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Summer of a Thousand Pies

by Margaret Dilloway

Subject
Family - Multigenerational
Age
6-8 years
Format
Trade Paperback
Pages
400
Publisher
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen
Size
12.4 cm × 18.5 cm
ISBN
9780062803474

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.

About the author

Margaret DillowayAuthor

Margaret Dilloway is the author of Summer of a Thousand Pies and six other books for children and adults. She lives with her family in San Diego, where she performs long-form improv on three teams and writes and produces sketch shows. Margaret can be found online at www.margaretdilloway.com.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

“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
© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.