Squashed

Joan Bauer is at the top of my list of best writers of sad-happy heartbreaker books so I went back to read some of her earlier books. “Squashed” is her first novel and earned several notable awards, including a prize for an Outstanding First Young Adult Novel. I agree whole-heartedly with that high praise! The story of 16 year old Ellie struggling to find her niche in family, at her high school and as a blue ribbon winning pumpkin grower is filled with laughter, inspiration and a few tears. I did wonder if the almost over the top zeal exhibited by Ellie the pumpkin-grower bordered on satire of those with an agricultural bent, but maybe it is truth. Like all of Bauer’s books, the heroine is not perfect and not everything works out 100% perfectly in the end, but the lessons sprinkled throughout are encouraging without being preachy and hope’s theme flows from beginning to end. I highly recommend this one for readers grades 5 and up. Professional reviews place this one at junior high and up, likely due to Ellie’s age and her budding romance that does culminate in some mildly described kissing.

Joan Bauer's books have a few things in common: a spirited, talented protagonist, an unusual quest, a family obstacle, and good triumphant. In Squashed, the first and, IMO, best of her books, this formula works to great effect - you'll laugh, you'll rejoice, and you'll never see pumpkins the same way again.Ellie Morgan has just two goals: to lose 20 pounds, and to grow a pumpkin big enough to win the Annual Rock River Weigh-In, the pumpkin festival to end all pumpkin festivals. Unfortunately, a few things stand in her way: her motivation-obsessed father, who despises agriculture ("the Absolute Dead-End of Existence"), Cyril, the 35-year-old grower (with a heart of evil) who usually wins the competition, and her history teacher, who, strangely, thinks that school is more important. On Ellie's side she has her cousin Richard, baseball semi-star and pumpkin spy, her Grandmother, a pillar of growing wisdom and strength, and her friends.From the beginning, the reader knows it's all going to come together in a major showdown at the Weigh-In. But the question is - how will Ellie make it that far? And the answer is purely hilarious. Sprinkled with humor and agriculture wisdom, Squashed is a highly appealing novel for young adults and adults alike.

My daughter had to read this for beta club so I read it also. It was a good book and actually kept me more interested then my 10 year old daughter. I do recommend it although a word of caution: the main character is trying to lose weight and does so in what I think is not a heathy way. For children sensitive about weight they might not understand the difference between what is healthy and isn't. This is still a good book with good lessons and in the end she learns that she is pretty the way she is.

I've enjoyed all the Joan Bauer books I've read. Her portrayal of teens as capable of big dreams and big accomplishments is inspiring. I love how she gives different careers/passions such a flair and makes you feel like trying it out yourself. Ellie with her pumpkins, Hope with her waitressing, Jenna and shoe sales...if you haven't read Joan Bauer definitely check this book out. But get ready to buy her others! She leaves you wanting more!

I first read this book when I bought it at a book fair from school at the age of 13. I fell in love with the characters and story. Over the years I managed to lose the book but I never forgot it. Now at the age of 28 I was reunited with this book and it was just as amazing as it was when I was 13. Well written lovely book. I highly recommend it for all ages.

I love all the characters--including the pumpkin Max. I particularly love Ellie's relationships with her dad and her grandmother and, of course, with Max. This is a fun book to read and now I've got to read all the rest of Ms. Bauer's books!

Sweet and funny story that kids and adults can enjoy. Very well written.

This is a unique and very entertaining book for juveniles--especially young girls would like this. I like this because it is a story about a farm girl in Iowa--something that young girls don't get exposed to very often these days, and it's so nice to have a young female heroine whose noble goal is to grow a giant pumpkin rather than some superficial nonsense. Funny and real.

Super book!