Gertie's Leap to Greatness - Softcover

Kate Beasley holds a Masters in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She lives with her family in Claxton, Georgia, with two dogs, one parrot, lots of cows, and a cat named Edgar. Gertie's Leap to Greatness is her first novel.

Jillian Tamaki is an illustrator and comics artist. She won both a Printz Honor and a Caldecott Honor for the graphic novel This One Summer, which she co-created with Mariko Tamaki. Jillian lives in Toronto, Ontario.

"This story is for anyone who has ever wanted to be the greatest fifth grader ever. It’s also for anyone who has never wanted to be the greatest fifth grader ever. In short, grab Gertie’s hand and leap right in. It’s better than the best, smoothest, creamiest chocolates. Oh, good Lord, it is." ―Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor author of The Underneath

"Oh my lord, Gertie Reece Foy! This is a girl you can’t help but root for. I kept losing my place from laughing so hard while reading this book. And more than once, I had to hide my face in my hands and read through my fingers, or I caught myself sniffling. Gertie on a mission is a spectacle that is simply not to be missed." ―Kate Milford, New York Times-bestselling author of Edgar Award-winning novel Greenglass House

"This story if full of fun surprises: zombie bullfrogs, faithful friends, humor, and hope . . . and a fabulous narrator. Not only is Gertie brave enough to see the world through hopeful eyes, but she's bold enough to be her uniquely wonderful self." ―Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic

"From the first paragraph, I was Gertie’s fan. Her gumption, her voice, her determination, and her sass jump off the page. Realistic social situations combine with over-the-top personalities to make Gertie’s Leap to Greatness a surefire hit for kids who loved Ramona and Fudge--and who will one day want to be best friends with Scout. If your mission is to discover a funny, heartwarming, relatable, and entertaining middle grade novel, then jump for joy: Your mission is accomplished. Now dive in and see how Gertie does on hers." ―Tegan Tigani, Queen Anne Book Company

"Kate Beasley is a writer to watch, as she herself is poised for a leap to greatness with her debut novel." ―Mary Brown, Books, Bytes & Beyond

"Look out, world, here comes Gertie Reece Foy! Kate Beasley’s debut novel captures Gertie's story withplenty of wit and understanding." ―Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop

"[Kate Beasley] writes in the spirit of Roald Dahl and Kate DiCamillo with all the spunk and ferocity of a Southern lady, and Gertie’s Leap to Greatness is equal parts Matilda and Because of Winn-Dixie. Heartbreaking and laugh-out-loud funny." ―Clara Martin, Lemuria Books

"Gertie is a dynamic, fun, and well-delineated character, like Ramona and Clementine. Be prepared for Gertie to leap into your heart and mind in 2016." ―John Schumacher, Ambassador of School Libraries