Heaven Is Paved with Oreos
Sarah Zorn and her similarly science-minded friend, Curtis, utilize the “Brilliant Outflanking Strategy” to prevent classmates from teasing them about dating (which they’re not). It’s counterintuitive but effective: tell everyone they’re a couple so that Emily Friend (or “Emily Enemy,” as Sarah calls her) leaves them alone. But, soon, Curtis doesn’t like the lying, and Sarah’s quirky, yoga-loving grandmother, Z, insists she travel with her from Wisconsin to Rome to complete a pilgrimage to seven churches begun 46 years ago. Along the way, family secrets are revealed, and Sarah has her own realizations about love. This is a companion to Murdock’s Dairy Queen (2006), but for younger readers, and features D. J. in a smaller but still important role, as Curtis’ sister and someone Sarah admires. Sarah is 14, heading into ninth grade, but she sounds and acts much younger, which can be distracting. And though the scenes at the Roman churches feel long, ultimately, this is a sweet story about family and love, which should appeal to tween readers of Wendy Mass. Grades 6-9. --Ann Kelley