Being Italian, I was curious and intrigued by this book! So big thanks to #bookbuzz.net for providing me with a review copy through #netgally.

However, I don't know how I feel about this, now that I've read it. It had some funny parts, and some relatable ones too, but it was also a huge stereotype of Italian people. Well, of Italian Americans, to be precise. And I know that's part of the point of the book, but it did feel like too much. At some point, I started wondering if the book was set in the 1970s, since the stereotypes were so old. Do people in the US really think of gangstars in either suits or tracksuits when someone says they're Italian? I can understand the pasta/pizza stereotypes, but most of the other ones were just weird to me, maybe because I'm from Italy, so I'm not an Italian American and I don't really understand that.

And maybe this was not really what I expected when I read the synopsis of the book. I kind of hoped there would have been some nice things about Italy too - especially since Giovanni was trying to figure out what makes an Italian Italian. While (to me) it felt like everyone was focused on imitating people in the mafia - which was kind of annoying. But maybe that was the whole point? I don't know.
Something I really can't get over, though, is the fact that they make the pizza dough and then toss it to make pizza right away, without leaving the dough to rise🫣
One thing I really enjoyed was the Italian words and sentences - most of the time a book has anything in Italian in it, it's spelt wrong or it makes no sense. So this was fantastic.

Anyway, this might be a good read if you want to have some laughs about very extreme Italian stereotypes and spend an afternoon accompanying Giovanni on his journey while he tries to figure out who he is. That was kind of fun, he really managed to anger everyone😂

I Wanna Be Italian offers a lighthearted peek into the life of Giovanni Johnson, a young boy grappling with his unique name in a small town. From the witty dialogue to the quirky cast of characters, this Middle Grade novel packs a delightful punch. What captivated me most was the clever blend of humor and self-discovery that runs through Giovanni’s journey. His quest to embrace an Italian persona, despite the odds, is both amusing and inspiring. It’s a refreshing read that effortlessly combines fun with a deeper exploration of identity and acceptance. Definitely a great read!

Alright, young folks, you’ve gotta hear this: I Wanna Be Italian is the kind of book that makes you laugh out loud and root for the underdog at the same time! 📚 Giovanni Johnson’s got this wild idea to become as Italian as his name suggests, and boy, does he go all in! The adventures, the mishaps, the relentless quest—it's all here, and it's hilariously heartwarming. This book’s a blast because it’s all about discovering yourself and having a ton of fun along the way. So, if you’re up for a good laugh with some sweet life lessons tucked in, this one's a must-read! 🍕👍