Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Rosie discovers that her relationship with Bailey, a blind boy next door, is very similar to one that her Granny Torrelli had with a boy in Italy before immigrating to the United States. Most of the lessons Rosie learns take place in the kitchen as food is being prepared. This book should be used to bring families closer together. I found the writing style to be a bit "choppy" for my personal tastes, but it makes it easy for younger readers or for reading aloud when time is limited.

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup tells a heart-warming story of a boy and girl growing up together and realizing that life is bigger than the street they live on. While Bailey is blind, he is very independent and capable. While Rosie knows this, her “stubborn Rosie self wants to help and protect Bailey every chance she gets. When Janine moves into the neighborhood, Rosie experiences feelings she has never had before. All the while, Granny Torrelli offers words of wisdom through stories as she makes dinners intended to bring people together. While the main focus of the story is not the disability afflicting Bailey, it gives a great example of comfortable interactions between people with a disability and those without. These encounters are so show more natural and easy, the reader can almost forget Bailey’s affliction and focus on his relationship with Rosie. It is a refreshing take on the topic of interaction between people with/without disabilities. The characters seem so real and believable; it is a great read for children and adults alike!
Library Implications: This would be a great read for a student struggling with a friendship with someone who is disabled in some way. It also is a great example of giving people their independence and not smothering them with help. Finally, readers could simply enjoy this book for the story it tells; everyone should have a Granny Torrelli!!! show less

Creech does it again. Using the first person narrative, she quickly engages the reader and keeps us hooked. Chapters are short (often 2-3 pages) and pithy. I marvel at how she generates suspense: sometimes something as simple as having Granny Torrelli leave the room to use the bathroom.

Rosie is the protagonist, and she's mad at her friend, Bailey. Granny Torrelli's a sharp one. She sees that tutto non va bene with Rosie. Through her cooking and telling stories about her childhood, Granny helps Rosie and Bailey better understand themselves and each other.

The anecdotes are rich with different emotions. Creech handles dialog in an unusual way, using italics instead of quotes. This keeps the reader firmly in Rosie's head, and it keeps the show more story moving along. show less

Granny Torelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech is a hilarious book that will make you want Granny Torrelli to be a part of your family. Not only does she know how to make some delicious meals, but her funny antics will crack you up. Granny Torrelli also serves up a side dish of wisdom to try to help Rosie see why jealousy is not the answer. It is a super book for people of all ages and I think kids in fourth through eighth grade will especially relate to Rosie. The book touches on blindness, friendship, and how we see what is inside of ourselves. I could easily relate to the characters because each one has such a strong personality. I really like Rosie and think she has many qualities that make me want to be friends with her. Granny show more Torrelli makes you realize that jealousy gets you nowhere. The style is unique and I loved the short chapters! If you have not read this story, I highly recommend it. It just may make you want to cook soup, or any meal, with a family member and you will try to appreciate what you have. show less

Twelve-year-old Rosie and her best friend, Bailey, don't always get along, that's true. But Granny Torrelli seems to know just how to make things right again with her interesting stories and family recipes. It's easier to remember what's important about love, life, and friendship while Granny Torrelli makes soup.

This is yet another gem by the Newbery award-winning author of Walk Two Moons and The Wanderer.

Rosie's friend is Bailey. He is blind and he is wonderfully funny, sensitive and kind. Together Bailey and Rosie smoothy navigated the childhood years as they leaned on each other.

Now, however, as the beginning of teen hood aproaches, the rules suddenly are different. Previously confident of her feelings of friendship, when a new girl moves in the neighborhood, Rosie becomes unsure and jealous.

Rosie's loving, practical and magical Italian granny dispenses receipes for lasting friendship.

While making homemade pasta and soup, Granny Torelli stirs the pot of warm feelings and secret ingredients for life, love and friendship.

This is a wonderful show more book, wisely written as once again Sharon Creech demonstrates her astute ability to convey the feelings and thoughts of young adults.

Highly recommended! show less

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup is a sweet story about friendship and family. Although children would certainly enjoy reading this book on their own, it is a story that begs to be read aloud. Read this with your favorite children. It just might lead you to tell your own family stories while you teach them to make your favorite recipes!