Sarah Weeks' Pie delights with its charming characters and heartfelt story, appealing to middle-grade readers. The book effectively blends mystery and nostalgia, with poignant themes of family and friendship. Some critics, however, find its plot predictable, and the 1950s setting may feel anachronistic to younger audiences. Overall, an engaging read.

Readers who would enjoy Pie by Sarah Weeks are typically preteens and young adolescents who appreciate heartwarming, family-centric stories. Fans of Joanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks and Kate DiCamillo's Because of Winn-Dixie will find similar charm, relatable characters, and themes of friendship and community in this engaging middle-grade novel.

In Sarah Weeks's mid-grade novel Pie, 10-year-old Alice Anderson navigates a summer of mystery and adventure in 1955 Ipswitch, Pennsylvania, after the sudden death of her beloved aunt Polly, who left behind a famous pie shop and a secret piecrust recipe. With help from her classmate Charlie, Alice untangles the secrets surrounding Polly's legacy and the community's future.

Heartwarming / Nostalgic / Humorous / Playful

**Alice Anderson**  
Alice is a curious and independent 10-year-old girl, the only child of Ruth and George. She shares a close bond with her Aunt Polly and faces various challenges throughout the story.  

**Charlie Erdling**  
Charlie is Alice’s classmate, a tall and loyal red-headed boy who becomes her best friend and helps her on her adventures. He is known for his mechanical skills and often helps deliver groceries in the village.  

**Aunt Polly Portman**  
Polly is Alice’s beloved aunt who runs a pie shop noted for its extraordinary pies, which she gives away rather than sells. Her kindness and pie-making skills bring visitors and attention to their small village.  

**Ruth Anderson**  
Ruth is Alice’s mother, Polly’s younger sister, who often feels overshadowed by Polly’s popularity. She is depicted as anxious and resentful but has a hidden talent for singing.  

**George Anderson**  
George is Alice’s father, generally remaining in the background and trying to maintain peace in the family dynamics. He often prefers to escape into reading to avoid conflicts.  

**Lardo**  
Lardo is Polly’s large, pure white cat, known for his disagreeable temperament with everyone but Polly. He is left in Alice’s care after Polly’s passing.  

**Miss Lucille Gurke**  
Miss Gurke is the strict and enigmatic school principal known for her fascination with bodybuilding. She quickly becomes a suspect in the story’s mysteries.  

**Sylvia Desoto/Jane Quizenberry**  
Sylvia, who is later revealed to be Jane Quizenberry, is a reporter and frequent visitor in search of Polly’s pie recipe. She is involved in various mysterious activities after Polly’s death.

Sarah Weeks 

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Novel

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