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The Truth About Triangles
A heartfelt contemporary middle grade novel perfect for fans of
Front Desk
, following Luca Salvatore, a young gay Italian American trying to save his family’s pizza restaurant and a life that feels like it’s falling apart after he learns that his parents may be separating and his first crush and best friend might be into each other.
Twelve-year-old Luca Salvatore is always running in arguments between his younger twin siblings, in his parents’ troubled marriage, and between Will, the cute new boy in town, and Luca’s best friend, June, who just can’t seem to get along.
When the host of his favorite culinary TV show announces an open call for submissions for its final season, Luca is sure getting his family's failing pizzeria on the show will save it and bring his falling-apart family together. Surprisingly, securing a spot is easier than kneading dough—but when the plan to fix everything comes out burned, Luca is left scrambling to figure out just the right recipe to bring his family and his friends back together.
From Lambda Literary finalist Michael Leali, The Truth About Triangles is full of heart, perfect for fans of Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Kelly Yang, and Maulik Pancholy.
Twelve-year-old Luca Salvatore is always running in arguments between his younger twin siblings, in his parents’ troubled marriage, and between Will, the cute new boy in town, and Luca’s best friend, June, who just can’t seem to get along.
When the host of his favorite culinary TV show announces an open call for submissions for its final season, Luca is sure getting his family's failing pizzeria on the show will save it and bring his falling-apart family together. Surprisingly, securing a spot is easier than kneading dough—but when the plan to fix everything comes out burned, Luca is left scrambling to figure out just the right recipe to bring his family and his friends back together.
From Lambda Literary finalist Michael Leali, The Truth About Triangles is full of heart, perfect for fans of Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Kelly Yang, and Maulik Pancholy.
Unknown Binding
First published May 21, 2024
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About the author
Michael Leali
3 books82 followersMichael Leali is a writer and educator. He received his MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When he’s not dreaming up stories, he’s probably playing a board game, eating cheese, or grading papers somewhere in the suburbs of Chicago. The Civil War of Amos Abernathy is his debut novel. Visit Michael at michaelleali.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @michaelleali.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 23, 2024
OMG!!! 😭😭😭🥺😭 I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!
This book is PERFECT. I hated the parents the entire time but yes the ending is everything the boy deserves!
This book is PERFECT. I hated the parents the entire time but yes the ending is everything the boy deserves!
June 26, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“When every part of your life is a dumpster fire, it’s hard to know which flame to put out first.”
Earlier last month, I had read Michael Leali's debut, because I was interested in reading his latest middle grade novel, The Truth About Triangles, as I wanted a better feel of his writing style, before giving it a shot. That one wasn't as promising as I thought it would be. But, I have to say that this was a major step up from his previous novel, where I actually had to stop and say to myself, is this really written by the same author? It was such a well-thought out read, one that progressed at a believable pace that left me really impressed at how good a middle grade read it turned out to be. 🤌🏻 👨🏼🍳
“Sometimes it’s overwhelming—all the have-tos, all the different things I’ve gotta fix—like a pizza stacked with too many toppings. The weight of it piles up on my chest. It gets hard to breathe.”
It was really difficult not to sympathize with twelve-year-old 'you’re one in a million, Luca Salvatore.' Right from the gecko, when his parents expect of him extra responsibilities around the pizza parlour that they own, my heart was already going out to him. It's a tough challenge being a kid and being an adult, and it wasn't fair to see him having to bear so much burden on himself. 💔 It helped, though, how deeply invested and in love he is in their family business - how pizza is in his Italian DNA - it's literally his dream - his passion. What sucks, though, is how hard it's hitting his parents' relationship - how he has to see them constantly at odds with each other, while he has to pick up the slack with his nine-year-old twin siblings, as well. It's cool - he's got it under control; he may be only twelve, but he loves his parents and the pizzeria too much not to let anything bother him.
But, what happens when the challenges become too much? What happens when all the good things in his life suddenly start crumbling around him? 'I’m a lot of things: a master pizza maker, a big brother, an oldest son, a decent-to-average student. (Okay, fine. Just average. But a guy can’t be everything!)' From his favorite culinary TV show host, pizza extraordinaire Travis Parker announcing that its their final season, from his parents heading towards a separation he definitely is not in favor of, to him having a fall-out with June, his best friend forever, because of his newfound attraction for the new cute boy in town, Will suddenly is faced with an impossible task - more troubling than creating the perfect slice of pizza - of how hard and how fast he can work to save everything from falling completely apart - and without losing sight of himself in the process. 😔
“I hardly ever think about what will make me happy. Not really. Getting on Pizza Perfect, meeting Travis Parker—all that made me happy, but it wasn’t for me. It was for my family. For the restaurant.
But what do I want? What’s just for me?”
I liked how real Luca - 'Worry is my freaking middle name' was as a person. The writing captured his anxiety and his emotions in such a relatable way that I began to care for him and his concerns. His parents definitely expected a lot from him, which I also related to; how you really don't get to act your age, because you're burdened with so many extra issues - that well, you really shouldn't be. 'I’ve always been the oldest kid, the reliable one, the Salvatore who gets stuff done.' They definitely did appreciate his help and were grateful for it, but I wish they could have realized sooner how the added assistance wasn't fair to him. It was hard seeing how his parents' financial woes became his own - how he couldn't bear the thought that his mother could be interested in dating another, when they haven't even legalized anything yet. 😐 Those feelings and his reactions were heartfelt and so believable - how as the dutiful son, he never openly expressed his own problems honestly and openly, so as not to trouble his parents more than they already are. Leali really got inside the twelve-year-old mind and made his outbursts and desperation cling to your core; that you were on his side throughout and felt that an injustice was being done to this child. A child that was a determined and caring son, who only wanted the best for his family - to keep his younger siblings from killing each other, to save his parents' marriage, as well as their business from going down under. 😢
His efforts were so heartfelt - he worked so hard - put his whole heart into making ends meet - in more ways than one. That one scene in particular was so reminiscent of The Parent Trap, but I wanted him to succeed. I hoped that he did; it was just so heartbreaking to see that amidst all this pressure, inside he was breaking apart, without focusing on himself and bearing the burden alone. How he desperately wished his parents would realize that they could still save their marriage, despite their problems. 'You shouldn’t have to be responsible for anything more than just being you. Being a kid.' 😢 He cared enough that his own creativity behind his pizza ideas went on the back-burner, that he invested his whole heart into garnering Tervor Parker's interest in their little family pizza joint so that they could win the top prize and save their family restaurant. And he really had such a talented streak in him - one that was so passionate about making some delicious mouth-watering recipes that his mother simply had no interest in adding to their menu, which frustrated me even further at her nonchalance, when she was working him to the bone! And add to these already family concerns, is his own personal feelings of finally having a crush on a boy, who might just like him in return - unless his best friend cares for him just the same. 😟
“And I have this weird urge to hug him. To wrap my arms around him.
To hold his hand.
But I don’t. Because we’re friends. FRIENDS.”
Nothing better than reliving your middle school days than one which captures the petty arguments and the undeniable crushes that eat away at you! 😅 And yet, I enjoyed revisiting it with Luca. It was really cute to see him crush on Will - 'but now I know one thing for certain: Will White makes me feel more' - even though he felt guilty about betraying his trust with June. ❤️🩹🫂❤️🩹 I liked Will - he was a breath of fresh air who was so understanding and supportive of Luca; how he so easily made him feel brave and that makes me feel safe'; how he didn't flinch when Luca told him he was gay, and how he was open to his ideas and his feelings and genuinely was grateful for being so kind to the new kid on the block. They shared some really cute scenes together, one where it was nice to see Luca fight off his attraction, because it was so nice to finally have another friend. And while I did feel that June's jealousy was a bit petty, and Luca's own thoughts that he deserved to have a friend of his own felt a bit childish and unnecessary, I liked that he was the bigger man and apologized. I liked that he put in an effort to save their friendship, despite how much he was afraid that he would lose Will. Of how he wasn't sure if he was gay like him, and that he didn't want to risk losing either of them if he admitted or even acted upon his feelings. 🫶🏻🔺🫶🏻 But, how it eventually played out - with a really sweet and cute dance scene, and a genuine heart-to-heart between Luca and the two of them respectively - it tied into the narrative really well and never felt like an extra part of it. 👏🏻
“Pizzas are made one ingredient at a time. Slow it down, Luca. You got this.”
The context behind the triangle in the title was also nicely explored. It's not only a pizza slice that is shaped like a triangle, but also how various relationships in Luca's life were shaped in that of a triangle. And when one side would get affected, the triangle would fall apart; in order to keep its strength, Luca had to work hard to keep it uptight, but he also had to remind those included in it that he couldn't do it alone. 'Three people coming together, each one holding their own weight, loving each other into the shape they were always meant to be.' 💌 That even the adults and the others involved in his life realized how important it was to regard his feelings, as well. That the three points of a triangle had to hold up their own and play their part in making sure that it stayed strong. Whether it was his siblings, his parents, or his best friends - Luca proved that he was someone who would not entirely break in the heat of the moment, but he wasn't one who wouldn't stay out of the oven when things got too hot to handle. And I think that's why it was such an engaging read. One that ended on a heartfelt note of where he was able to reach a point of closure and happiness that proved that his efforts had not been in vain. 🥰🥰
For when everything finally boils over - the lesson Luca learned from it was a valuable one, one that made him treat himself in a more positive and deserving one. One that resonated well with me, and helped Luca realize the importance of not only slowing down, but realizing that it is okay to ask for help and express himself. How people work hard to cover up how they truly feel, but that he doesn't have to do that, either. That it is okay for him to complain and argue over the extra concerns he's expected to shoulder - that he is allowed to have time for himself and just slow down and savor the moment. Life won't run away from him, nor can he control everything that's happening around him; what he can do is simply live and enjoy it as he is, without feeling guilty about it. 🥺 'But I like this feeling. It’s a slice of bliss, and now that I’ve tasted it, I don’t ever want to let it go. To finally be relieved of that undue tension, to finally be happy with someone who returns their feelings, to finally just be allowed to be a kid - it left me with a content smile on my face that this heartwarming read left me with - and had nothing to do with my own craving of pizza. 😋 Which, trust me - with all the delicious flavors and toppings Luca throws at you - you'll definitely want a slice after reading it. It was Pizza Perfect . 🍕🍕
“When every part of your life is a dumpster fire, it’s hard to know which flame to put out first.”
Earlier last month, I had read Michael Leali's debut, because I was interested in reading his latest middle grade novel, The Truth About Triangles, as I wanted a better feel of his writing style, before giving it a shot. That one wasn't as promising as I thought it would be. But, I have to say that this was a major step up from his previous novel, where I actually had to stop and say to myself, is this really written by the same author? It was such a well-thought out read, one that progressed at a believable pace that left me really impressed at how good a middle grade read it turned out to be. 🤌🏻 👨🏼🍳
“Sometimes it’s overwhelming—all the have-tos, all the different things I’ve gotta fix—like a pizza stacked with too many toppings. The weight of it piles up on my chest. It gets hard to breathe.”
It was really difficult not to sympathize with twelve-year-old 'you’re one in a million, Luca Salvatore.' Right from the gecko, when his parents expect of him extra responsibilities around the pizza parlour that they own, my heart was already going out to him. It's a tough challenge being a kid and being an adult, and it wasn't fair to see him having to bear so much burden on himself. 💔 It helped, though, how deeply invested and in love he is in their family business - how pizza is in his Italian DNA - it's literally his dream - his passion. What sucks, though, is how hard it's hitting his parents' relationship - how he has to see them constantly at odds with each other, while he has to pick up the slack with his nine-year-old twin siblings, as well. It's cool - he's got it under control; he may be only twelve, but he loves his parents and the pizzeria too much not to let anything bother him.
But, what happens when the challenges become too much? What happens when all the good things in his life suddenly start crumbling around him? 'I’m a lot of things: a master pizza maker, a big brother, an oldest son, a decent-to-average student. (Okay, fine. Just average. But a guy can’t be everything!)' From his favorite culinary TV show host, pizza extraordinaire Travis Parker announcing that its their final season, from his parents heading towards a separation he definitely is not in favor of, to him having a fall-out with June, his best friend forever, because of his newfound attraction for the new cute boy in town, Will suddenly is faced with an impossible task - more troubling than creating the perfect slice of pizza - of how hard and how fast he can work to save everything from falling completely apart - and without losing sight of himself in the process. 😔
“I hardly ever think about what will make me happy. Not really. Getting on Pizza Perfect, meeting Travis Parker—all that made me happy, but it wasn’t for me. It was for my family. For the restaurant.
But what do I want? What’s just for me?”
I liked how real Luca - 'Worry is my freaking middle name' was as a person. The writing captured his anxiety and his emotions in such a relatable way that I began to care for him and his concerns. His parents definitely expected a lot from him, which I also related to; how you really don't get to act your age, because you're burdened with so many extra issues - that well, you really shouldn't be. 'I’ve always been the oldest kid, the reliable one, the Salvatore who gets stuff done.' They definitely did appreciate his help and were grateful for it, but I wish they could have realized sooner how the added assistance wasn't fair to him. It was hard seeing how his parents' financial woes became his own - how he couldn't bear the thought that his mother could be interested in dating another, when they haven't even legalized anything yet. 😐 Those feelings and his reactions were heartfelt and so believable - how as the dutiful son, he never openly expressed his own problems honestly and openly, so as not to trouble his parents more than they already are. Leali really got inside the twelve-year-old mind and made his outbursts and desperation cling to your core; that you were on his side throughout and felt that an injustice was being done to this child. A child that was a determined and caring son, who only wanted the best for his family - to keep his younger siblings from killing each other, to save his parents' marriage, as well as their business from going down under. 😢
His efforts were so heartfelt - he worked so hard - put his whole heart into making ends meet - in more ways than one. That one scene in particular was so reminiscent of The Parent Trap, but I wanted him to succeed. I hoped that he did; it was just so heartbreaking to see that amidst all this pressure, inside he was breaking apart, without focusing on himself and bearing the burden alone. How he desperately wished his parents would realize that they could still save their marriage, despite their problems. 'You shouldn’t have to be responsible for anything more than just being you. Being a kid.' 😢 He cared enough that his own creativity behind his pizza ideas went on the back-burner, that he invested his whole heart into garnering Tervor Parker's interest in their little family pizza joint so that they could win the top prize and save their family restaurant. And he really had such a talented streak in him - one that was so passionate about making some delicious mouth-watering recipes that his mother simply had no interest in adding to their menu, which frustrated me even further at her nonchalance, when she was working him to the bone! And add to these already family concerns, is his own personal feelings of finally having a crush on a boy, who might just like him in return - unless his best friend cares for him just the same. 😟
“And I have this weird urge to hug him. To wrap my arms around him.
To hold his hand.
But I don’t. Because we’re friends. FRIENDS.”
Nothing better than reliving your middle school days than one which captures the petty arguments and the undeniable crushes that eat away at you! 😅 And yet, I enjoyed revisiting it with Luca. It was really cute to see him crush on Will - 'but now I know one thing for certain: Will White makes me feel more' - even though he felt guilty about betraying his trust with June. ❤️🩹🫂❤️🩹 I liked Will - he was a breath of fresh air who was so understanding and supportive of Luca; how he so easily made him feel brave and that makes me feel safe'; how he didn't flinch when Luca told him he was gay, and how he was open to his ideas and his feelings and genuinely was grateful for being so kind to the new kid on the block. They shared some really cute scenes together, one where it was nice to see Luca fight off his attraction, because it was so nice to finally have another friend. And while I did feel that June's jealousy was a bit petty, and Luca's own thoughts that he deserved to have a friend of his own felt a bit childish and unnecessary, I liked that he was the bigger man and apologized. I liked that he put in an effort to save their friendship, despite how much he was afraid that he would lose Will. Of how he wasn't sure if he was gay like him, and that he didn't want to risk losing either of them if he admitted or even acted upon his feelings. 🫶🏻🔺🫶🏻 But, how it eventually played out - with a really sweet and cute dance scene, and a genuine heart-to-heart between Luca and the two of them respectively - it tied into the narrative really well and never felt like an extra part of it. 👏🏻
“Pizzas are made one ingredient at a time. Slow it down, Luca. You got this.”
The context behind the triangle in the title was also nicely explored. It's not only a pizza slice that is shaped like a triangle, but also how various relationships in Luca's life were shaped in that of a triangle. And when one side would get affected, the triangle would fall apart; in order to keep its strength, Luca had to work hard to keep it uptight, but he also had to remind those included in it that he couldn't do it alone. 'Three people coming together, each one holding their own weight, loving each other into the shape they were always meant to be.' 💌 That even the adults and the others involved in his life realized how important it was to regard his feelings, as well. That the three points of a triangle had to hold up their own and play their part in making sure that it stayed strong. Whether it was his siblings, his parents, or his best friends - Luca proved that he was someone who would not entirely break in the heat of the moment, but he wasn't one who wouldn't stay out of the oven when things got too hot to handle. And I think that's why it was such an engaging read. One that ended on a heartfelt note of where he was able to reach a point of closure and happiness that proved that his efforts had not been in vain. 🥰🥰
For when everything finally boils over - the lesson Luca learned from it was a valuable one, one that made him treat himself in a more positive and deserving one. One that resonated well with me, and helped Luca realize the importance of not only slowing down, but realizing that it is okay to ask for help and express himself. How people work hard to cover up how they truly feel, but that he doesn't have to do that, either. That it is okay for him to complain and argue over the extra concerns he's expected to shoulder - that he is allowed to have time for himself and just slow down and savor the moment. Life won't run away from him, nor can he control everything that's happening around him; what he can do is simply live and enjoy it as he is, without feeling guilty about it. 🥺 'But I like this feeling. It’s a slice of bliss, and now that I’ve tasted it, I don’t ever want to let it go. To finally be relieved of that undue tension, to finally be happy with someone who returns their feelings, to finally just be allowed to be a kid - it left me with a content smile on my face that this heartwarming read left me with - and had nothing to do with my own craving of pizza. 😋 Which, trust me - with all the delicious flavors and toppings Luca throws at you - you'll definitely want a slice after reading it. It was Pizza Perfect . 🍕🍕
June 9, 2024
This book was an absolutely incredible rollercoaster. Don’t be fooled by thinking it is just a “get on celebrity chef TV show“ book. Oh my gosh this has so many layers and I just cannot stop kvelling at how wonderful the way that parentification of kids is used. I think I cried the entire final 100 pages. Oh my gosh reading this author is always a treat but this was truly a piece of perfection. 🍕
March 28, 2024
Incredibly cute middle grade book about a middle school boy who’s trying to hold it all together, his friendships, his parents marriage, and the family pizzeria. Luca is a talented pizza maker and anxious kid who wants to make everything perfect for everyone else and loses himself in the process.
Paced well, the right amount of cheesy, so much heart, and a fantastic wrap up. I even think some of my high school students would like this.
Thank you Edelweiss Plus and the Publisher for the E-ARC.
Paced well, the right amount of cheesy, so much heart, and a fantastic wrap up. I even think some of my high school students would like this.
Thank you Edelweiss Plus and the Publisher for the E-ARC.
December 21, 2024
I adore queer middle grade books, but something about this didn’t fully work for me. The story about Luca trying to save his family’s pizzeria while having family and friendship drama was appealing. I liked seeing how passionate Luca was about the different pizzas he was making. The conflict of his parents treating him as more of an adult because he was the oldest and putting too much responsibilities on him felt very realistic.
But where the book lost me a little bit was that it felt like it was a middle grade book for adult audiences. Almost all of the pop culture references were from older generations and some of the slang being used did not seem modern at all. A lot of the time Luca didn’t really feel like a twelve year old to me.
It’s cool to have a queer middle grade book where the character is already out. Luca’s friends and family already know that he’s gay. Now he just has to wonder if his new crush Will also likes boys. It’s nice to have an alternative to coming out stories for younger audiences.
But where the book lost me a little bit was that it felt like it was a middle grade book for adult audiences. Almost all of the pop culture references were from older generations and some of the slang being used did not seem modern at all. A lot of the time Luca didn’t really feel like a twelve year old to me.
It’s cool to have a queer middle grade book where the character is already out. Luca’s friends and family already know that he’s gay. Now he just has to wonder if his new crush Will also likes boys. It’s nice to have an alternative to coming out stories for younger audiences.
May 28, 2024
A heartwarming and tender middle grade novel featuring a gay Italian American tween who tries hard to save his family's pizzaria by getting the restuarant on a reality tv show while his parents become separated and his best friend falls for the boy he has a crush on. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Ronnie Riley or Phil Stamper. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 3, 2024
This was cute. Queer middle grade contemporary is one of my favorite sub genres to read and that's definitely hits the spot for that. I will say I think it's my least favorite book by this author. It was cute and I loved the pizza setting and the concept of being on a celebrity cooking show, but the family elements just weren't my favorite.
The main character is like 12 in this book and his parents treat him like an adult and expect him to work at the pizza shop and watch his siblings and take all of this responsibility and I just don't think that relationship dynamic is ever truly tackled as being as problematic as it actually is. There is a scene towards the end where the parents apologize and say they're going to do better but that doesn't outweigh the harm and honestly borderline abuse that happens. Not to mention that forcing a 12-year-old to work is illegal. And while I caught onto that concept as an adult reading this book, I don't think that this book is as well suited for children and that is unfortunate because that's its primary audience.
As an adult I can look in on the situation and understand that what is happening is wrong and heartbreaking and understand that those parents are 100% in the wrong, but because it isn't explicitly addressed like that in the book, I worry that younger readers aren't going to take that away from this. And maybe they wouldn't even care about that concept but it just didn't feel right to me.
The main character is like 12 in this book and his parents treat him like an adult and expect him to work at the pizza shop and watch his siblings and take all of this responsibility and I just don't think that relationship dynamic is ever truly tackled as being as problematic as it actually is. There is a scene towards the end where the parents apologize and say they're going to do better but that doesn't outweigh the harm and honestly borderline abuse that happens. Not to mention that forcing a 12-year-old to work is illegal. And while I caught onto that concept as an adult reading this book, I don't think that this book is as well suited for children and that is unfortunate because that's its primary audience.
As an adult I can look in on the situation and understand that what is happening is wrong and heartbreaking and understand that those parents are 100% in the wrong, but because it isn't explicitly addressed like that in the book, I worry that younger readers aren't going to take that away from this. And maybe they wouldn't even care about that concept but it just didn't feel right to me.
October 26, 2024
4.5! wasn't expecting this book to hit me so hard but it did! i related wayyyyy too much to luca and his childhood LOL, gave me much to think about and work through! if it helped me this much, i can't imagine what it would do for younger kids! love this sweet, gay story about pizza and family and self-care.
June 2, 2024
Rating: 4.2/5
Format: 🎧
This story is pretty cute. I mean… just look at the cover! This story felt a little bit like home to me. A hint of Italian mixed with a pizza place. And the awkwardness of being locked up in the closet… And it comes with some useful life lessons.
Luca Salvatore is a gay Italian American guy who is trying to save his family’s pizza restaurant. Which is struggling with financial problems and competition. He’s going through some emotional baggage cause he found out that his parents might be separating.
“We gotta stretch the dough where we can. Am I right?”
I was so glad that this story ended on a more peaceful note. And I genuinely liked it. It was so relatable and recognisable too… like, parents separating. Coming out to friends and family. Dealing with mixed up feelings towards multiple individuals. Wanting to overachieve. Damn.. I felt like I was reading my own life story.
<< THIS NEXT PART CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS >>
Luca develops a mad crush on one of his cooking class classmates. His name is Will. And according to the story, he has amazing shiny hair.
Luca is certainly struggling with his feelings towards Will. He’s also not sure if he should tell is friend June. He wants to hang out with him but June is kind of in the way. Which gave me flashbacks of my own time in the closet.. it’s hard finding the right time and words to tell people about how you really feel and to open up about who you are. Especially if your surroundings aren’t in your favour on that level.
He broke when he received the news from his parents that they were going to split up. It was the first time in his life he couldn’t find the words to throw his feelings out. He was also struggling with keeping this “secret” away from his siblings up until the news was brought to them.
He gets an opportunity to save his parents their restaurant by submitting an application to participate in the last season of his favourite culinary TV show (Pizza Perfect). Which he puts a lot of effort into.. up until disaster strikes between his siblings. But I’m not going to spoil it!
When Luca came out to Will, I wanted to kick my feet. Will was so understandable and okay with it. And I felt so relieved for Luca. You could feel a weight being lifted off of his shoulders.
Luca is so in love with will!
“His presence lingers like three bean chilli farts.” <- this sentence is about Chris. A guy who flirted with Luca his mom and gave her his number while Luca’s dad walked in on them. But that line made me crack up.
Luca tries, so, so hard to save everything and everyone around him. The problem is, I don’t think he has any idea how it’s breaking him. But! He manages to prepare a date for his parents while the crew of Pizza Perfect is filming at the restaurant. And it was the most wholesome thing I’ve ever read about. It actually made me feel fuzzy. Unfortunately… that fuzzy moment didn’t last long.
Travis Parker (the host of Pizza Perfect), bless you for giving Luca that much needed life lesson! You can’t fix everything at the age of twelve.
He still wants to try to fix his parents their marriage. But the puzzle pieces finally fit in place and he realises it is not of use. So eventually he gives up…
Towards the end, there’s this school dance coming up.. and Luca is dying to ask Will as his date. But he got the complete wrong idea after Will asked him. Thinking he wanted to bring June.
He and his dad have to serve pizza at that same dance. And things get pretty awkward for Luca. Up until Will confesses his feelings to him at that same dance! Telling him that he wanted to take Luca to the dance with him.
They end up dancing together after all.
I was glad that Luca went to therapy. He needed it without knowing it (I think). Even though his parents are now divorced and he is still struggling figuring things out, he is such a brave young man!
Format: 🎧
This story is pretty cute. I mean… just look at the cover! This story felt a little bit like home to me. A hint of Italian mixed with a pizza place. And the awkwardness of being locked up in the closet… And it comes with some useful life lessons.
Luca Salvatore is a gay Italian American guy who is trying to save his family’s pizza restaurant. Which is struggling with financial problems and competition. He’s going through some emotional baggage cause he found out that his parents might be separating.
“We gotta stretch the dough where we can. Am I right?”
I was so glad that this story ended on a more peaceful note. And I genuinely liked it. It was so relatable and recognisable too… like, parents separating. Coming out to friends and family. Dealing with mixed up feelings towards multiple individuals. Wanting to overachieve. Damn.. I felt like I was reading my own life story.
<< THIS NEXT PART CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS >>
Luca develops a mad crush on one of his cooking class classmates. His name is Will. And according to the story, he has amazing shiny hair.
Luca is certainly struggling with his feelings towards Will. He’s also not sure if he should tell is friend June. He wants to hang out with him but June is kind of in the way. Which gave me flashbacks of my own time in the closet.. it’s hard finding the right time and words to tell people about how you really feel and to open up about who you are. Especially if your surroundings aren’t in your favour on that level.
He broke when he received the news from his parents that they were going to split up. It was the first time in his life he couldn’t find the words to throw his feelings out. He was also struggling with keeping this “secret” away from his siblings up until the news was brought to them.
He gets an opportunity to save his parents their restaurant by submitting an application to participate in the last season of his favourite culinary TV show (Pizza Perfect). Which he puts a lot of effort into.. up until disaster strikes between his siblings. But I’m not going to spoil it!
When Luca came out to Will, I wanted to kick my feet. Will was so understandable and okay with it. And I felt so relieved for Luca. You could feel a weight being lifted off of his shoulders.
Luca is so in love with will!
“His presence lingers like three bean chilli farts.” <- this sentence is about Chris. A guy who flirted with Luca his mom and gave her his number while Luca’s dad walked in on them. But that line made me crack up.
Luca tries, so, so hard to save everything and everyone around him. The problem is, I don’t think he has any idea how it’s breaking him. But! He manages to prepare a date for his parents while the crew of Pizza Perfect is filming at the restaurant. And it was the most wholesome thing I’ve ever read about. It actually made me feel fuzzy. Unfortunately… that fuzzy moment didn’t last long.
Travis Parker (the host of Pizza Perfect), bless you for giving Luca that much needed life lesson! You can’t fix everything at the age of twelve.
He still wants to try to fix his parents their marriage. But the puzzle pieces finally fit in place and he realises it is not of use. So eventually he gives up…
Towards the end, there’s this school dance coming up.. and Luca is dying to ask Will as his date. But he got the complete wrong idea after Will asked him. Thinking he wanted to bring June.
He and his dad have to serve pizza at that same dance. And things get pretty awkward for Luca. Up until Will confesses his feelings to him at that same dance! Telling him that he wanted to take Luca to the dance with him.
They end up dancing together after all.
I was glad that Luca went to therapy. He needed it without knowing it (I think). Even though his parents are now divorced and he is still struggling figuring things out, he is such a brave young man!
February 10, 2025
Luca Salvatore loves pizza, his parents, his younger twin siblings, and pizza.
12 years old and driven to keep his parents together, his family from fighting, their falling-apart pizza restaurant, will do something wild and crazy to save it all: apply for a spot on a 'Guy Fieri like' pizza t.v. show, that showcases pizza around the nation. Can they do it? Will it keep them together?
There's another wrench thrown in for Luca: what about that cute new guy his age, Will, who just moved to town?
Leali's book addresses a set of very tough topics that Middle-School aged/Tweens face (sexuality, familial obligations, being thrown into parenting roles instead of being kids, guilt, evolving or dissolving friendships, divorce, among others), all while showing off Luca's skills as a pizza-baker and young man. Luca is one of the heartiest contemporary MC's that I've read in a while, and he's surrounded by a lot of BS (esp. by his parents), which Leali tries to address from both sides of the coin. His friendships with his melodramatic BFF June and budding friendship with Will are well executed. The book's pacing dragged a little bit too much for my taste, particularly in the middle, but like pizza, everybody has their own favorite pizza.
Props for representation, giving readers another good middle grade Queer protagonist, and a book that inspired me to try some of my own pizza recipes!
Mama Mia indeed!
12 years old and driven to keep his parents together, his family from fighting, their falling-apart pizza restaurant, will do something wild and crazy to save it all: apply for a spot on a 'Guy Fieri like' pizza t.v. show, that showcases pizza around the nation. Can they do it? Will it keep them together?
There's another wrench thrown in for Luca: what about that cute new guy his age, Will, who just moved to town?
Leali's book addresses a set of very tough topics that Middle-School aged/Tweens face (sexuality, familial obligations, being thrown into parenting roles instead of being kids, guilt, evolving or dissolving friendships, divorce, among others), all while showing off Luca's skills as a pizza-baker and young man. Luca is one of the heartiest contemporary MC's that I've read in a while, and he's surrounded by a lot of BS (esp. by his parents), which Leali tries to address from both sides of the coin. His friendships with his melodramatic BFF June and budding friendship with Will are well executed. The book's pacing dragged a little bit too much for my taste, particularly in the middle, but like pizza, everybody has their own favorite pizza.
Props for representation, giving readers another good middle grade Queer protagonist, and a book that inspired me to try some of my own pizza recipes!
Mama Mia indeed!
May 14, 2025
This was a great book for my 100th read! This was so sweet and heartwarming. I felt every emotion reading this. Rage, sadness, happiness, and just pure joy. Luca is a delight and I loved looking into his life. He’s such a passionate person. It really felt like he was a kid just trying to get by. But man, the poor kid had the world on his shoulders! I’m so glad he realized that not everything is his responsibility. This book deals with a lot of great topics. Children dealing with their parents separating, parentification of older siblings, & the importance of mental health and taking care of yourself. June and Will were great friends and it also explored how sometimes there’s dips in a friendship but you can still be there for each other. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Luca’s parents. It seemed like they were more caught up in their issues to listen to Luca or his siblings. Their growth and apologies were needed. I loved this book and even though I’m not the biggest pizza fan, I want to eat all the great stuff Luca was making. His pizzas sound amazing. The highlight of local family run restaurants was great. We need more of these places to stay in business!!
June 6, 2024
This sweet middle grade story about a gay Italian tween whose life revolves around pizza, family and friends was pretty perfect. Luca is a very caring, stressed out kid who thinks it's his responsibility to keep his parents' marriage together, keep his family's pizza restaurant afloat, keep his friends happy, keep his siblings from killing each other and do it all without letting anyone know he's nowhere near fine. I loved all the pizza information and the amazing recipes Luca came up with. I was pretty pissed at his parents throughout the book, putting so much pressure on Luca to listen to their problems and rely on him to act as an adult employee at the restaurant. I was equally unimpressed with Luca's best friend June, who only seemed to want someone to listen to her talk about her own stuff and got pissed when anyone too away the attention or did better than her. Yes, all this stuff got resolved (mostly) by the end of the book but Luca deserves better people in his life. The whole Pizza Perfect storyline was interesting and I liked the end with the segment chapters, but it actually felt a little drawn out. Because of that I'm giving this a 4.5 stars but rounding up to 5 because Luca was such a great character and I enjoyed seeing him become the kid he should have always been.
August 4, 2024
2024 American middle grade novel. Luca is 12 and takes on the stress of his parents’ business and their (failing) marriage, while simultaneously navigating middle grade drama and his first crush on a new boy. 2SLGBTQIA+ positive (the fact that Luca is gay is never an issue for anyone) and age-appropriate romance (there is lots of hand holding and hugs). Adorable, though I think I can go the rest of my life without hearing “Mamma Mia” or “oh em gee.”
December 7, 2024
This book is adorable!! I loved Luca’s journey so much. He’s out and having his first crush on a new boy in school, he takes on being the “fixer” in the family, and he’s gotta learn how to be just a kid again. As a parent, I was *emotional* at the end. My 9yo liked it overall, but his favorite was that the family (spoiler) gets on the TV show and gets a big prize. This book let us have some talks about relationships both romantic and familial in a really nice way. Highly recommend.
Read
August 29, 2025I'm curious to see how students will respond to this one. It seemed more like a middle-grade book aimed at adults. I also find it difficult to read about parents behaving the way they do in this book.
October 5, 2025
Very cute
January 29, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Luca Salvatore lives in a suburb of Chicago where his parents are currently running Mamma Gianna's pizza parlor, after his Nonna Zaza has moved to Florida. Even though the restaurant has been in the family for generations, it is falling on heard times, and Luca has to rush there after picking up his twin younger siblings from school so that he can help out. He loves cooking, and loves the restaurant, but is tired of the responsibility, especially since his parents have been fighting more about broken refrigerators, watching the children, and paying the bills. When Luca and his best friend June meet a new student at school, Will, Luca thinks he is cute and wants to befriend him. Will reciprocates, and Luca manages to hang out with him, even though it means not telling the truth to June and getting in trouble with his parents for not helping at the restaurant. When Luca finds out that Trevor Parker, his celebrity crush and host of Luca's favorite show, Pizza Perfect, is ending the series, he is devastated. When the opportunity to apply to be on the show arises, Luca jumps on it, putting together a video with June and asking his parents to submit it. Will is interested in guitar, and is trying to find members to join him for the local Battle of the Bands. With a school dance coming up, Luca is worried that June might be interested in Will romantically, mainly because he is as well. The fact that he is gay hasn't really mattered to anyone, but he doesn't know how to bring up the subject with Will, and is glad to be friends, if nothing else. When Mamma Gianna's is accepted to be on Pizza Perfect, the family shifts into high gear, cleaning the restaurant and fixing things that have long gone unattended. Unfortunately, the parents' fighting has continued to the point where the father has moved out and taken his own apartment. Luca feels that it is his responsibity to save not only the restaurant, but his parents' marriage. When the Pizza Perfect film crew arrive, things go fairly well, but when his father show up late, and clearly a bit drunk, Luca is worried. Channeling his anger into pounding on Pizza dough, he has a heart to heart with Trevor, and bakes one of his unusual, gourmet pizzas that his mother won't let him put on the menu because of the expense. Trevor thinks the pizza is fantastic, and gives Luca some good advice about surviving middle school. Things are rocky with June, who has gotten the lead in a musical, and when Will needs a new lead singer for his band, she agrees to step in. Luca would like to ask Will to the dance, but knowing that June has a crush on him, suggests that Will invite her. This causes some confusion, but eventually the three friends communicate and work things out. The family also takes a long, hard look at what is going on with the restaurant and the parents' marriage, especially after a disastrous babysitting event that lands Luca's brother in the emergency room, needing five stitches! In an epilogue, we find that Luca starts therapy, starts to date Will, and is no longer as responsible for the restaurant's daily operations, after some money from Trevor Parker, and the publicity from the show, puts Mamma Gianna's back on its feet.
Strengths: There have been so many books about middle grade characters with anxiety that it is always good to see a character who faces struggles with hopefulness and resilience. I've had students whose parents have run restaurants, and it is a hard life, but a tween pitching in to help instead of sinking into worry and despair is always more interesting to read about. Luca certainly struggles, and it was good to see him benefit from therapy at the end of the novel. The younger siblings who bicker make this VERY realistic, despite the national television show filming. Luca's struggles to remain good friends with June will resonate with young readers, and the romantic triangle with Will is well done and age appropriate. Luca getting to learn how to throw pizza dough from his idol is just the perfectly caramelized goat cheese on top of a heavenly slice of literary pie.
Weaknesses: This is definitely a wish fulfillment novel, with Mamma Gianna's being on a television show. Older readers might find the romance at the end a little cheesy, but hopefully in a good way, like Luca's tortellini pizza.
What I really think: This was a very fun book; the daily life of running a restaurant was very interesting, and good for students to read about. It's not easy, but so many middle school students who love to cook have thoughts of running restaurants when they grow up! Luca is such a positive and resourceful character who works so hard for his family that it is good to see him have some happiness at the end. This will be perfect for fans of cooking tales like Negron's The Last Super Chef, Richardson's Pizza My Heart: A Wish Novel, and Chari's Karthik Delivers, or gentle romances like Taylor's The Language of Seabirds or Levithan's Answers in the Pages.
Luca Salvatore lives in a suburb of Chicago where his parents are currently running Mamma Gianna's pizza parlor, after his Nonna Zaza has moved to Florida. Even though the restaurant has been in the family for generations, it is falling on heard times, and Luca has to rush there after picking up his twin younger siblings from school so that he can help out. He loves cooking, and loves the restaurant, but is tired of the responsibility, especially since his parents have been fighting more about broken refrigerators, watching the children, and paying the bills. When Luca and his best friend June meet a new student at school, Will, Luca thinks he is cute and wants to befriend him. Will reciprocates, and Luca manages to hang out with him, even though it means not telling the truth to June and getting in trouble with his parents for not helping at the restaurant. When Luca finds out that Trevor Parker, his celebrity crush and host of Luca's favorite show, Pizza Perfect, is ending the series, he is devastated. When the opportunity to apply to be on the show arises, Luca jumps on it, putting together a video with June and asking his parents to submit it. Will is interested in guitar, and is trying to find members to join him for the local Battle of the Bands. With a school dance coming up, Luca is worried that June might be interested in Will romantically, mainly because he is as well. The fact that he is gay hasn't really mattered to anyone, but he doesn't know how to bring up the subject with Will, and is glad to be friends, if nothing else. When Mamma Gianna's is accepted to be on Pizza Perfect, the family shifts into high gear, cleaning the restaurant and fixing things that have long gone unattended. Unfortunately, the parents' fighting has continued to the point where the father has moved out and taken his own apartment. Luca feels that it is his responsibity to save not only the restaurant, but his parents' marriage. When the Pizza Perfect film crew arrive, things go fairly well, but when his father show up late, and clearly a bit drunk, Luca is worried. Channeling his anger into pounding on Pizza dough, he has a heart to heart with Trevor, and bakes one of his unusual, gourmet pizzas that his mother won't let him put on the menu because of the expense. Trevor thinks the pizza is fantastic, and gives Luca some good advice about surviving middle school. Things are rocky with June, who has gotten the lead in a musical, and when Will needs a new lead singer for his band, she agrees to step in. Luca would like to ask Will to the dance, but knowing that June has a crush on him, suggests that Will invite her. This causes some confusion, but eventually the three friends communicate and work things out. The family also takes a long, hard look at what is going on with the restaurant and the parents' marriage, especially after a disastrous babysitting event that lands Luca's brother in the emergency room, needing five stitches! In an epilogue, we find that Luca starts therapy, starts to date Will, and is no longer as responsible for the restaurant's daily operations, after some money from Trevor Parker, and the publicity from the show, puts Mamma Gianna's back on its feet.
Strengths: There have been so many books about middle grade characters with anxiety that it is always good to see a character who faces struggles with hopefulness and resilience. I've had students whose parents have run restaurants, and it is a hard life, but a tween pitching in to help instead of sinking into worry and despair is always more interesting to read about. Luca certainly struggles, and it was good to see him benefit from therapy at the end of the novel. The younger siblings who bicker make this VERY realistic, despite the national television show filming. Luca's struggles to remain good friends with June will resonate with young readers, and the romantic triangle with Will is well done and age appropriate. Luca getting to learn how to throw pizza dough from his idol is just the perfectly caramelized goat cheese on top of a heavenly slice of literary pie.
Weaknesses: This is definitely a wish fulfillment novel, with Mamma Gianna's being on a television show. Older readers might find the romance at the end a little cheesy, but hopefully in a good way, like Luca's tortellini pizza.
What I really think: This was a very fun book; the daily life of running a restaurant was very interesting, and good for students to read about. It's not easy, but so many middle school students who love to cook have thoughts of running restaurants when they grow up! Luca is such a positive and resourceful character who works so hard for his family that it is good to see him have some happiness at the end. This will be perfect for fans of cooking tales like Negron's The Last Super Chef, Richardson's Pizza My Heart: A Wish Novel, and Chari's Karthik Delivers, or gentle romances like Taylor's The Language of Seabirds or Levithan's Answers in the Pages.
May 12, 2024
The issues Luca faces are real: his parents’ marriage is on the rocks, the family restaurant is draining their finances, his younger siblings are annoying, there’s best friend drama, and he has a serious crush…on the same boy his bestie, June, likes.
Like many tween and teen age kids, Luca feels like he needs to fix everything. He’s desperate to get his parents to reunite. Making pizza is his passion and his joy, and he’s good at it. But his mom won’t vary the menu the restaurant has featured for three generations. But when Luca finds out that his favorite food TV host, Travis Parker, is looking for pizza restaurants to feature in his final season of Pizza Perfect (think a pizza-centric Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives), and he thinks he may have the way to solve all the problems.
I like the deft way the author handles Luca’s issues, especially the weight of feeling responsible for so many things. The progression is natural as, finally, Luca and his parents all realize that he’s being expected to do too much. The addition of the TV host as a sort of mentor was sweet.
Likewise, the friendships and handling of Luca’s crush ring true. A crush is a crush, painful and beautiful, no matter what genders are involved. I remember having some of those same crush-feelings a million years ago when I was Luca’s age.
There is a liberal sprinkling of Italian words in here. I feel like Luca maybe says “Mamma mia!” a little too much. It’s comes across as kind of trite to me.
All in all, a great addition for a classroom library, especially for teachers, parents, or librarians seeking more representation.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Luca is very clear about being gay and having known he was gay for a long time. Divorce. Parents fighting. Dad shows up drunk. Money troubles. Friend issues.
Who Might Like This Book:
Foodies—especially pizza fanatics. Those who like coming-of-age stories. LGBTQIA+ kids looking for stories about kids like them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
Like many tween and teen age kids, Luca feels like he needs to fix everything. He’s desperate to get his parents to reunite. Making pizza is his passion and his joy, and he’s good at it. But his mom won’t vary the menu the restaurant has featured for three generations. But when Luca finds out that his favorite food TV host, Travis Parker, is looking for pizza restaurants to feature in his final season of Pizza Perfect (think a pizza-centric Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives), and he thinks he may have the way to solve all the problems.
I like the deft way the author handles Luca’s issues, especially the weight of feeling responsible for so many things. The progression is natural as, finally, Luca and his parents all realize that he’s being expected to do too much. The addition of the TV host as a sort of mentor was sweet.
Likewise, the friendships and handling of Luca’s crush ring true. A crush is a crush, painful and beautiful, no matter what genders are involved. I remember having some of those same crush-feelings a million years ago when I was Luca’s age.
There is a liberal sprinkling of Italian words in here. I feel like Luca maybe says “Mamma mia!” a little too much. It’s comes across as kind of trite to me.
All in all, a great addition for a classroom library, especially for teachers, parents, or librarians seeking more representation.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Luca is very clear about being gay and having known he was gay for a long time. Divorce. Parents fighting. Dad shows up drunk. Money troubles. Friend issues.
Who Might Like This Book:
Foodies—especially pizza fanatics. Those who like coming-of-age stories. LGBTQIA+ kids looking for stories about kids like them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
This book is also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
June 28, 2024
Mamma Mia! This book is so great. I loved Luca so much. Some of the parts where he feels like he has to fix things—I understand that. I haven’t been through what he goes through, but I understand being the one who cares almost too much.
Luca Salvatore is always running interference—whether it’s at home with his mom, dad and twin siblings, or at school with his two best friends. It’s only when he’s cooking pizza that he feels he can get some rest…really let out his feelings. But even that has its limits. His family’s restaurant, Mamma Gianna’s, is in trouble and the only way he can think to save it is to get it featured on the show “Pizza Perfect.” In fact, he figures a spot on “Pizza Perfect” would solve a lot of his problems. Maybe, if they had more money, mom and dad wouldn’t fight all the time. Maybe, if he got on the show, he could fix all of his friends’ issues too. Maybe, the boy he likes would take him to the spring dance. Maybe.
When “Pizza Perfect” announces they’re doing one last season, Luca decides he’ll submit a video of himself for the show. That’s the easy part. But when everything starts to crumble, Luca feels as if even his triangles of perfect pizza won’t fix a thing. Will Luca have what it takes to make his life “Pizza Perfect?”
I loved this story about a boy who, as I said above, cares so much. I loved all the cooking and his friends. This family—they felt real to me. All their faults are laid bare (at times I really disliked the parents), but they all try to make things work in their own ways. As someone who deals with anxiety on a daily basis, I definitely felt it when Luca’s friend has a heart to heart with him about being “fine.” I hope this book touches a lot of people and reminds them they don’t have to fix every problem. They don’t have to be everything. They are fine just the way they are.
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 108. #AnxietyBooks #LGBTQIABooks
Luca Salvatore is always running interference—whether it’s at home with his mom, dad and twin siblings, or at school with his two best friends. It’s only when he’s cooking pizza that he feels he can get some rest…really let out his feelings. But even that has its limits. His family’s restaurant, Mamma Gianna’s, is in trouble and the only way he can think to save it is to get it featured on the show “Pizza Perfect.” In fact, he figures a spot on “Pizza Perfect” would solve a lot of his problems. Maybe, if they had more money, mom and dad wouldn’t fight all the time. Maybe, if he got on the show, he could fix all of his friends’ issues too. Maybe, the boy he likes would take him to the spring dance. Maybe.
When “Pizza Perfect” announces they’re doing one last season, Luca decides he’ll submit a video of himself for the show. That’s the easy part. But when everything starts to crumble, Luca feels as if even his triangles of perfect pizza won’t fix a thing. Will Luca have what it takes to make his life “Pizza Perfect?”
I loved this story about a boy who, as I said above, cares so much. I loved all the cooking and his friends. This family—they felt real to me. All their faults are laid bare (at times I really disliked the parents), but they all try to make things work in their own ways. As someone who deals with anxiety on a daily basis, I definitely felt it when Luca’s friend has a heart to heart with him about being “fine.” I hope this book touches a lot of people and reminds them they don’t have to fix every problem. They don’t have to be everything. They are fine just the way they are.
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 108. #AnxietyBooks #LGBTQIABooks
December 5, 2024
“I make triangles. That feels true. That feels good.”
For 12-year-old Luca, joy is experimenting with new pizza combinations while working daily at Mamma Gianna’s Pizzeria, the third-generation Italian restaurant his parents are struggling to keep afloat.
It’s been increasingly stressful at the pizzeria due to his parents arguing over money and putting Luca in the middle as a peacemaker and problem-solver. Also, Luca gets weighted down by his work responsibilities, and babysitting his 4th grade twin siblings.
Life gets more stressful at school when Luca realizes that his BFF Lucy also has a crush on a cute new kid named Will. Luca hasn’t told Lucy that he and Will have been hanging out together as friends and knows he’ll have to keep his true feelings secret to keep peace with Lucy.
In his rare free time, Luca is obsessed with his fave TV show, Pizza Perfect that’s hosted by Travis Parker–his celebrity crush. When Pizza Perfect announces they are taking applications for their final season, Luca sees this as the solution to the restaurant’s problems. All restaurants featured on the show earn a prize based on how good their pizza tastes–it could be new equipment or cash up to $50,000.
Triangles are a repeating theme throughout as not only do pizza slices and his math homework feature triangles, most of Luca’s relationships are in trios: Luca and his parents; Luca and his siblings; and also Luca, Lucy, and Will.
With pressure mounting, the only thing Luca feels he can control in his life is making the perfect pizza dough (shh…the secret ingredient is potatoes). Can Luca hold it together, save his parent’s marriage, figure out his romantic life, and save the restaurant? Or at least find the same balance in his life as he creates in his pizza crust?
Students will cheer for Luca and relate to all his personal struggles.
For 12-year-old Luca, joy is experimenting with new pizza combinations while working daily at Mamma Gianna’s Pizzeria, the third-generation Italian restaurant his parents are struggling to keep afloat.
It’s been increasingly stressful at the pizzeria due to his parents arguing over money and putting Luca in the middle as a peacemaker and problem-solver. Also, Luca gets weighted down by his work responsibilities, and babysitting his 4th grade twin siblings.
Life gets more stressful at school when Luca realizes that his BFF Lucy also has a crush on a cute new kid named Will. Luca hasn’t told Lucy that he and Will have been hanging out together as friends and knows he’ll have to keep his true feelings secret to keep peace with Lucy.
In his rare free time, Luca is obsessed with his fave TV show, Pizza Perfect that’s hosted by Travis Parker–his celebrity crush. When Pizza Perfect announces they are taking applications for their final season, Luca sees this as the solution to the restaurant’s problems. All restaurants featured on the show earn a prize based on how good their pizza tastes–it could be new equipment or cash up to $50,000.
Triangles are a repeating theme throughout as not only do pizza slices and his math homework feature triangles, most of Luca’s relationships are in trios: Luca and his parents; Luca and his siblings; and also Luca, Lucy, and Will.
With pressure mounting, the only thing Luca feels he can control in his life is making the perfect pizza dough (shh…the secret ingredient is potatoes). Can Luca hold it together, save his parent’s marriage, figure out his romantic life, and save the restaurant? Or at least find the same balance in his life as he creates in his pizza crust?
Students will cheer for Luca and relate to all his personal struggles.
May 26, 2024
Luca was a sweetheart- and a hoot- and just so much fun to follow on this journey of growth and experience. Luca is dealing with a lot of anxiety-inducing things in his life, his family's pizzeria isn't doing so hot, and neither is his parent's marriage, add in making a new crush-worthy friend, sibling disasters, and the stress of working non-stop in the pizzeria, and Luca has his hands full. Maybe, just maybe, his favorite foodie pizzeria personality and their TV show can help solve some of the problems, but only if he can get everyone to stop fighting and give him and his ideas a chance.
I love everything about Luca- his heart, his creativity, and his care for others. Pretty much the only thing I didn't love was his odd interjections of Italian sayings that seemed a bit too much at times. I also love the fact that this author gave us a gay MC who is experiencing family and friendship drama that has NOTHING to do with him being gay, and that who he is is not something he has to fight for and defend. He can just be the kid he is and EVERYONE accepts him. I get that for some this is unrealistic, but as a librarian this kind of exposure is breaking a barrier, and I LOVE THAT. Particularly the first crush and how that is handled is perfection. I couldn't have asked for better!
Plot-wise, I think everyone can tell from the jacket description that this is going to end with a mostly happy-ever after (and it does). But honestly Luca is just so gosh-darn wholesome and amazing that I would boycott the book if he hadn't gotten a happy ending. It's just a super fun book about a plucky kid with problems that are, in fact, solved by pizza. What's to dislike about that?
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love everything about Luca- his heart, his creativity, and his care for others. Pretty much the only thing I didn't love was his odd interjections of Italian sayings that seemed a bit too much at times. I also love the fact that this author gave us a gay MC who is experiencing family and friendship drama that has NOTHING to do with him being gay, and that who he is is not something he has to fight for and defend. He can just be the kid he is and EVERYONE accepts him. I get that for some this is unrealistic, but as a librarian this kind of exposure is breaking a barrier, and I LOVE THAT. Particularly the first crush and how that is handled is perfection. I couldn't have asked for better!
Plot-wise, I think everyone can tell from the jacket description that this is going to end with a mostly happy-ever after (and it does). But honestly Luca is just so gosh-darn wholesome and amazing that I would boycott the book if he hadn't gotten a happy ending. It's just a super fun book about a plucky kid with problems that are, in fact, solved by pizza. What's to dislike about that?
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
The Truth about Triangles by Michael Leali is realistic fiction for boys between sixth and eighth grades.
Is a novel about a gay twelve-year old boy appropriate for boys in fourth or fifth grades? Twelve-year old Luca Salvatore and his family own and run Mamma Gianna’s, a Chicago pizzeria that has been owned by the family for many years and is facing challenges from encroaching national chains. Luca is a master pizza maker and makes a connection with Travis Parker and his wildly popular television show Pizza Perfect. Luca believes he can fix his parents troubled marriage, his relationship with friends Will and June, and arguments between his younger siblings Nina and Eilio. Luca and his family face several ugly challenges before winning a life-changing $50,000 and a new refrigerator. Luca’s feelings for Will White, the new boy in town, complicates his friendship with his bestie June. Leali includes many tantalizing complications to engage readers and move the narrative forward to the denouement.
I recommend the book for purchase.
I feel like I’m reading a lot of books about gay boys. The swing from no books about gay boys to no books about straight boys is staggering! Is Truth Machine correct on the first page of Acknowledgments?
C.S.
Retired Teacher
Is a novel about a gay twelve-year old boy appropriate for boys in fourth or fifth grades? Twelve-year old Luca Salvatore and his family own and run Mamma Gianna’s, a Chicago pizzeria that has been owned by the family for many years and is facing challenges from encroaching national chains. Luca is a master pizza maker and makes a connection with Travis Parker and his wildly popular television show Pizza Perfect. Luca believes he can fix his parents troubled marriage, his relationship with friends Will and June, and arguments between his younger siblings Nina and Eilio. Luca and his family face several ugly challenges before winning a life-changing $50,000 and a new refrigerator. Luca’s feelings for Will White, the new boy in town, complicates his friendship with his bestie June. Leali includes many tantalizing complications to engage readers and move the narrative forward to the denouement.
I recommend the book for purchase.
I feel like I’m reading a lot of books about gay boys. The swing from no books about gay boys to no books about straight boys is staggering! Is Truth Machine correct on the first page of Acknowledgments?
C.S.
Retired Teacher
June 12, 2024
What a fun read --- and I have read all of Leali books , and I appreciated this one the most (though I really, really enjoyed the historical tie in for the first book he wrote ("The Civil War of Amos Abernathy"). This book focuses on a 12 -year-old- boy Luca with a lot on his "plate" (Leali uses a lot of food imagery like this one since the main location of the book is a pizza parlor that Luca's family owns and runs). I appreciated all the food imagery, humor, and young adult angst about matters of love ( eg. does this boy like like him or just like him?). Also the petty jealousies between best friends when another friend joins your twosome, and the annoying arguments your twin siblings engage in , esp. when you have to watch them! Luca is kept quite busy when he feels he needs to save the family restaurant from going under and decides the best way to save it is to enter a pizza contest, which if won by his family would put his pizza parlor on the map! This is a quick read with likable characters and a couple of twists in action along the way. But most importantly some nice life lessons for the young adult reader. I highly recommend this book!
June 18, 2024
This is such a heartwarming middle grade story about a tween named Luca who is navigating many problems someone his age shouldn't have anything to do with. His parents are having relationship problems, he has the major responsibilities of working at his family's pizza place and helping take care of his younger twin siblings, and the regular middle school friend/relationship issues. I love that the author didn't make Luca's sexuality an issue he has to deal with and instead showcased it in a normal teenage manor where he is just worrying about embarrassing himself, not whether or not he will be accepted for who he is. It is great to read a book where LGBTQ+ students can see themselves in such a positive way. Maybe in the future we will catch up with Luca, his friends, and family to see what they are up to today?!
July 18, 2024
This was a really interesting story that included a lot of fun details about what it's like to help run a restaurant. The main character, Luca, struggles with anxiety and is always trying to fix everyone else's problems. I liked how he learned as the story went on that it is also important to think about what he wants and needs. He's a wonderful role model for being so concerned about others, but it's great that he learns that he isn't responsible for everyone else's actions and happiness. The book involves a friendship triangle that should be quite relatable to young readers, as well as family struggles due to his parents' marriage falling apart. Luca has a crush on a new boy at school, as well as a TV appearance when his family's pizza place is selected to be on his favorite show--along with many other great elements. I really enjoyed this one, and I highly recommend it!
September 24, 2024
Honestly, I kind of hated this. There's a lot of good messages in here -- about relationships, about trusting the people around you, about letting people make mistakes, about kids not having to be adults. Also, hey, cool, culinary reality tv and genius pizza. However, you have to wade through so much drama, so much hurt and misunderstandings and crappy behavior from the parents, so many bad friendship moves in order to get to those great messages. I mean, it makes a hell of an impact -- I was full of the mad/sad/frustrated feels all the way through -- and that helps bring the kids shouldn't have to be the adults message home, but... mostly I feel triggered. Which is not the kind of read I enjoy. Probably there are restaurant kids who need this book to feel seen. I hope it's a better experience for them.
November 27, 2024
Luca is used to being the peacemaker, whether it's between his siblings or his parents. But things start to get out of hand as his parents' arguments get worse and their finances mean the family pizza restaurant might be in danger. Luckily, Luca's favorite TV show, Pizza Perfect, is taking applications to be featured on its final season. Luca knows that being on the show will be the answer to all of their problems. But as things go wrong at every turn, Luca finds himself struggling to keep everyone together.
So, I really enjoyed the message of this book. This poor kid was being forced to basically be his parents' therapist, while also babysitting his little siblings, and working in the family restaurant. I really like the way it explores Luca learning to put himself first. But this kid said "Mamma Mia!" so many times, I kind of wanted to throw the book.
So, I really enjoyed the message of this book. This poor kid was being forced to basically be his parents' therapist, while also babysitting his little siblings, and working in the family restaurant. I really like the way it explores Luca learning to put himself first. But this kid said "Mamma Mia!" so many times, I kind of wanted to throw the book.
April 16, 2024
Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This was so cute! Luca has got a lot on his plate between juggling his family’s pizza restaurant, helping with his siblings, and trying to keep his parents together. But he’s about to meet Will, who brings him some much needed joy. The only problem is he’s pretty sure his best friend June is also interested in Will, and Luca doesn’t know if he is gay or not. When the opportunity to boost the restaurant by going on his favorite show, Pizza Perfect, he’ll jump at the opportunity. But with all he’s got going on can he pull it together? Will he be able to tell Will how he feels? I loved this one! A quick paced story! It’s fun, heartfelt, sweet, and ends wonderfully!
August 24, 2024
For Luca Salvatore, pizza is not only his family’s legacy—but it’s also his family’s entire life. With a crumbling business, his parents’ failing marriage, and now a complicated triangle between his best-friend since forever, the cute new boy, and himself what’s a boy to do?
Like any good slice of pizza, Michael Leali builds a solid foundation with amazing characters, fills it with witty humor and breathtaking emotion, and tops it all off with sweet cheesy goodness that you can’t help but finish the whole thing in one sitting! A wonderful addition from this talented voice in middle-grade fiction! Be sure to check out The Truth About Triangles (and Michael’s other books—The Civil War of Amos Abernathy and Matteo).
Like any good slice of pizza, Michael Leali builds a solid foundation with amazing characters, fills it with witty humor and breathtaking emotion, and tops it all off with sweet cheesy goodness that you can’t help but finish the whole thing in one sitting! A wonderful addition from this talented voice in middle-grade fiction! Be sure to check out The Truth About Triangles (and Michael’s other books—The Civil War of Amos Abernathy and Matteo).
June 18, 2024
The Truth About Triangles is a middle grades book through and through - the main characters are incredibly sanitized versions of actual middle schoolers and all of the emotional beats are spelled out in gentle monologues - but within those conventions it's a strong story. The family plot actually goes pretty hard; at times Luca's parents marital problems and the financial struggles of the business are genuinely distressing. The middle school romance is fairly well done too. I like than in addition to being the object of a crush, Will has some significance to Luca as a "guy friend". That felt like a very realistic reaction of adolescent boy whose BFF has always been a girl.
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