Squashed

Sixteen-year-old Ellie Morgan's life would be almost perfect if she could just get her potentially prize-winning pumpkin, Max, to put on about two hundred more pounds, and if she could lose twenty herself. With the extra weight, Max would be the shoo-in champion at the Rock River Pumpkin Weigh-In. Ellie could then become a famous pumpkin-growing personality and squash that obnoxious Cyril Pool once and for all. With a trimmer figure, Ellie would have the courage to approach Wes, the new boy in town and former president of the Agriculture Club at Gaithersville High.

But with unpredictable weather threatening Max, pumpkin thieves running rampant, and Sweet Corn Coquette contestants eyeing Wes, the pressure is great as Ellie seems ready to take on the world.

"Fast-paced and engrossing entertainment that startles the reader with its underlying strength." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"Skillful plot development and strong characterization are real strengths here. Ellie's perceptive, intelligent, and funny narrative keeps the story lively right up to its satisfying conclusion." (School Library Journal, starred review)