Monday, February 9, 2015

All Four Stars





All Four Stars by Tara Dairman (July 2014, Putnam, for ages 8 to 12)

Source: I won this book from Rosi Hollinbeck at The Write Stuff (her blog always has helpful links for writers and an in-depth book review, so go check it out!)

Synopsis (from Indiebound): Meet Gladys Gatsby: New York’s toughest restaurant critic. (Just don’t tell anyone that she’s in sixth grade.)

Gladys Gatsby has been cooking gourmet dishes since the age of seven, only her fast-food-loving parents have no idea! Now she’s eleven, and after a crème brûlée accident (just a small fire), Gladys is cut off from the kitchen (and her allowance). She’s devastated but soon finds just the right opportunity to pay her parents back when she’s mistakenly contacted to write a restaurant review for one of the largest newspapers in the world.

But in order to meet her deadline and keep her dream job, Gladys must cook her way into the heart of her sixth-grade archenemy and sneak into New York City—all while keeping her identity a secret! Easy as pie, right?

Why I recommend it: If you looked up "delectable" in the dictionary, this book could be the illustration. Also, "hilarious" and "imaginative" (I love that she lives in East Dumpsford, New York!).  I wish Gladys was a real food critic, awarding four stars to classy restaurants. Her reviews would be so much more fun to read. 

Reading this book will make you so hungry you'll want to whip up a frothy dessert and gobble it all down. And even though I found the parents a little over-the-top (they actually prefer microwaved meals? Ugh!), it's all in good fun and you'll find yourself rooting for Gladys. Give this adorable book to the young foodie in your life. 

Have you read any sweet and funny middle grade novels about food?


24 comments:

  1. I haven't come across any food themed books recently. The topic is popular though as there are now several chef competitions on TV featuring kids. Thanks for featuring.

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    1. Food competitions do seem to be sprouting from every channel these days. The only other food book I can think of right now is Pie by Sarah Weeks. But I'm sure there are others.

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  2. This does sound really good. I've heard great things from others about this too.

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    1. It's definitely adorable, Natalie. And a quick read.

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  3. The books sounds like a tasty morsel, served just right! ;)

    I think my granddaughter would love it!

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    1. Hi Chris. Thanks for stopping by. Hope your granddaughter gets a chance to read it.

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  4. This sounds like such a charming book. Definitely one I want to read!

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  5. I ADORED this book, and plan to post my spotlight of it next week...just when people thought they were done with Valentines Day treats! ;) Glad you enjoyed it, too!

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    1. Yay, Suzanne! Happy to hear you're posting about it next week and continuing to spread the love. Jenni Enzor featured it this week too.

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  6. Great minds think alike! I'm glad you enjoyed this one, Joanne. I loved East Dumpsford too. The fun with names reminded me a bit of Dahl.

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    1. Ha ha, yes, Jenni. And I can totally believe that this reminded you of Roald Dahl.

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  7. This book is so much fun! I love books about cooking!

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  8. Yay! So glad you liked this one. I thought it was so much fun.

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  9. Gladys sounds adorable! I have been wanting to read this book for a while. I will have to make sure I have gone grocery shopping before I start reading. :)
    ~Jess

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  10. That's it! I'm checking it out! :D

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  11. I keep meaning to read this book. It really looks like something I would love, and that cover is adorable! Thanks for sharing your review!

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  12. I totally want to read this one. Your review made me hungry. :o)

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  13. Sounds fun! Thanks for sharing, Joanne.

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