Book details

Saucy
Description
A story about a girl named Becca who is a quadruplet struggling to find her own identity among her brothers. She discovers a tiny, sick piglet, names it Saucy, and convinces her family to take it in. As Saucy grows, she becomes a big part of the family but also causes trouble. Becca's search for solutions about how to handle Saucy leads to the discovery of more piglets in need, bringing Becca and her brothers together to help them. From Newbery Medalist and National Book Award–winning author Cynthia Kadohata comes a “funny, lively” (Horn Book Magazine), and heartwarming story about a girl and her ever-growing pig, Saucy—perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan and Flora & Ulysses! Being a quadruplet can make it hard to stand out from the crowd. Becca’s three brothers all have something that makes them... them. Jake has his music, Jammer plays hockey, and K.C. thinks they’re all living in a simulation and doesn’t see the point of doing much of anything. Becca is the only one with nothing to make her special. But when she finds a tiny, sick piglet on the side of the road, Becca knows this is it. This is her thing. She names the piglet Saucy and between her own pleading and Saucy’s sweet, pink face, Becca convinces her family to take her in. Soon, Saucy is as big a part of the family as anyone else—and getting bigger. With each pound Saucy gains, the more capable she becomes of destroying the house and landing Becca in trouble. Some tough decisions need to be made about Becca’s pet, and her search for solutions brings to light exactly where Saucy came from. Turns out, there are a lot more scared piglets out there, and saving them may take Becca and her brothers finally doing something together.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
304 pages
Why to read
- The book offers a unique perspective on the Asian-American experience, exploring themes of identity, culture, and belonging through the lens of food and cooking.
- The author's use of vivid imagery and sensory details will transport you to the bustling streets of Los Angeles and the flavorful kitchens of Japan, immersing you in a world of culinary delights.
- The characters are richly developed and relatable, with their own distinct voices and stories that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer them on as they navigate the ups and downs of life.
- The book is a love letter to food and the power it has to bring people together, inspiring readers to embrace their own culinary traditions and experiment with new flavors and recipes.