Twelve year old Fizzy can't seem to find her place in her newly changed family. She's an only child, and since both her parents have embarked on new relationships, she's a bit of a third wheel. And now her dad and stepmum are having a baby, and her mum's about to marry her neat freak, dismissive boyfriend, leaving Fizzy feeling like a leftover kid that no one really wants. Since Fizzy's passion is cooking and she would welcome a distraction from her family drama, she eagerly enters the Southern Living cook-off. As Fizzy perfects her recipe for the Russo family lasagna - which tastes even better the next day - she's surprised and heartened to find that some leftovers aren't so bad after all.

One for the Murphys meets Hope Was Here in this story about navigating divorce and blended families, following your passion, and making your place in a shifting world.

About the Author
C. C. Payne (www.ccpayne.net) was born and raised in Kentucky by a family chock-full of superb storytellers. At the age of seven, she became a voracious reader. She says, "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?" She also wrote Something to Sing About, which was nominated for a Children's Crown Award and a Kentucky Bluegrass Award, and Lula Bell on Geekdom, Freakdom & the Challenges of Bad Hair.

Reviews
Praise for The Thing About Leftovers:

"Fizzy's first-person narration is by turns hilarious and poignant as she struggles to find her voice . . . The subjects of divorce and middle school drama are well handled. Tween readers will appreciate this gentle read as they empathize with Fizzy's feelings of inadequacy and root for her success."-School Library Journal

"Payne provides plenty of realistic detail here about Fizzy's slowly evolving relationships with her parents, stepparents, and new friends . . . Her growth feels authentic and her progress well-earned. Readers experiencing family challenges of their own will laugh and cry with Fizzy, rejoicing as she cooks up quite the satisfying new life for herself."-Kirkus Reviews

"The Thing About Leftovers is a fun read about a serious topic . . . Children of blended families will relate to Fizzy's thoughts and emotions. A thought-provoking read for parents and children alike."--VOYA

"With some really solid emotional insights and an energetic, engaging style, this will enlighten middle-school readers trying to sort through the complexities of family situations they didn't ask for but need grace to deal with nonetheless."-BCCB

"Hauntingly accurate portrayal of a young girl's turmoil after her parents' divorce . . . As they begin new families and new relationships, Fizzy feels frazzled, alone, and aching for the past . . . Payne's characters give such interesting perspectives from 'leftover kids' that it may inspire some readers to reinspect their own relationships. The plot and characters are bluntly realistic, and Fizzy's story should resonate with those looking for their place in a newly blended family."-Booklist



Book Information
ISBN 9780147514226
Author C.C. Payne
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Nancy Paulsen Books
Publisher Nancy Paulsen Books
Weight(grams) 215g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 129mm * 18mm