I previously featured the first book in the series, THE COOKIE CRUMBLES, and found it to be an engaging story full of mystery, friendship, and baking. The sequel brings more of the same with a new story.

In THEIR JUST DESSERTS our superb baker, Laila Thomas, and her best friend and outstanding young journalist, Lucy Flores, are back. Now eighth graders, each has a busy schedule limiting their time together.

When Jaden, a former rival from the first book, asks them for help they can’t resist. Jaden’s father has been accused of stealing prized jewels at amateur kids’ holiday baking show. Laila will enter the contest while Lucy secretly investigates. All does not go well and their friendship is put to the test.

The story has alternating viewpoints between Laila and Lucy. This back and forth structure help show the ups and downs of friendship in such a meaningful way. I also liked how Laila’s loneliness issue was included which is often common among this age group.

The mystery part of the plot once again had me guessing as to who was guilty. THEIR JUST DESSERTS has all the pieces in place to attract middle grade readers. Combine two great main characters, add in a dose of mystery, and combine with a baking contest makes a sure recipe for an enjoyable read.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Alechia Dow is a former pastry chef, a librarian, and an award-winning author of acclaimed young adult sci-fi fantasies, several short anthology pieces, and magical (sometimes mysterious) middle grade stories. When not writing, you can find her having epic dance parties with her family, baking, reading, taking teeny adventures, and exploring her local food scene. (https://www.alechiadow.com/)

Tracy Badua is an award-winning Filipino American author of books for young
people. By day, she is an attorney, and by night, she squeezes in writing, family time, and bites of her secret candy stash. She lives in San Diego, California. Tracy’s work has garnered such accolades as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and
Illustrators Sid Fleischman Humor Award, the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California Award, multiple selections as Junior Library Guild GoldStandards, and inclusion on state book lists across the United States. (https://tracybadua.com/)

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It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.