Maria Petranelli is Prepared for Anything (Except This): Winner of the Ampersand Prize

(Paperback)

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Looking for AlibrandimeetsArrested Developmentin this YA screwball comedy about a student exchange gone hilariously, criminally wrong.

Maria Petranelli will do anything to get away from her overbearing Italian-Australian family. So when they declare that she couldnt handle living in Italy, sixteen-year-old Maria signs up to go there on student exchange. What could possibly go wrong Well, everything

Despite months of mental preparation for every possible scenario, Maria is out of her depth in Italy. She struggles with the language, immediately gets scammed, and is terrible at socialising with the other high school exchange students especially Kennedy, a girl from America who is hopeless yet strangely attractive.

When the two girls accidentally witness a crime, Maria discovers just what she can and cant handle. Being kidnapped in the boot of a car and driven off into the Italian countryside Maybe. But working out her feelings for Kennedy before its too late

Maria Petranelli is prepared for anything except this.

WINNER of the Ampersand Prize, the premier Australian award for debut books by authors of middle grade and young adult fiction!

Perfect for:

Fans of queer YA comedies such as Rainbow RowellsCarry Onand Patrick NesssThe Rest of Us Just Live Here

Readers seeking entertaining teen fic with a coming-out storyline

Educators and booksellers seeking high-interest, low-difficulty YA

Reviews

'Awkward, funny and surprising, this student-exchange adventure in Italy gone terribly wrong is an entertaining romp with a gentle queer coming of age.' Readings Books

'Hilarious look at a stubborn girl who is totally out of her depth, who gets into ridiculous situations, but is big hearted and has a highly engaging voice, and you just want something to eventually go right for her. You cant help but loving Maria and her naivety ... A big-hearted, easy to read and sometimes unbelievable novel!'Lamont

'Elisa Chenoweth's debut transports you on the wildest journey of self-discovery, love, and the everyday dramas of being a part of an ethnic household.' Readings

Author Bio

Elisa Chenoweth is a high school teacher from Adelaide. She writes queer stories that are funny, uplifting, and reflective of the cultures she grew up with. Her debut novelMaria Petranelli is Prepared for Anything (Except This)won Hardie Grant's Ampersand Prize.