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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
From July, 2010: This is a first for me - reading the book prior to publication. But I'm glad I did, because this one will be fun to press into children's hands come October.
The idea is fun: the story follows four children competing in a candymaking competition. One by one, we hear the story from each child's point of view, something I didn't realize until I was well into the first section. What makes this brilliant, rather than repetitive, is that Mass works completely new details into each account, the kinds of details that make you flip back to a previous section to see how that kid described the same incident. People hide things. People neglect to tell you things. Narrators are never completely reliable. But add up these four narrators, and you've got a pretty good idea of what happened over the three days the story covers. You've got a little mystery, a little action, characters who are hiding things, and plenty of yummy descriptions that will have you ready to tuck into something sweet.
Source: ARC from publisher
From March, 2012:
This book led to a great bookgroup discussion (the kids are ages 10 & up) - they loved the candy factory setting and the way the story was told from different points of view with surprise revelations along the way. Plus we discussed our own dream candies. Lots of fun!
The idea is fun: the story follows four children competing in a candymaking competition. One by one, we hear the story from each child's point of view, something I didn't realize until I was well into the first section. What makes this brilliant, rather than repetitive, is that Mass works completely new details into each account, the kinds of details that make you flip back to a previous section to see how that kid described the same incident. People hide things. People neglect to tell you things. Narrators are never completely reliable. But add up these four narrators, and you've got a pretty good idea of what happened over the three days the story covers. You've got a little mystery, a little action, characters who are hiding things, and plenty of yummy descriptions that will have you ready to tuck into something sweet.
Source: ARC from publisher
From March, 2012:
This book led to a great bookgroup discussion (the kids are ages 10 & up) - they loved the candy factory setting and the way the story was told from different points of view with surprise revelations along the way. Plus we discussed our own dream candies. Lots of fun!
Loved this book. And so glad there is a second one.
At first we weren’t sure about it but the kids got really interested and invested in the characters and their individual stories. It was interesting for the kids to have each part a different point of view. They caught on pretty fast to the plot changes.
It’s the story of 4 kids at a candy factory all together for a big competition. They all come in with big secrets and leave completely changed.
Loved the little nuggets of truth such as loving everyone, being real, kindness, and friendships.
There is some talk and mentions of after life and the realm beyond which some parents might want to talk about.
At first we weren’t sure about it but the kids got really interested and invested in the characters and their individual stories. It was interesting for the kids to have each part a different point of view. They caught on pretty fast to the plot changes.
It’s the story of 4 kids at a candy factory all together for a big competition. They all come in with big secrets and leave completely changed.
Loved the little nuggets of truth such as loving everyone, being real, kindness, and friendships.
There is some talk and mentions of after life and the realm beyond which some parents might want to talk about.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A lovely story about 4 competitors who come to Too Sweet candy factory to compete in a candy competition. The story layout is told from each child's perspective, Logan, the candymakers son, daisy, the spy, Philip the business sort, and miles who is dealing with an obsession about death and the world after. We learn after hearing story how connected these 4 really are and how by communication learn what friendship really means. It's a simple story and told in a humorous and enjoyable tone which is perfect for both boys and girls about 4th to 5th grade level. Some nice life lessons served with your chocolates.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I really liked this book! It was easy to listen to, and I was invested in all of the candy ;)
The Candymakers is a well written book by Wendy Mass.The beginning of this book is retold 4 different times, each for one of the characters perspectives. Logan, Miles, Daisy and Phillip are finally 12, old enough to enter the Candy- making competition, something they've been waiting to enter for a long time. This book is fun, and great for readers with a sweet tooth!
My almost-9 year old really enjoyed this as I read it to them. Really relatable characters with their own insecurities and neuroses, misunderstandings and miscommunications. A fun mystery to solve, and then they all work together in the end to accomplish their goal. Plus candy, who wouldn’t love that?