Middle Grade Review: On Air with Zoe Washington

 

* Sequel to From the Desk of Zoe Washington * 

Two years have passed since Zoe Washington started a relationship with her biological father who was in jail. He's since been exonerated and is living with his mother. Zoe and Marcus work together at a local bakery. Zoe can't believe her good fortune. When Marcus mentions his dream of owning his own restaurant, Zoe is 100% on board. 

She can't wait to bake the desserts. Together they start planning. But they hit several roadblocks right off the bat. It's hard for people in prison to get a loan; they have no credit. Zoe becomes angry at the injustice of it all - so once again she takes matters into her own hands. 

Zoe and Marcus decide against opening a restaurant and instead attempt to open a food truck. They start a Kickstarter page. But will it be enough?

My Thoughts: I loved the first book and this book was also amazing. I loved that there was a time jump. I loved that it kept the elements of the first book: baking and the justice system. It was great seeing old friends again and how they have grown. I loved Zoe and Marcus's time together. But it was also great seeing her navigate her relationship with Marcus in terms of her other relationships. Zoe is so determined and impressive. You can't help but root for her! I love how everything turned out!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

Book Lists: Foodie and Reality TV Books

I read and reviewed this recently:

And I loved it! So, I made a book list of similar titles. Enjoy!

Picture Book Review: Dad Bakes

Happy Father's Day!

Here's a book that reminds me of my dad.

Dad wakes up early each morning for work at the bakery. Then at home, he hangs out with his daughter - reading and playing and of course baking!

This is a sweet story about spending time together and of course baking together.

It reminds me of my dad because we both have a giant sweet tooth. We both like baking. My dad bakes great muffins and cookies. He makes bread and pizza crust. Of course, we played when I was a kid. Now we read and talk about books. And we still bake together and eat our delicious goodies. 

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.