Squashed

A friend suggested that I read Squashed by Joan Bauer.  She said I'd love it.  She wasn't wrong.  I haven't gotten very far into the book but it's shaping up to be a pretty good fit for me.  The premise of the book is that Ellie wants to grow a prize winning pumpkin (which is a squash for you non-agricultural types hence the title) and lose 20 pounds to impress a new boy to the town.  It is all in first person, which I love.  

I feel like I can really relate to Ellie.  She just a 16 year old girl who hasn't quiet found her way in the world yet.  She loves growing and wants to be the best grower in her area.  I always have wanted to be the best in all I do.  She also struggles with losing the few extra pounds that she carries.  More insights into the world of Squashed to come.  I'm hoping to be able to finish the book this weekend.  It's killing me that I haven't been able to read as much as I'd like recently but that is the life of a busy teacher.