Summer of a Thousand Pies

A heartfelt contemporary middle grade novel about a girl who must try to save her aunt’s failing pie shop, perfect for fans of The Thing About Jellyfish, Fish in a Tree—and The Great British Baking Show.

When Cady Bennett is sent to live with the aunt she didn’t even know she had in the quaint mountain town of Julian, she isn’t sure what to expect. Cady isn’t used to stability, after growing up homeless in San Diego with her dad.

Now she’s staying in her mother’s old room, exploring the countryside filled with apple orchards and pie shops, making friends, and working in Aunt Shell’s own pie shop—and soon, Cady starts to feel like she belongs.

Then she finds out that Aunt Shell’s shop is failing. Saving the business and protecting the first place she’s ever really felt safe will take everything she's learned and the help of all her new friends. But are there some things even the perfect pie just can’t fix?

Summer of a Thousand Pies is a sweet and satisfying treat of a novel full of friendship, family, and, of course, pie.

Can one girl with a talent for baking and a heart full of hope save the first home she’s ever known?

• A Story About Belonging: After growing up homeless, Cady Bennett finds a place she might finally call home in her aunt’s cozy pie shop—if she can save it from closing.
• Baking, Friendship, and Pie: Cady discovers her own talent for baking as she makes new friends and learns that the best recipes are the ones you share.
• Overcoming Adversity: A touching and hopeful middle grade novel that explores themes of homelessness and family struggles with sensitivity and warmth.
• Bonus Recipes Included: Includes a collection of Cady’s favorite pie and cake recipes from the story, perfect for young bakers to try at home!

“Memorable characters and strong writing make this more than just a book about pie.” - School Library Journal

“Fans of Anne of Green Gables will find a satisfying story and another heroine to cheer on…. Sweet as pie.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Inspiring and hopeful…. [a] tender coming-of-age story, perfect for fans for Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Ali Benjamin.” - ALA Booklist

“Evok[ing] the warmth of home, newfound security, and friendship, Dilloway effectively contrasts Cady’s old life with her new one while examining her muddled emotions.... Those who share the protagonist’s passion for the culinary arts will delight in the easy-to-follow pie recipes following the story’s gratifying conclusion.” - Publishers Weekly

“The writing is lovely, and the main character is sensitively portrayed. Summer of a Thousand Pies is delightful reading for summer or any other season.” - Margarita Engle, Young People’s Poet Laureate and Newbery Honor-winning author of The Surrender Tree

“Readers will delight in Cady’s new world of baking and friends and learning that with both, she’ll be able to get through just about anything. This fabulous book about making pies will leave you hungry, while Cady’s journey toward making a life will leave you entirely satisfied.” - Donna Gephart, award-winning author of Lily and Dunkin and In Your Shoes

“Margaret Dilloway approaches tough topics with a fine touch. Readers are going to love Cady’s spunk, determination, and grit.” - Karina Yan Glaser, the author of The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street