Gertie’s Leap to Greatness is a well-written story about fifth-grader Gertie Foy. Gertie’s parents do not live together, and although the book never mentions it, it can be assumed that they are divorced. Gertie lives in Alabama with her dad and Aunt Rae.
This book was written with clarity and is surprisingly visual. It was effortless to envision the settings in the story. The artistic illustrations that filled the book were a noteworthy asset to this moving story. Covering a variety of emotions, the author focuses on competition and friendship. The climax of this tale is wonderful as it presents the message that each of us is unique and special.
I would recommend this book to anyone under the age of eleven. Being thirteen and reading about a fifth grader made the story and characters a bit difficult to relate to. Even so, it was a pleasurable and uplifting read. Follow Gertie to the highs and lows of fifth grade in Gertie’s Leap to Greatness!
