Review: This is How I Roll

 

Sana and her family moved so her father could own his own restaurant. Sana loves to cook but her father, who owns a restaurant, doesn't like her messing up the kitchen. She tries everything she knows to get his attention - but he's very busy. 

Now she's in the same town with her cousin, her best friend. Sana thought she was going to be spending the summer with her cousin doing art projects and cooking on the sly. But when her cousin gets a last-minute spot at a summer camp, Sana's at a loss.

Luckily, she meets Koji. While her cousin isn't Koji's biggest fan, Sana really likes him. Koji takes Sana home to meet his mother. Sana connects with Mrs. Yamada. They end up cooking together. But Sana isn't telling the truth about any of her relationships...

My Thoughts: Another winner for Debbi Michiki Florence - this book is super cute. I felt bad for Sana - she has a hard relationship with her parents. They all seem to have a communication problem. They don't seem to include her in decisions - even sharing what's going on. Sana often finds out details from her cousin. 

It's always hard navigating middle school - friendships, crushes, and mean girls. I love the relationship between Sana and Mrs. Yamada. Of course, I love all the food moments. They made my mouth water. I love how Koji and Sana decide to create cute cooking videos. The ending is super cute. Lots to love in this middle grade adventure. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: Highly recommended for your library's collection. 

Review: Shake it Off

Bria's a city girl. She's from Chicago - she loves the city noises and the fashion. And most importantly the milkshakes. But she's going to be stuck spending the summer with her aunt and uncle on their farm in Iowa. She couldn't be more devastated. 

Until she realizes she has no phone service and she's expected to do chores around the farm. This wasn't part of the plan (Aka her punishment for her bad choices in the Spring).  Bria is terrible at everything - from helping with animals to making boring milkshakes.

She doesn't understand why they can't shake things up a bit. Her cousin's dying to run the farm when she gets older, but there's a company who wants to purchase it now. If they don't do something - and quickly - the farm might not be around much longer.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - for the milk-shakes, the country life, and the family togetherness time. I admired Bria for wanting to (finally) help out in the way that worked for her. Her first moments of country life were amusing. And yes, she was kind of a brat, but I liked the way she grew during the summer. I loved the different flavors of milkshakes - I wish I could test one out. I loved Bria and Wren. Wren wasn't afraid to tell the truth about her feelings. Another great middle grade read from this author.

Cover Thoughts: Mouth-watering

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great middle grade read for your public and school libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life

 

* Part of the Wish series *

Nadine and Daniel are best friends. She creates music. He creates coffee drinks. They talk about everything - including coming from single family homes. Daniel's father past away. Nadine's mother left her family. 

Life is great between the two friends - until a new family moves to town. For one thing, they purchase the coffeeshop where they hang out and where Daniel works. Secondly, Kira becomes the new girl in town. 

Nothing much happens in the small Vermont town, so Kira is instantly popular. And Daniel is smitten with her. Nadine can't figure out why he likes her so much or why he's insisiting on showing Kira how much he likes her through anonymous gifts. But one thing's for sure...this changes Everything! 

My Thoughts: So this series - isn't a series in term of characters, but there's always food involved. And recipes. I was surprised to read about the fictional Vermont town, which would be really close to where I grew up. It's fun seeing landmarks in the book. I love the cute coffee shop where everyone hangs out. If Daniel made hot chocolate drinks the way he makes coffee drinks, I would hang out there too! I love how both Daniel and Nadine have discovered something they're passionate about. I loved their friendship. I enjoyed the romance in the book. I really liked the parents in the book - and how their stories ended. Another winner in this series and I hope there are more books coming!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Another sweet treat for your middle grade collection! 

Holiday Review: Hot Cocoa Hearts

Ever since Emery's grandmother died, she's become a scrooge. She used to love the holidays but now they just make her unhappy. To make matters worse, her parents make her dress up as an elf and work their Christmas photo booth in the mall.

It's the worst!

Especially since she meets a boy in her class who works at the hot chocolate place next to the photo booth. He's definitely got the holiday spirit. 

The boy she's majorly crushing over, Sawyer, also isn't into the commercialization of  the holidays. Emery hasn't spent much time with Sawyer, but he's the perfect boy for her...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this middle grade romance. I loved the classroom Secret Santa gifts - and the friendships that grew from them. I felt terrible for Emery for losing both her Grandmother and her Christmas spirit. I loved the moments between Emery and Alex - especially their talk of hot chocolate. A sweet story that's all about being true to yourself, friendship, and the Christmas Spirit. 

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute

Source: My library

Library  Recommendation: A great holiday romance for middle grade readers - perfect for your school or library collection.

Review: I Only Have Pies For You

Darcy's family bakes amazing pies - except for her. She can't bake a pie to save her life. But she tries. Maybe it has to be with the curse. Her great-grandmother made the best Heartstring Pie - but she hide the family recipes and no one's been able to find it. Anyone that tries ends up with a disaster on their hands.

Darcy's family pie shop is going through a rough patch - just like the town. Businesses are struggling to survive.

But when local celebrity TV host brings her show to town, things start looking up. They spruce up the down, giving it a much needed makeover. More than anything the TV host needs stellar ratings. What could be better than finding a long lost pie recipe?

Soon Darcy's competing with the TV host to find her family recipes. She's determined to find it first so she can save her family pie shop.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - and of course it made my mouth water with all that talk about pies. I loved the baking parts - especially learning more about Darcy's Great-Grandmother. I loved the moments in the bakery - with everyone chatting about life. I liked that Darcy had a temper and it often got the better of her. I loved the horses. I enjoyed the scavenger hunt and how Darcy and her friends tried to uncover the recipe. I liked the her moments with her one time rival then turned friend then turned love interest. A really fun read.


Cover Thoughts: Perfect and adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your tween collection - for both schools and public libraries.