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The Thing About Leftovers
Fizzy is a good Southern girl who just wants to be perfect. And win the Southern Living cook-off. The being perfect part is hard though, since her parents’ divorced and everything in her life has changed. Wary of her too-perfect stepmom and her mom’s neat-freak, dismissive boyfriend, she’s often angry or upset and feels like a guest in both homes. She tells herself to face facts: She’s a “leftover” kid from a marriage that her parents want to forget. But she has to keep all of that to herself, because a good Southern girl never yells, or throws fits, or says anything that might hurt other people’s feelings—instead she throws her shoulders back, says yes ma’am, and tries to do better. So Fizzy tries her best, but it’s hard to stay quiet when her family keeps getting more complicated. Fortunately, the Southern Living cook-off gives her a welcome distraction, as do her new friends Miyoko and Zach, who have parent issues of their own.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2016
About the author
C.C. Payne
4 books25 followersC. C. Payne was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, by a family chock-full of superb storytellers: readers, writers, teachers, librarians and lawyers – yes, Payne insists that any lawyer worth his salt knows how to tell a good, persuasive story! Growing up,she says, all kinds of stories were used, to quiet, to entertain, and to teach life lessons, but all stories worked to instill a love of the story – any story.
"Naturally, at the age of seven," Payne says, "I became a voracious reader. After that,the house could’ve fallen down around my ears, and I would’ve just thought, 'Does this mean I have to put my book down?'"
Payne's first novel, Something to Sing About, received a boxed, starred review from Booklist, was named one of the Top Ten Best by Booklist, was nominated for a Children’s Crown Award, and a Kentucky Bluegrass Award.
Her second novel, Lula Bell on Geekdom, Freakdom & the Challenges of Bad Hair, was released by Amazon Children's Publishing on October 2, 2012. Payne says she would describe Lula Bell… as a story about life and death, family and friendship, faith and forgiveness, fitting in and standing out, and above all, letting your light shine – letting it light up the dark!
Meanwhile, as she continues to write, Payne says that she's beginning to notice that all her books are like her: hopeful, humorous, and distinctly southern. To learn more, visit www.ccpayne.net .
"Naturally, at the age of seven," Payne says, "I became a voracious reader. After that,the house could’ve fallen down around my ears, and I would’ve just thought, 'Does this mean I have to put my book down?'"
Payne's first novel, Something to Sing About, received a boxed, starred review from Booklist, was named one of the Top Ten Best by Booklist, was nominated for a Children’s Crown Award, and a Kentucky Bluegrass Award.
Her second novel, Lula Bell on Geekdom, Freakdom & the Challenges of Bad Hair, was released by Amazon Children's Publishing on October 2, 2012. Payne says she would describe Lula Bell… as a story about life and death, family and friendship, faith and forgiveness, fitting in and standing out, and above all, letting your light shine – letting it light up the dark!
Meanwhile, as she continues to write, Payne says that she's beginning to notice that all her books are like her: hopeful, humorous, and distinctly southern. To learn more, visit www.ccpayne.net .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 12, 2024
➳ 5 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
wow it’s already been so long since i read this time flies. anyway, i absolutely loved this book and the focus on divorce and blended families and this is the first book i remember that made me really feel things. i loved the main character and yes it was just such a good read
so thank you dad for ordering this for me and then forgetting and years later remembering it was in your closet and giving it to me because i had such a great time 🤭🎀
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
wow it’s already been so long since i read this time flies. anyway, i absolutely loved this book and the focus on divorce and blended families and this is the first book i remember that made me really feel things. i loved the main character and yes it was just such a good read
so thank you dad for ordering this for me and then forgetting and years later remembering it was in your closet and giving it to me because i had such a great time 🤭🎀
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
June 28, 2016
C.C. Payne has captured exactly what it feels like to be a middle school kid trying to cope with the rearrangement that life goes through after a divorce. Her protagonist, Fizzy Russo, has been uprooted from her old home to live with her mother in a townhouse in a different school district, which means that she also has a new school. So she has lost the home she grew up in, her friends, her school, and only sees her father on their visitation weekends. To make matters worse, her father has remarried and now her mother is planning to remarry, too. Since cooking is Fizzy's favorite activity, she comes up with food metaphors to describe her feelings. She says, "ever since my parents' divorce, I felt like I'd lost a really important grocery bag, the one with all the important ingredients - for my life."
Of course, the biggest metaphor is the one in the title, the concept of leftovers. Fizzy sees the new marriages of her parents as a way of starting fresh, like someone who doesn't like leftovers would start making a fresh dinner. "And if Mom was starting fresh, then that made me a kind of leftover, didn't it?" she ponders. And then she adds, "Here's the thing about leftovers: Nobody is ever excited about them; they're just something you have to deal with." Her way of trying to be the most attractive leftover she can be is to try and be perfect. In her mind, if she has perfect grades and helps around the house and never makes any mistakes, her parents and stepparents will find her easier to deal with. The problem is that she never talks to anyone about these feelings, even when people like the school guidance counselor reach out to her.
I don't want you to think that the story is depressing, because it isn't. There are great moments of humor scattered throughout the book, and they often give you glimpses of what Fizzy was like before she decided to run herself ragged trying to be perfect. For instance, she explains that the popular girls at school are very into fashion and the leader of the group seems to think anything with a ruffle is fashionable. Fizzy states that she isn't ever going to be one of the popular girls because, "I don't do ruffles, bows, flowers, or sequins - I am against the cruel treatment of clothes by way of bedazzling."
I love the friends that Fizzy has at her new school. Miyoko and Zach help her find things to laugh about, even if it is Miyoko's mother losing her skirt and standing in the front yard in her granny panties. They stick up for her against the popular girls and even the math teacher. The three of them have fun and listen to each other. Her Aunt Liz is another great person in her life. Fizzy has a great time practicing her cooking and trying out recipes at Liz's house after school. Her mom and dad have their moments, but they are so busy getting on with their new lives that it is very easy to see why Fizzy feels like a leftover.
Kids who are in the post-divorce situation will enjoy seeing that they are not alone in these experiences. It may even open their eyes to the fact that adults don't have all the answers and they may not even realize how hard they make things for their kids. I hope it shows them that talking things over with a trusted adult can help gain some perspective about everything. As someone who went through the whole divorce thing with her own parents, I can say that adults reading it may feel like they have had a really good therapy session when they reach the end.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Of course, the biggest metaphor is the one in the title, the concept of leftovers. Fizzy sees the new marriages of her parents as a way of starting fresh, like someone who doesn't like leftovers would start making a fresh dinner. "And if Mom was starting fresh, then that made me a kind of leftover, didn't it?" she ponders. And then she adds, "Here's the thing about leftovers: Nobody is ever excited about them; they're just something you have to deal with." Her way of trying to be the most attractive leftover she can be is to try and be perfect. In her mind, if she has perfect grades and helps around the house and never makes any mistakes, her parents and stepparents will find her easier to deal with. The problem is that she never talks to anyone about these feelings, even when people like the school guidance counselor reach out to her.
I don't want you to think that the story is depressing, because it isn't. There are great moments of humor scattered throughout the book, and they often give you glimpses of what Fizzy was like before she decided to run herself ragged trying to be perfect. For instance, she explains that the popular girls at school are very into fashion and the leader of the group seems to think anything with a ruffle is fashionable. Fizzy states that she isn't ever going to be one of the popular girls because, "I don't do ruffles, bows, flowers, or sequins - I am against the cruel treatment of clothes by way of bedazzling."
I love the friends that Fizzy has at her new school. Miyoko and Zach help her find things to laugh about, even if it is Miyoko's mother losing her skirt and standing in the front yard in her granny panties. They stick up for her against the popular girls and even the math teacher. The three of them have fun and listen to each other. Her Aunt Liz is another great person in her life. Fizzy has a great time practicing her cooking and trying out recipes at Liz's house after school. Her mom and dad have their moments, but they are so busy getting on with their new lives that it is very easy to see why Fizzy feels like a leftover.
Kids who are in the post-divorce situation will enjoy seeing that they are not alone in these experiences. It may even open their eyes to the fact that adults don't have all the answers and they may not even realize how hard they make things for their kids. I hope it shows them that talking things over with a trusted adult can help gain some perspective about everything. As someone who went through the whole divorce thing with her own parents, I can say that adults reading it may feel like they have had a really good therapy session when they reach the end.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
November 9, 2017
This book is a great book if you need a quick, easy read after something heavy. Fizzy is such a sweet, southern girl, who is super fun to follow. She is going through a lot, but she is so hard on herself. She has been raised like that, but she still does her best to satisfy her parents. Although this book wasn’t very challenging, it still will be a book I will probably never forget. C.C. Payne does such a good job of describing Fizzy, and painting a beautiful picture in my mind. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a fun, quick book to read, or anyone who loves books set in the south, or likes to cook.
March 23, 2020
O poveste clasica despre copilarie.
Bravo lui !
Bravo lui !
March 28, 2019
I found it intersting that this book was so similar to The Truth About Twinkie Pie, which I just read. It had recipies sprinkled throughout the book too. I found it really sad that Fizzy thought she had to cook more, and act perfect, and win the cooking contest to stay with her mom. I actually really like Fizzy's stepmom, but I still don't like the stepdad, even if he tries to change. I liked how the author compared Fizzy to leftover food. I think the theme of this book is that talking with others can help you. When Fizzy told her mom about the problem, her mom helped her and comforted her.
June 9, 2018
This was a very heartwarming, realistic tale of a girl learning how to live life in a split family. The emotions are very raw and true, and makes the story much more relatable. Also - there is so much food and cooking in this book, how could you not love it?
April 4, 2020
For Kaska-Boom: Another granddaughter-recommended book, and one that I loved. I think there are a whole lot of young people out there who could potentially relate to any of three of the characters in this book. They and their problems ring true to the problems faced by many of our youngsters today, and I felt they were dealt with in ways that could be humorous, heartbreaking, realistic, and ultimately affirming while giving children hope that maybe their situations can also improve if they just give them time and work a little at them. Fizzy had a great support system that included friends, teachers, parents, and other family members. The parents' struggles were also realistic and viewed through the eyes of Fizzy. Just an all-around good book.
March 15, 2024
A 4.5 star read!
Frizzy life is majorly changing. Her parents divorced and both are remarried. She feels so left behind while their parents are focusing on themselves. Especially her mother marrying her boyfriend who she knows doesn’t like her and wants her gone. Frizzy is finally making friends at school but is that enough. She wants her parents approval. When she signs up for a cooking contest she finally can prove to them she worth something but is that enough. Can she be honest to her parents about her feelings?? Is she enough??
I loved this book. We forget how divorce and dating can effect a child. I found myself wanting to shake the parents for ignoring Frizzy and her feelings!! I totally believe your main focus after a divorce should be on your children. I’m so glad this book is out there and believe children of divorce should read this, also parents!! Great book which I highly recommend!!
Frizzy life is majorly changing. Her parents divorced and both are remarried. She feels so left behind while their parents are focusing on themselves. Especially her mother marrying her boyfriend who she knows doesn’t like her and wants her gone. Frizzy is finally making friends at school but is that enough. She wants her parents approval. When she signs up for a cooking contest she finally can prove to them she worth something but is that enough. Can she be honest to her parents about her feelings?? Is she enough??
I loved this book. We forget how divorce and dating can effect a child. I found myself wanting to shake the parents for ignoring Frizzy and her feelings!! I totally believe your main focus after a divorce should be on your children. I’m so glad this book is out there and believe children of divorce should read this, also parents!! Great book which I highly recommend!!
June 6, 2022
Personally, I am firmly in the leftover-lovers camp. Leftovers are sometimes my favorite part of the meal, if I'm honest. But I do love the metaphor here.
This book made me cry. A lot. I'm not ashamed about it. It's a beautiful story about family and friendship and figuring out who you are. Fizzy was such an interesting character to follow, and the supporting cast was just as strong. It's easy to read (I read it in like... 3 hours) and one that'd I'd feel totally comfortable handing to a twelve-year-old.
For sure, this is going among my favorite contemporary middle-grades. I absolutely loved it. Five stars from me!
This book made me cry. A lot. I'm not ashamed about it. It's a beautiful story about family and friendship and figuring out who you are. Fizzy was such an interesting character to follow, and the supporting cast was just as strong. It's easy to read (I read it in like... 3 hours) and one that'd I'd feel totally comfortable handing to a twelve-year-old.
For sure, this is going among my favorite contemporary middle-grades. I absolutely loved it. Five stars from me!
January 4, 2017
The book is 90% about a girl dealing with her parents getting remarried. The second to last chapter she has a heart to heart with her mother, and everything she's been dealing with comes busting out. Lizzy thinks she has to be perfect and neither parent talks to her about the issues. Theres alot changing in her life: mom getting remarried because she wants kids, new stepmom is pregnant. The adults make an attempt to talk to her but no one follows thru. ANY adult that accepts "fine" as an answer should not be allowed to have kids imho. "Fine" means alot of things, it rarly means everything's is fine. Not enough redemption at the end for me.
September 14, 2017
The book was very good
January 25, 2019
I may have identified too much with Fizzy in this one. A child of divorce, Fizzy splits her time between two houses that are close together. Fizzy's dad is already remarried but in this story she learns that her stepmom is pregnant right around the time she learns her mother's boyfriend has proposed. Suddenly she doesn't belong anywhere, and has to find her place in her own home where she feels like the leftovers from her parents' own life.
Like I always say, if the book can make me cry it automatically gets 5 stars.
Like I always say, if the book can make me cry it automatically gets 5 stars.
December 27, 2020
The person I am dating has a 12-year-old daughter. She is sensitive and sweet and very guarded. Initially, she was not interested in meeting me or getting to know me at all. She is important to me and it was important to me to try and understand what she was experiencing. I bought several books written by psychologists, therapists, researchers, etc.. but this book, this was it! I gave her a copy as well. Our relationship has grown tremendously. I appreciate the perspective this sweet book gave me.
October 16, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. It was relatable and funny and yet dealt with some serious issues that a lot of families are navigating. As a stepmom, I found this to be insightful as to what I know some of my children go through. I originally bought this for my oldest stepdaughter and I'm really going to encourage her to read it, as I think it will resonate with her.
February 14, 2017
I adored this book. A story about divorce, step-parents, and a girl trying to discover where she belongs within this mess captured my heart. Fizzy shares her thoughts and feelings about what it is like to be a kid in the midst of parents in two households. Totally loved it!
February 18, 2022
This was one of those feel-good books. I love Fizzy's personality and character, and I like how she's a superstar cook with the help of her reliable aunt. I love how the author makes Fizzy funny and a bit weird, but in a good way!
March 15, 2018
The theme of this book is to do things you love to get problems off of your mind
October 23, 2022
A realistic tale for children of divorced parents.
I never read anything like this, and I'm glad I picked this book by its catchy title.
It's a coming-of-age story of a girl in her preteens while she struggles to adapt to a new environment.
One can feel her frustrations as she feels her world fall apart to create a different branch of families where she's the middle ground.
I never read anything like this, and I'm glad I picked this book by its catchy title.
It's a coming-of-age story of a girl in her preteens while she struggles to adapt to a new environment.
One can feel her frustrations as she feels her world fall apart to create a different branch of families where she's the middle ground.
August 10, 2016
"There's nothing worse than leftovers, except school leftovers, which are so bad that they should be called something else ... leftunders maybe?"
Elizabeth "Fizzy" Russon hardly even recognizes her own life anymore. Her parents are divorced and she is now attending a new school in a very affluent neighborhood. Her father has gotten remarried to Suzanne, a woman "who had been somebody her whole life." And now, her mother is engaged to Keene, a man that Fizzy isn't crazy about. It seems she no longer fits into either side of her family. "Yes, I was a leftover from her previous attempt at marriage and family."
But she does have Aunt Liz, who always seems to be happy to see her. And it's Aunt Liz who is helping her find recipes so that Fizzy can compete in the Southern Living Cook Off. Cooking is Fizzy's passion and it's the one area in which she feels she has control.
Of course, it doesn't help that things aren't going very well at school. "Nobody in Lush Valley seemed to need any new friends." She's often late for class, so much so that the principal has Fizzy "in her sight" and the guidance counselor, Mrs. Sloan, is always trying to get Fizzy to open up about things. What Mrs. Sloan doesn't understand is that "a polite lady ... doesn't discuss unpleasant or private stuff, and doesn't get all ... emotional-because that makes other people uncomfortable." So, Fizzy suffers in silence.
Things begin to change when Fizzy starts walking to school so she won't be late. She meets Zach, who lives just up the street. And although Fizzy thinks he's a little scary at first, they start to develop a friendship. Then, Fizzy helps Miyoko out in science class, and they become good friends, too. But as her school life begins to improve, it's her home life that suddenly starts to disintegrate.
Great voice and a spunky, sincere character to which students can relate. Fizzy is strong enough to stand up to the mean girls and is rewarded with a new friendship. But it's Fizzy's false assumptions about what others think about her that get her in the most trouble. Hopefully, students will see, through Fizzy, that it's always better to communicate your feelings to those you love, rather than assume the worst. Fizzy also comes to see that her friends don't have perfect families, either. Every family has problems, and part of being a family is figuring out how to deal with those problems. A definite addition to my elementary library.
Elizabeth "Fizzy" Russon hardly even recognizes her own life anymore. Her parents are divorced and she is now attending a new school in a very affluent neighborhood. Her father has gotten remarried to Suzanne, a woman "who had been somebody her whole life." And now, her mother is engaged to Keene, a man that Fizzy isn't crazy about. It seems she no longer fits into either side of her family. "Yes, I was a leftover from her previous attempt at marriage and family."
But she does have Aunt Liz, who always seems to be happy to see her. And it's Aunt Liz who is helping her find recipes so that Fizzy can compete in the Southern Living Cook Off. Cooking is Fizzy's passion and it's the one area in which she feels she has control.
Of course, it doesn't help that things aren't going very well at school. "Nobody in Lush Valley seemed to need any new friends." She's often late for class, so much so that the principal has Fizzy "in her sight" and the guidance counselor, Mrs. Sloan, is always trying to get Fizzy to open up about things. What Mrs. Sloan doesn't understand is that "a polite lady ... doesn't discuss unpleasant or private stuff, and doesn't get all ... emotional-because that makes other people uncomfortable." So, Fizzy suffers in silence.
Things begin to change when Fizzy starts walking to school so she won't be late. She meets Zach, who lives just up the street. And although Fizzy thinks he's a little scary at first, they start to develop a friendship. Then, Fizzy helps Miyoko out in science class, and they become good friends, too. But as her school life begins to improve, it's her home life that suddenly starts to disintegrate.
Great voice and a spunky, sincere character to which students can relate. Fizzy is strong enough to stand up to the mean girls and is rewarded with a new friendship. But it's Fizzy's false assumptions about what others think about her that get her in the most trouble. Hopefully, students will see, through Fizzy, that it's always better to communicate your feelings to those you love, rather than assume the worst. Fizzy also comes to see that her friends don't have perfect families, either. Every family has problems, and part of being a family is figuring out how to deal with those problems. A definite addition to my elementary library.
January 24, 2024
This book took me through moments of being crush, back to whole, then back to being crushed again. The perspective of Fizzy is unlike anything I’ve read before and I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like a leftover in any way.
March 21, 2021
Divorce is never fun, especially for kids who either feel abandoned or caught in the middle. Thankfully, books like this one exist to make such children feel somewhat less alone. The Thing About Leftovers is a sweet, moving, and scrumptious delight of a book! I’m delighted to have discovered C.C. Payne’s enrapturing storytelling style, and I’m eager to read more of her writing. If you’re on the hunt for a book that examines the adjustment period for children of divorce or those adjusting to a blended family, this is a fantastic choice. I would also highly recommend it to lovers of books about food.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
January 10, 2016
Throughly enjoyable yarn about a young Southern girl's attempt to adjust to life with divorced parents and her new stepparents. Readers will likely identify with Fizzy's confusion and vulnerability as she negotiates the ping-pong effects of time spent split between two households. Her description of herself as a "leftover" something of which she is less than fond parallels her efforts in the kitchen. An aspiring chef, Fizzy figures winning the Southern Living Cook-Off is her best chance at proving she has value.
December 30, 2016
I appreciate when I come across a book for middle-age readers where the main character has true growth/learning through her struggles. I really felt that growth with Fizzy through her story. She is in a difficult situation. Both of her parents have remarried, and Fizzy isn't sure how/where she fits in either household or at school. I felt for her. I felt her frustrations and her fears.
March 1, 2017
I related so very closely with the main character in this middle grade read about a girl whose parents have divorced and are remarrying. Read this book and hand it to anyone who knows divorce or who doesn't know it but needs to understand how it impacts children. Oh, and the book was sweet and funny too
September 16, 2016
Putting this aside for a while - after the first few chapters, I just didn't find myself wanting to pick this book back up and continue the story. I found the main character unrelatable but will probably try to finish it sometime in the future.
August 10, 2017
A quick read about a girl struggling with changes in her family and how cooking helps her cope. The grownups made me crazy because they seemed oblivious, but maybe that's how 12-year olds feel about adults.
December 10, 2016
It was cute! Heartbreaking at times, but I liked the perspective Payne gives about this situation.
February 17, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This is a LYRC, Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice, nominee in the 6th - 8th grade category. It's a very sweet story featuring a likable main character who works through her feelings about all the changes in her life, changes she has no control over.
Fizzy Russo is a 12-year-old girl, Southern as grits, living in Louisville, Kentucky. Fizzy is short for Elizabeth, a nickname that has stuck since she was a little girl. Fizzy is going through a rough time -her parents have gotten divorced, so Fizzy has had to move and switch schools to Lush Valley Middle School where no one seems to need a new friend. However, her Aunt Liz has a saying that makes Fizzy feel better: “Almost everybody who’s anybody was nobody back when they were in school.”
Her dad has already remarried, and her mother is about to marry her boyfriend. This makes Fizzy feel like her parents are starting fresh new families and she’s just a leftover from a previous attempt at having a family. “And here’s the thing about leftovers – nobody is ever excited about leftovers. They are just something you have to deal with.” Fizzy feels worse than leftover spaghetti noodles – hence the title and the noodle design of the cover. Fizzy says, “I would always be the knot that tied two people who really, really wanted to be untied.”
But she does have a hobby that makes her happy: Fizzy LOVES to cook. She absolutely hates leftovers because they mean she doesn’t get to cook a new meal. When she grows up, she wants to be a television chef and host a show called “Fabulous Foods and Feasts with Fizzy Russo.”
Fizzy aspires to win the Southern Living Cook-Off contest. There are 5 categories that people can submit recipes to: Your Best Recipe, Family Favorites, Southern Desserts, Healthy and Good for You, and Party Starters. Fizzy is going to submit recipes in all 5 categories. She is desperate to win because that will prove her worth to everyone around her.
So, will Fizzy win the big prize in the Southern Living Cook-Off? Will she finally be able to accept her new families, which include her too-perfect stepmother and her hard-to-please stepfather?
This is a LYRC, Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice, nominee in the 6th - 8th grade category. It's a very sweet story featuring a likable main character who works through her feelings about all the changes in her life, changes she has no control over.
Fizzy Russo is a 12-year-old girl, Southern as grits, living in Louisville, Kentucky. Fizzy is short for Elizabeth, a nickname that has stuck since she was a little girl. Fizzy is going through a rough time -her parents have gotten divorced, so Fizzy has had to move and switch schools to Lush Valley Middle School where no one seems to need a new friend. However, her Aunt Liz has a saying that makes Fizzy feel better: “Almost everybody who’s anybody was nobody back when they were in school.”
Her dad has already remarried, and her mother is about to marry her boyfriend. This makes Fizzy feel like her parents are starting fresh new families and she’s just a leftover from a previous attempt at having a family. “And here’s the thing about leftovers – nobody is ever excited about leftovers. They are just something you have to deal with.” Fizzy feels worse than leftover spaghetti noodles – hence the title and the noodle design of the cover. Fizzy says, “I would always be the knot that tied two people who really, really wanted to be untied.”
But she does have a hobby that makes her happy: Fizzy LOVES to cook. She absolutely hates leftovers because they mean she doesn’t get to cook a new meal. When she grows up, she wants to be a television chef and host a show called “Fabulous Foods and Feasts with Fizzy Russo.”
Fizzy aspires to win the Southern Living Cook-Off contest. There are 5 categories that people can submit recipes to: Your Best Recipe, Family Favorites, Southern Desserts, Healthy and Good for You, and Party Starters. Fizzy is going to submit recipes in all 5 categories. She is desperate to win because that will prove her worth to everyone around her.
So, will Fizzy win the big prize in the Southern Living Cook-Off? Will she finally be able to accept her new families, which include her too-perfect stepmother and her hard-to-please stepfather?
May 30, 2020
Out in left field. A fifth wheel. Left out in the cold. The odd one out. Leftovers. We've probably all felt like this at some point or another and C.C Payne helps us work through it in this competitor for the Iowa Children's Choice Award 2019-2020.
Fizzy's parents are divorced and her father has remarried. When she goes to stay with him, it doesn't feel like home anymore. There are new rules and the new house and it makes her feel like a guest instead of a member of the family.
When her mother also remarries, it is the tipping point for Fizzy. Her new husband isn't used to kids and doesn't seem to like Fizzy. She's gone from feeling like a guest to thinking she's a pest. And once again there are new rules. Fizzy starts to wonder what will happen to her if both new parents decide they don't want her to stay with them. Would she be homeless? Or put into foster care? Through a series of caring adults and friends, Fizzy navigates a painful time in her life.
As a teacher, this book made me think more deeply about the social-emotional realities involved in this situation. Being in Izzy's shoes (whether they are by the front door, in the kitchen sink, or being taken from her as punishment) helped me to better understand the difficulties of this reality through a middle-grade student's eyes. I know that I will support students using a wider range of strategies as I move forward, and that is reading time well spent.
The Lexile Measure of this book is 750, which makes it accessible to many fourth graders. At this time I can't locate a guided reading level.
After reading this book, you'll wish C.C. Payne would have included the recipe for some of Fizzy's culinary creations - but that also leaves the door open for you to experiment with some of your own! The Thing About Leftovers
Fizzy's parents are divorced and her father has remarried. When she goes to stay with him, it doesn't feel like home anymore. There are new rules and the new house and it makes her feel like a guest instead of a member of the family.
When her mother also remarries, it is the tipping point for Fizzy. Her new husband isn't used to kids and doesn't seem to like Fizzy. She's gone from feeling like a guest to thinking she's a pest. And once again there are new rules. Fizzy starts to wonder what will happen to her if both new parents decide they don't want her to stay with them. Would she be homeless? Or put into foster care? Through a series of caring adults and friends, Fizzy navigates a painful time in her life.
As a teacher, this book made me think more deeply about the social-emotional realities involved in this situation. Being in Izzy's shoes (whether they are by the front door, in the kitchen sink, or being taken from her as punishment) helped me to better understand the difficulties of this reality through a middle-grade student's eyes. I know that I will support students using a wider range of strategies as I move forward, and that is reading time well spent.
The Lexile Measure of this book is 750, which makes it accessible to many fourth graders. At this time I can't locate a guided reading level.
After reading this book, you'll wish C.C. Payne would have included the recipe for some of Fizzy's culinary creations - but that also leaves the door open for you to experiment with some of your own! The Thing About Leftovers
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