Middle Grade Review: Secrets and Scones

 

Scarlett has had a rough time of it lately; she's dropped her friends and all her clubs at school due to her mother's blog. Her mom writes a parenting blog that shares intimate details of Scarlett's life. 

Scarlett stumbles across a secret. Her neighbor was taken away in an ambulance. When Scarlett walks by her house, she hears the cat crying. Scarlett discovers a house key and lets herself into the house. As she's feeding the cat, she discovers an amazing kitchen. There's a cookbook on the counter and when it opens to a page, her mouth waters.

Even though she has no prior experience, she decides to bake cinnamon scones. She's desperate to keep her mom from discovering her secret, but the new girl at school catches her. Scarlett swears her to secrecy. The Secret Cooking Club is formed. 

My Thoughts: I felt horrible for Scarlett - being the brunt of her mother's blog. They didn't have the best relationship, but I do like how it grew in this book. I like watching the friendship moments happen and then strengthen. I loved the baking moments. I really enjoyed the baking lessons between Mrs. Simpson and the club. And I confess, I liked the blogging moments and how Scarlett learns to blog. This ended really well and I'm eager to read the second book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my Library

Why I read it: I love books about baking

Library Recommendation: A good choice for your middle grade collection for school and public libraries