-warming book ever! full review to come.
May 10, 2016
Southern charm language in a figuring-out-who-you-are-in-the-world book with some mature type themes. I'm giving it 4 stars for the reading enjoyment and the fact that there are some middle grade readers who really love this kind of story. . . smart spunky main character, and enough touching bits that you need some tissues.
Librarian rant follows: be warned, and read only if you want to. . .
I will say that there is one cameo character that made me sad and angry. There is a 'mousy' public librarian who has her nose buried in a book at work and has middle school volunteers do her after school youth programming with what seems like no training or supervision? Really? I realize I shouldn't take this personally, but I and so many other librarians work really hard to be integral parts of our communities and strive towards fantastic customer service and providing awesome programs for youth. The librarian stereotypes are demoralizing and depressing, and I wish we were past all of it already.
Librarian rant follows: be warned, and read only if you want to. . .
I will say that there is one cameo character that made me sad and angry. There is a 'mousy' public librarian who has her nose buried in a book at work and has middle school volunteers do her after school youth programming with what seems like no training or supervision? Really? I realize I shouldn't take this personally, but I and so many other librarians work really hard to be integral parts of our communities and strive towards fantastic customer service and providing awesome programs for youth. The librarian stereotypes are demoralizing and depressing, and I wish we were past all of it already.
April 1, 2015
At BEA last year, I made the potentially unwise choice of braving the mob to obtain this ARC while 21 weeks pregnant. The author was so charismatic about her book, that most of the people in the room were tripping over themselves in order to get a copy (they made us wait until the end of the panel to snag anything).
I'm glad I was able to snatch a copy because this was one of the sweetest (no pun intended) books I've read in a long time. I hope she writes more for the middle grade crowd in the future.
I'm glad I was able to snatch a copy because this was one of the sweetest (no pun intended) books I've read in a long time. I hope she writes more for the middle grade crowd in the future.
October 24, 2016
What a sweet story! There was a lot more to it than I expected, and so many more twists than I thought were coming. It actually had quite a bit of depth and wasn't as fluffy as the cover and name might have you believe. Each chapter begins with a delicious recipe, written in the voice of the main character's mother, and give the book something special and funny. This is one I'd probably read again!
February 12, 2018
"Now, y'all stop sitting around wishing you were something you're not and just get on out there and Be!"
Read
September 26, 2019I abanded on this book for many different reasons. First of all, this book was too easy for me. I would understand every single word and I felt like I wouldn't improve on my reading by reading this book. Secondly, I had another book, which is just the right level for me, and I couldn't wait to read that book so then I decided to ban this book.
August 13, 2023
Overall a cute little story, even though the main character did end up behaving infuriatingly irrational and straight-up mean. Which, I guess, is understandable seeing as they're all 12 years old, but damn.
Also, all of those recipes are cursed, I have no idea who Looks at those and gets hungry.
Also, all of those recipes are cursed, I have no idea who Looks at those and gets hungry.
March 19, 2015
Schon als ich das Cover das erste Mal sah, habe ich mich verliebt. Doch hier konnte mich nicht nur das Optische begeistern, sondern auch der Inhalt ist richtig toll. Ein rundum gelungenes Gesamtpaket, ein Herzensbuch, das einem gut tut.
Die Geschichte wird aus der ich-Perspektive von GiGi erzählt - einfach, aber frei von der Leber. Und so schliesst man die Protagonistin sehr schnell ins Herz. Sie ist ein sehr intelligentes Mädchen, so schlau, dass ihre grosse Schwester DiDi alles dafür tut, dass etwas aus ihr wird, zumindest 'mehr' als eine Friseurin wie sie selber. So steht für GiGi vor allem Lernen auf dem Plan, Freunde und Mädchenkram sind nicht wirklich vorgesehen. Nur gut, dass die Zwölfjährige ihre ganz eigenen Erfolgsrezepte hat, denen sie im Leben folgt und die mir ein ums andere Mal ein Schmunzeln aufs Gesicht gezaubert haben.
"Kirschen im Schnee" ist ein ganz zauberhaftes Buch, das erst als eitler Sonnenschein durchgehen könnte, doch das Hochdruckgebiet gerät je länger je mehr ins Wanken. Obwohl das Buch nämlich schon ab elf Jahren empfohlen wird und das Äussere sehr süss aussieht, scheut sich Kat Yen nicht, auch ernstere Themen anzuschneiden. Sie lässt hinter die Fassade blicken und vermag mit der einen oder anderen unerwarteten Wendung zu überraschen und zu berühren.
Ein Highlight sind auch die vielen Rezepte, die im Buch abgedruckt sind und zum Ausprobieren einladen. Diese sind geschickt in die Handlung eingewoben, so dass jedes einen Grund hat, Teil der Geschichte zu sein. Zudem sind sie so herzallerliebst formuliert, dass man einfach jedes Wort davon lesen muss.
"Kirschen im Schnee" ist definitiv ein richtiges Highlight, das ich Jung und Alt empfehlen kann.
Fazit:
GiGi hat im Buch ihre ganz eigenen Erfolgsrezepte und auch Kat Yeh hat ihr Erfolgsrezept für ein besonderes, ein bezauberndes Buch gefunden:
Wohlfühlgeschichte mit Tiefgang + hinreissende Protagonistin + leckere Rezepte + wundervolles Äussere = Kirschen im Schnee = ein Highlight für Jung und Alt.
Die Geschichte wird aus der ich-Perspektive von GiGi erzählt - einfach, aber frei von der Leber. Und so schliesst man die Protagonistin sehr schnell ins Herz. Sie ist ein sehr intelligentes Mädchen, so schlau, dass ihre grosse Schwester DiDi alles dafür tut, dass etwas aus ihr wird, zumindest 'mehr' als eine Friseurin wie sie selber. So steht für GiGi vor allem Lernen auf dem Plan, Freunde und Mädchenkram sind nicht wirklich vorgesehen. Nur gut, dass die Zwölfjährige ihre ganz eigenen Erfolgsrezepte hat, denen sie im Leben folgt und die mir ein ums andere Mal ein Schmunzeln aufs Gesicht gezaubert haben.
"Kirschen im Schnee" ist ein ganz zauberhaftes Buch, das erst als eitler Sonnenschein durchgehen könnte, doch das Hochdruckgebiet gerät je länger je mehr ins Wanken. Obwohl das Buch nämlich schon ab elf Jahren empfohlen wird und das Äussere sehr süss aussieht, scheut sich Kat Yen nicht, auch ernstere Themen anzuschneiden. Sie lässt hinter die Fassade blicken und vermag mit der einen oder anderen unerwarteten Wendung zu überraschen und zu berühren.
Ein Highlight sind auch die vielen Rezepte, die im Buch abgedruckt sind und zum Ausprobieren einladen. Diese sind geschickt in die Handlung eingewoben, so dass jedes einen Grund hat, Teil der Geschichte zu sein. Zudem sind sie so herzallerliebst formuliert, dass man einfach jedes Wort davon lesen muss.
"Kirschen im Schnee" ist definitiv ein richtiges Highlight, das ich Jung und Alt empfehlen kann.
Fazit:
GiGi hat im Buch ihre ganz eigenen Erfolgsrezepte und auch Kat Yeh hat ihr Erfolgsrezept für ein besonderes, ein bezauberndes Buch gefunden:
Wohlfühlgeschichte mit Tiefgang + hinreissende Protagonistin + leckere Rezepte + wundervolles Äussere = Kirschen im Schnee = ein Highlight für Jung und Alt.
June 16, 2017
This is my very first 5 star book of the year, which is absolutely remarkable. I wasn't expecting The Truth About Twinkie Pie to be as wonderful as it was, but sometimes the best books sneak up on you. This one certainly did.
What does this book have that makes it a standout? Well, The Truth About Twinkie Pie has a wonderful protagonist in the form of GiGi. Her voice rings out crystal clear through an infectiously sweet and serious narrative that compliments the tone of the book constantly, and the writing is appropriate for a girl her age. I also found the decisions she made to be very believable. Sure, some of them were rash and you knew they would have consequences, but they're perfectly understandable decisions from a 12 year old's perspective.
There's also a great cast of characters. They're all racially diverse, lively, and bring so much life to the page, whether it's GiGi's older sister DiDi, the super nice guy at school Trip, the mean but not really actually Mace, the girls who were part of the astronomy club, Mr. McGuire the teacher, or the weird landlord Kenneth. Everyone felt special and like they belonged, and that sometimes can be a rare thing.
All the recipes in this book look super yummy and I hope I get the chance to try them out, especially the Twinkie Pie. Hopefully the desserts are just as good as the climax in this book . We'll have to taste test to find out.
Overall, this was definitely a magical read and it definitely needs more attention. The Truth About Twinkie Pie may make use of some of the children's fiction tropes, but it's still indeed one of a kind. And that is what truly makes it special.
What does this book have that makes it a standout? Well, The Truth About Twinkie Pie has a wonderful protagonist in the form of GiGi. Her voice rings out crystal clear through an infectiously sweet and serious narrative that compliments the tone of the book constantly, and the writing is appropriate for a girl her age. I also found the decisions she made to be very believable. Sure, some of them were rash and you knew they would have consequences, but they're perfectly understandable decisions from a 12 year old's perspective.
There's also a great cast of characters. They're all racially diverse, lively, and bring so much life to the page, whether it's GiGi's older sister DiDi, the super nice guy at school Trip, the mean but not really actually Mace, the girls who were part of the astronomy club, Mr. McGuire the teacher, or the weird landlord Kenneth. Everyone felt special and like they belonged, and that sometimes can be a rare thing.
All the recipes in this book look super yummy and I hope I get the chance to try them out, especially the Twinkie Pie. Hopefully the desserts are just as good as the climax in this book . We'll have to taste test to find out.
Overall, this was definitely a magical read and it definitely needs more attention. The Truth About Twinkie Pie may make use of some of the children's fiction tropes, but it's still indeed one of a kind. And that is what truly makes it special.
October 14, 2016
The Truth About Twinkie Pie is about a girl named Gigi (short for Galileo Galilei), and she is 12 years old and she lives with a lady who she calls Didi. Gigi's mom passed away when she was little and she does not have a father. Didi won a million dollars for wining a national cooking contest and Didi used one of Gigi's moms recipes. Gigi's mom was the best at cooking and has all of the Fantastic recipes that lead to mouth watering results. With that million dollars they decided to move from the trailer parks of South Carolina to the North Shore of Long Island New York. They moved to a small town where they can walk anywhere and with a New town that's means Gigi went to a new school. Gigi was a brainy 12 year old girl, and she didn't have many friends at all. She sometimes would eat lunch with the teachers and Didi always wanted her to be ahead in school. Gigi made a recipe of success for her new school and she would have a fresh new start, and a new attitude for a new school, but along with it she wanted to change her name. She wanted to change her name to Leia but with that when she met new people she would always say her name is Gigi and it got a little embarrassing for her because she wanted people to call her by the name Leia.
This book is great for people who love food because there is recipes scattered within the whole book. This book is always great for people who like suspension because you never know what's going to happen next, and it makes you want to skip ahead to the next chapter but read the whole thing it's totally worth it. This book is really unique because it's a suspension filled, but still has great recipes and it's hard to compare the book, but I will say that this book is definitely similar to Pennyroyal Academy, because for the most part it is a very sweet book but has its moments.
This book is great for people who love food because there is recipes scattered within the whole book. This book is always great for people who like suspension because you never know what's going to happen next, and it makes you want to skip ahead to the next chapter but read the whole thing it's totally worth it. This book is really unique because it's a suspension filled, but still has great recipes and it's hard to compare the book, but I will say that this book is definitely similar to Pennyroyal Academy, because for the most part it is a very sweet book but has its moments.
September 24, 2016
The Truth About Twinkie Pie is an exciting and interesting book. It's about 2 sisters living together: Delta Dawn Bawnes II and Galilleo Galillei Bawnes (that was the younger sister's name until...). GiGi (Galilleo) was always told by her older sister that their mom was dead and their mom only wore Cherries In Snow lipstick. GiGi finds out something about her old house that she moved out of only a while after she was born that surprises her and makes her act. Going with a friend/enemy on a journey will change GiGi's life...forever.
My favorite part was when GiGi begins her adventure and her shock when she discovered her "friend" was going to be with her on the trip instead of Trip. The part I didn't like that much was when GiGi finds out how she got her unique star-shaped scar, because I felt sad for her. Well, I felt sad most of the time, because I can't believe what it would be like living with only a sister.
Gigi and DiDi living without their mom is like Harry Potter not living with his parents. Also GiGi makes an enemy and Harry also makes an enemy. But GiGi's story has nothing to do with magic and wizards and spells and Quittich like Harry's.
If you like action, mystery, and sad books, this is the book you want to read!
My favorite part was when GiGi begins her adventure and her shock when she discovered her "friend" was going to be with her on the trip instead of Trip. The part I didn't like that much was when GiGi finds out how she got her unique star-shaped scar, because I felt sad for her. Well, I felt sad most of the time, because I can't believe what it would be like living with only a sister.
Gigi and DiDi living without their mom is like Harry Potter not living with his parents. Also GiGi makes an enemy and Harry also makes an enemy. But GiGi's story has nothing to do with magic and wizards and spells and Quittich like Harry's.
If you like action, mystery, and sad books, this is the book you want to read!
Read
October 3, 2016Gigi is a really smart girl Who is starting her seventh grade year at a really good school. She lives with her older sister Didi ( stands for Delta Dawn ) she is living with her sister because her mom passed away. Her sister drops out of school to work as a hair dresser to provide for her and Gigi. One of the most cherished things in there home is there moms old cookbook. One of the things I like most about the book and what I think makes this book stand out the most is it has recipes that are from the cookbook! She makes new friends like Trip, her best friend. I really enjoyed this book because it never left you board and it is one of those books that you just can't put down. I recamend this book to people who love a mystery and some thrill and a little humor. In this book I felt several a amotions such as, sad, happy,and humor. This book reminds me of Hatchet Because they are both trying to survive without a parent and trying to survive alone. If you like to get so into a book that you can't put down than this is the book for you. The Truth About Twinkie Pie Is one of my favorites because it's unique and I really like the recipes in between chapters. People who love Hachet and other survival books will love this book.
March 16, 2016
Here’s what I wrote mid-book:
I'm in the middle of The Truth About Twinkie Pie (no trees or thieves, so far) which arrived this week from the publisher. It's a gentle little story of a twelve-year-old girl, Double-G (real name: Galileo Galilei...yes, her mother named her after that fellow in the hopes that she, too, would grow up to be a scientist) who attempts to shift from following the agenda of others to pursuing her own agenda. Much of the story's charm lies in the collection of oddball recipes from GiGi's dead mother featured at the end of each chapter, related in her charming mother's voice, recipes no one would really want to make but which can't help being quite captivating. I don't quite know how it's going to work out yet, but I can't wait to read on.
And that’s all I’m going to say, as much of the story’s charm turns out (not a spoiler) to be the clever way the plot and the recipes and the stories the characters tell all twist and turn and intertwine together and I really don’t want to ruin that for you. I think it’s enough to say that this was a lovely, lovely read.
I'm in the middle of The Truth About Twinkie Pie (no trees or thieves, so far) which arrived this week from the publisher. It's a gentle little story of a twelve-year-old girl, Double-G (real name: Galileo Galilei...yes, her mother named her after that fellow in the hopes that she, too, would grow up to be a scientist) who attempts to shift from following the agenda of others to pursuing her own agenda. Much of the story's charm lies in the collection of oddball recipes from GiGi's dead mother featured at the end of each chapter, related in her charming mother's voice, recipes no one would really want to make but which can't help being quite captivating. I don't quite know how it's going to work out yet, but I can't wait to read on.
And that’s all I’m going to say, as much of the story’s charm turns out (not a spoiler) to be the clever way the plot and the recipes and the stories the characters tell all twist and turn and intertwine together and I really don’t want to ruin that for you. I think it’s enough to say that this was a lovely, lovely read.
March 8, 2017
The Truth About Twinkie Pie is an amazing and interesting book. It's about 2 sisters living together(Galileo Galilei Barnes and Delta Dawn Bares). The names they go by are Didi and Gigi. The older sister (Didi) has always told Gigi that their mother was dead and that she only wore Cherries In The Snow lipstick. The only memory they have of her, is her cook book. She finds something about her mothers house, and try's to discover things about it. My favorite part was when she had tripped over Trip. I did not like the part where she finds her star shaped scar. The book made me feel sad, I don't know how she lives without parents. I think people that like mystery, romance and sadness will enjoy this book. I think this is much like Harry Potter, because he does not live with his parents. I think really anyone will enjoy this book, because it's really creative and can be funny in some parts. I really hope you choose to read this book, it was great.
December 4, 2017
The Truth About Twinkie Pie is a very interesting and exciting book. This book is about two sisters living together (Delta Dawn Barnes II; DiDi, and Gallileo Gallilei Barnes; GiGi). DiDi is a hairstylist (doesn't make much money) but got lucky and won one million dollars in prize money from a cooking contest. She had always said that their mother had died many years before. GiGi was searching for her mothers favorite lipstick, Cherries In The Snow, and was stunned by what she found out. She goes on a journey with a person that is one of her worst enemies. My favorite thing about the book was the authors use of figurative language. I didn't really like that the book kept taking about the same thing (it was like the whole book could have been written in a chapter). It made me feel sad that they had to live without their mother for so long. If you like realistic fiction books like Out of My Mind then this is a book for you.
May 29, 2017
This book is amazing! Full of "sweetheart" moments that anyone (especially a girl) would appreciate! You might think that everything is going well, but suddenly GiGi's life crashes and she feels torn apart. A crush that might not like her back, drama in her school, and a sister who has no time for her! This book will make you fall in love with a bunch of memorable characters, and teach you an important life lesson you will never forget!
March 16, 2015
I'm sorry. I just COULD NOT with the lipstick shade. I know their is a note in the acknowledgements but why pick that shade? Why not research a shade that was actually discontinued? It would not have been such a big deal if this was not a huge part of the plot line. It ruined the story for me. Too bad.
September 19, 2014
I'm super thankful that a friend passed this ARC along to me! TWINKIE PIE is so full of heart and truth that it'll leave you feeling satisfied for days. A story about sisters and family and what it means to be yourself, with tantalizing recipes sprinkled in for good measure. I thoroughly enjoyed reading GiGi--Leia--G-girl's story.
October 1, 2023
one of my most favourite books ever.
March 13, 2023
This story looks sweet and "fluffy", and it is in parts, but it's also incredibly realistic. I loved the coming-of-age theme and how GiGi struggled with naming herself and fitting in and starting over with her sister. As a person with a very unique name, I've thought often about different names and so that aspect of the story was very interesting to me.
GiGi and DiDi's relationship was very special and the author did a brilliant job of showing that. They were very close and shared really funny moments together, but they also were typical family and fought and misunderstood each other at times. As the reader, you're really able to get into GiGi's head and see her personality, her humor, heartaches, and struggles.
And of course I loved the emphasis on food! The recipes and notes are very fun and descriptive and shouldn't be missed.
A great read for any young person (or, young at heart) trying to find their place in this world.
GiGi and DiDi's relationship was very special and the author did a brilliant job of showing that. They were very close and shared really funny moments together, but they also were typical family and fought and misunderstood each other at times. As the reader, you're really able to get into GiGi's head and see her personality, her humor, heartaches, and struggles.
And of course I loved the emphasis on food! The recipes and notes are very fun and descriptive and shouldn't be missed.
A great read for any young person (or, young at heart) trying to find their place in this world.
April 5, 2025
This middle grade book came highly recommended by a book club friend, and it did not disappoint. While written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl, it felt timeless in the sense that Are You There God, It’s Me, Margaret? appeals to all ages. This is a story of sisterhood and family and identity and finding one’s place in the world. And of course there is food… lots and lots of food and the recipes. Now I want Twinkie Pie and a tube of Cherries in the Snow lipstick. I’ll have to wait for a potluck to make the Twinkie Pie, but the lipstick and matching nail polish are en route thanks to Amazon. It’s been a marketed color since 1953. It’s got to be gorgeous to have lasted this long, right?
I did the audiobook for this one as that was what was available on Libby. The Southern narrator was delightful and really represented the young character well. 5⭐️ for the listening experience.
I did the audiobook for this one as that was what was available on Libby. The Southern narrator was delightful and really represented the young character well. 5⭐️ for the listening experience.
May 28, 2021
This book has so many twists and turns it is impossible to put down. The writing is excellent and the story line is absolutely perfect. I wouldn't change anything about it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews