Gertie’s Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley + Giveaway

I’ve had a lot of hobbies and dabbled in countless activities over the years, but one thing has been a constant in my life as long as I can remember: reading.

From the time I learned to read, books became some of the most important things in my world. Whether I was reading at school, reading on my own, or listening to a nightly bedtime story, reading was a big deal. It’s no surprise that I later went on to a career in books, and now that I have kids, encouraging them to read is a must.

I’ve shared many of my favorite childhood books with my own children, and I love that they’re at an age where they can start discovering some of their own favorites.  My daughter recently did just that, and she and I would both like you to meet someone:

This is Gertie Reece Foy, and she’s making a big jump in Gertie’s Leap to Greatness.

I think Gertie is to my daughter as Ramona Quimby was to me when I was a little girl. Those of you who grew up around the same time as me should be well familiar with Ramona and her antics, and author Kate Beasley has introduced a Ramona for a new generation. She’s described as 100% Not-from-Concentrate AWESOME, and I have to agree!

Gertie’s story begins when her mother leaves. Gertie doesn’t understand why she’s suddenly left with her father and great-aunt, but she is determined to become the best fifth-grader the world has ever seen. All she has to do is….

Well, that’s for you to discover when you read Gertie’s Leap to Greatness, but I’ll tell you that it’s packed with fun, adventures, and mishaps. Gertie is a brave girl who refuses to back down from a challenge, is never afraid to be herself, and is so charming and unique that you can’t help but love her to bits. She’s full of hope no matter how bad things get.

Gertie’s Leap to Greatness is such a heartwarming story, one that I’m thrilled my daughter read and enjoyed. It’s incredibly well-written and perfectly tailored as a middle grade novel. (If you’re like me and love children’s and young adult literature, it’s perfect for grown-ups too). In addition to Beasley’s beautiful story, we also enjoyed illustrator Jillian Tamaki’s drawings throughout the book. They really bring Gertie and her friends to life in a style that kids love.

I have nothing but praise for this book, and I’m certain that you and your kids will love it, too. It’s sure to be enjoyed by children who love to read, but I think it’s also a perfect choice for reluctant readers. The story is so funny and entertaining, hooking everyone with its very first line: “The bullfrog was only half dead, which was perfect.” I won’t spoil what that means, but I promise you’ll laugh.

Gertie’s Leap to Greatness will be released online and at bookstores everywhere on October 4, 2016, and I highly encourage you to grab your own copy or head straight to the library to borrow it. You can preorder it now from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  And if you’re lucky, you might get one for free: we’re giving away a copy of Gertie’s Leap to Greatness to one lucky reader! For your chance to win, make sure to enter below. Giveaway is open to US residents who are 18 and older.  Ends 10/13/16.  Good luck!