Me and the Pumpkin Queen - by Marlane Kennedy (Paperback)

About the Book

Eleven-year-old Mildred is focused on giant pumpkins. After four disastrous growing seasons, Mildred is hoping to finally have a flawless pumpkin to enter in the Circleville, Ohio, Pumpkin Show Weigh-Off.

From the Back Cover

It's just something she has to do.

Mildred has always dreamed of growing a one-thousand-pound pumpkin to enter in her town's Pumpkin Show. Her aunt Arlene thinks she's obsessed, but Mildred prefers to think of herself as focused. And growing giant pumpkins is way more interesting than boys or clothes or the other girly things Aunt Arlene wants her to like. She's been trying for four long growing seasons--ever since her mama died--and every one has ended in disaster. It's not easy, especially with dogs who don't realize how delicate seedlings are, and tornadoes that could destroy months of work, and most people thinking that an eleven-year-old doesn't stand a chance. But Daddy believes in Mildred, and so does her best friend, Jacob. Maybe this will finally be her year.

Review Quotes

"This marvelously heartwarming story deserves a big blue ribbon!" - BookPage
"This is an old-fashioned book in the nicest possible way, with sturdy solidity, well-crafted writing, and . . . a heroine whose victory readers will cheer." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books