Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech is praised for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters. Readers appreciate the warm, engaging narrative and themes of friendship and family. However, some critique its simplistic plot and predictability. Overall, it is a touching, accessible read that resonates with both young and adult audiences.

An ideal reader for Sharon Creech's Granny Torrelli Makes Soup is a middle-grade student, aged 8-12, who enjoys heartwarming, relatable stories about friendship, family, and overcoming conflicts. Fans of Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan and Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie will appreciate its emotional depth and nuanced character relationships.

In Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, 12-year-old Rosie, feeling strained by jealousy and misunderstandings with her best friend Bailey, spends time with her Italian grandmother, Granny Torrelli, who imparts wisdom through stories from her own childhood while they cook together, helping Rosie learn the value of friendship and forgiveness. The book mentions visual impairment and family separation.

Heartwarming / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Emotional / Contemplative

- Granny Torrelli Makes Soup is a unique blend of prose and verse, reflecting Sharon Creech's signature storytelling style that invites readers into the rhythmic flow of the narrative. 
- The book highlights the Italian tradition of storytelling around meals, using the act of cooking as a metaphor for relationships and personal growth, something for which Creech has expressed a personal fondness.
- Sharon Creech, who authored Granny Torrelli Makes Soup, is a Newbery Medal-winning author, recognized for her impactful stories that often focus on family dynamics and personal discovery.

**Rosie**  
A determined and imaginative 12-year-old girl who is the protagonist of the story, navigating the complexities of friendship and understanding her own emotions. Her relationship with her best friend Bailey is central to her journey of personal growth.

**Bailey**  
Rosie's best friend and neighbor, who is visually impaired and attends a different school. His friendship with Rosie is significant and they both learn important life lessons through their interactions.

**Granny Torrelli**  
Rosie's grandmother, who shares her life experiences through storytelling and helps guide Rosie and Bailey through their challenges. Her stories connect with her own past and cultural heritage.

**Janine**  
A lively girl who poses a perceived threat to Rosie's friendship with Bailey, triggering feelings of jealousy in Rosie.

**Violetta**  
A girl from Granny Torrelli's past who becomes a source of jealousy when she catches the attention of Granny Torrelli's friend, Pardo.

**Pardo**  
Granny Torrelli’s closest childhood friend, whose relationship with her mirrors Rosie’s friendship with Bailey. His story offers insights into themes of jealousy and friendship.

**Marco**  
A character from Granny Torrelli’s past who develops romantic feelings for her, creating tension with Pardo.

Sharon Creech

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Granny Torrelli Makes Soup and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Summary and Study Guide

Background

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Soup”

Part 1, Chapters 1-13

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Part 1, Chapters 1-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 14-18

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Part 1, Chapters 14-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 19-23

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Part 1, Chapters 19-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Pasta”

Part 2, Chapters 24-31

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Part 2, Chapters 24-31 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 32-38

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Part 2, Chapters 32-38 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Character Analysis

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Themes

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup Essay Topics

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Granny Torrelli Makes Soup?

Reading Age

Book Details