Graphic Novel Review: Batter Royale

 

Rose dreams of becoming a pastry chef. She's thrilled when she's accepted into the culinary school of dreams. But her parents warn her they might not be able to afford it. 

The restaurant she works at might be in trouble, but a food critic arrives. This could make or break the restaurant. Rose whips up a dessert that the critic loves. The critic offers her a spot on the Batter Royale baking show in London.

Rose and her best friend enter the competition. But while they expected baking, they did not expect traps and kidnapping and sabotage. If Rose and Fred win, they could solve all their problems. But it's going to take both of them - together.

My Thoughts: This graphic novel pulled me out of a reading slump. I loved the baking recipes added into the book. I loved reading about baking and competition. There were so many twists with the cooking challenges - which were fun to read but would be over the top in a real show. I loved the teamwork between Fred and Rose and how they went from friends to something more. I loved how Rose wanted to help other competitors. A fantastic story that I couldn't put down.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: my library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your graphic novel collection

Graphic Novel Review: Measuring Up

 

Cici moved from Taiwan to Seattle. She's desperate to fit in at her new school. But not everyone at school is nice. She no longer brings lunch to school with homemade cooking; she brings peanut butter sandwiches. There are moments of racism and Cici quietly corrects them. Cici does make new friends.

But most importantly, she misses her grandmother. Then Cici learns about a cooking competition. The prize money would be enough to bring her Grandmother over for her 70th birthday. Cici isn't sure that she can win, but she's determined to try her best. She learns American cooking from the library's cookbooks - including Julia Child.

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I thought the relationship between Cici and her grandmother was really sweet. It made me miss my grandmother. I loved how Cici corrected racism when she heard it. I enjoyed watching both Cici and her parents learn and understand American ways. I loved the cooking competition moments. A great graphic novel!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation:  Highly recommended for your school and public libraries