52 pages • 1 hour read •
Everything on a Waffle
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Book Brief
150
Novel • Fiction
Coal Harbour, British Columbia • Contemporary
2001
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
In Polly Horvath’s Everything on a Waffle, 11-year-old Primrose recounts her parents disappearing during a typhoon in Coal Harbour, British Columbia. Unwavering in her belief they are alive, she faces skepticism from the townspeople and battles a counselor determined to place her in foster care. Supported by her quirky uncle and a kind café owner, Primrose endures a series of mishaps while holding onto hope for her parents' return. This book addresses themes of parental absence, injury, and the death of an elderly person.
Humorous
Inspirational
Heartwarming
Bittersweet
Playful
Reviews & Readership
11,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Polly Horvath's Everything on a Waffle has charmed readers with its quirky characters and heartfelt narrative. Its humor and poignant moments resonate well, particularly with younger audiences. However, some readers feel the plot is predictable and certain characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's an engaging story with a unique voice that appeals to many.
Who Should Read Everything on a Waffle?
Readers who delight in quirky, heartwarming narratives such as Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo or Holes by Louis Sachar will enjoy Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath. Ideal for middle-grade audiences, this book is perfect for those who appreciate themes of resilience, community, and the unconventional.
11,267 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Uncle Jack Dion
Uncle Jack Dion
Primrose’s uncle who leaves the Canadian navy to care for her, working as a real estate agent with ambitious plans for developing Coal Harbour, and becomes a guardian figure amid his busy schedule.
Miss Honeycut
Miss Honeycut
The school counselor who plays an antagonistic role by attempting to find an alternative living situation for Primrose, often coming into conflict with Uncle Jack over Primrose's welfare.
Miss Kate Bowzer
Miss Kate Bowzer
The owner of the local café known for serving dishes on waffles, who becomes a mentor and source of comfort for Primrose, offering cooking lessons and wisdom.
Miss Perfidy
Miss Perfidy
Primrose’s elderly neighbor who takes care of her after the disappearance of her parents, exhibiting forgetful tendencies and a quirky demeanor.
Evie and Bert
Evie and Bert
A childless couple who become Primrose’s foster parents, characterized by their openness and acceptance of Primrose’s situation, and eventually a significant presence in her return to Coal Harbour.
Everything on a Waffle won the 2001 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Fiction, an accolade recognizing excellence in children's literature.
The novel was a National Book Award finalist in 2001, further attesting to its notable impact in the realm of children's literature.
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Polly Horvath, the author, is known for her unique storytelling style, often blending whimsical elements with poignant themes, as evidenced in Everything on a Waffle.
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150
Novel • Fiction
Coal Harbour, British Columbia • Contemporary
2001
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Middle grade
8-12 years
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