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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
"Stars So Sweet" is the third book in a series and I loved the other two (as did my sixth graders). The main character, Gladys Gatsby, is a tween foodie who has to hide her culinary aspirations even though she writes restaurant reviews for a well-known newspaper. In this third book, Gladys' adventures continue but are more complicated, especially with respect to her social relationships.
3.5 stars! A couple days ago, I read almost the entirety of the second book in this series on my phone while waiting for a concert to start (lol). The next day, when I finished the last bit of the book, I had to go straight to the next, since I wanted to see what would happen if Gladys came clean to her parents! Which, of course, did not happen right away, as she had planned. So, I had no choice but to read the entire book, naturally.
This was a cute series that I had a fun time reading. I'm sad this is the last book? I was so excited that in this book one of Gladys's friends had a baby gay crush on another friend?! This is the first time I've seen that in a middle grade book that wasn't specifically about LGBT issues. Unfortunately, the way it pans out leaves much to be resolved. (But even more disappointing: the fact that some reviewers I just saw elsewhere considered the inclusion of this crush to ruin the book. Yikes.)
This was a cute series that I had a fun time reading. I'm sad this is the last book? I was so excited that in this book one of Gladys's friends had a baby gay crush on another friend?! This is the first time I've seen that in a middle grade book that wasn't specifically about LGBT issues. Unfortunately, the way it pans out leaves much to be resolved. (But even more disappointing: the fact that some reviewers I just saw elsewhere considered the inclusion of this crush to ruin the book. Yikes.)
I have thoroughly enjoyed the authors way of simplifying complex tastes and emotions through out the series. I was happy to see an honest portrayal of the awkward years between childhood and being a teenager. I appreciated Gladys’s desire to make good kind decisions. I want more role models like her. And I appreciated the sapphic undertones of one of the characters, it was not blatant though the clues were there throughout the series. It’s nice for girls to identify with the characters and not make orientation the focal point of a characters development. I will be purchasing these book for all of my nieces to read!
In the end to the trilogy, we finally get to find out how Gladys will tell her parents her secret. When her aunt comes to town, she finds comfort in having her assistance. I enjoyed this series and I was happy to get resolution to the story. I really appreciated these books.
A warm, funny, very satisfying conclusion to the series! The food descriptions and reviews are scrumptious as always, and the character development is especially strong. What a pleasure to see Gladys grow and make decisions that are 100% true to who she is. I wish I'd had that model when I was in middle school!
Just what I wanted from this third book in the All Four Stars series: loveable characters & a sweet foodie storyline. This is a favorite middle grade series of mine and I hope it goes on and on. :)
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Cute story. I found the gay crush storyline unnecessary.
This was a sweet end to a series about a girl who adores food/cooking/baking. It was a very happy ending in that all plot points had a "perfect" solution, except for her friend, Charissa, and her love interest. That was probably the "most real" moment, because not everyone gets a happy ending to ALL their problems. Aside from this, it was a fun plot to follow. And all the good food! It made me want to cook macarons and have a lobster backpack! :)
What I Loved:
-Gladys’s passion for cooking and all things foodie is front and center in the narrative, as it has been in the last two books.
-Her diverse group of friends and their differing personalities and quirks are part of the action as welll—you’ll find appearances by Parm, Charissa, and Sandy. I assure you—you’ll definitely be laughing throughout the book, just as you probably were with the first two.
-The story features different cuisines and ingredients some readers may have never heard of before! Whether Gladys is browsing Mr. Eng’s specialty food shop or creating Salvadoran pancakes, she is sure to introduce readers to something new in the culinary world. At one point Gladys, Aunt Lydia, and Charissa attend a foodie trade show and sample foods such as biltong (South African beef jerky), antelope meats, yak meat, and even horse-meat bites!
-The rich themes of friendship and becoming comfortable in your own identity (something that can be quite challenging in Middle School) are appreciated and embedded in the narrative without being preachy. I love the way Tara illuminates important and relevant aspects of friendship in her storyline.
-The resolution of all the loose ends, especially regarding Gladys’s top secret job of restaurant reviewer for The New York Standard. The conclusion of STARS SO SWEET is stunning, and everything I had hoped for in the ending to this fantastic trilogy. I know this series will continue to be a popular one in my school library. I already have many students who have been waiting avidly for the last installment in the series. It’s true: Young readers love these foodie books!
My full review can be found on my blog, Bookish Illuminations.
-Gladys’s passion for cooking and all things foodie is front and center in the narrative, as it has been in the last two books.
-Her diverse group of friends and their differing personalities and quirks are part of the action as welll—you’ll find appearances by Parm, Charissa, and Sandy. I assure you—you’ll definitely be laughing throughout the book, just as you probably were with the first two.
-The story features different cuisines and ingredients some readers may have never heard of before! Whether Gladys is browsing Mr. Eng’s specialty food shop or creating Salvadoran pancakes, she is sure to introduce readers to something new in the culinary world. At one point Gladys, Aunt Lydia, and Charissa attend a foodie trade show and sample foods such as biltong (South African beef jerky), antelope meats, yak meat, and even horse-meat bites!
-The rich themes of friendship and becoming comfortable in your own identity (something that can be quite challenging in Middle School) are appreciated and embedded in the narrative without being preachy. I love the way Tara illuminates important and relevant aspects of friendship in her storyline.
-The resolution of all the loose ends, especially regarding Gladys’s top secret job of restaurant reviewer for The New York Standard. The conclusion of STARS SO SWEET is stunning, and everything I had hoped for in the ending to this fantastic trilogy. I know this series will continue to be a popular one in my school library. I already have many students who have been waiting avidly for the last installment in the series. It’s true: Young readers love these foodie books!
My full review can be found on my blog, Bookish Illuminations.
I just adore Gladys Gatsby. Now I have to go and read the second in the trilogy!