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The Candymakers #1
The Candy Makers
Empat orang anak berusia 12 tahun terpilih dari Region Tiga untuk mengikuti kompetisi membuat cokelat terbaik di dunia. Selama dua hari mereka akan menemukan rahasia cara membuat permen di pabrik Life Is Sweet.
Persaingan mereka dipenuhi oleh berbagai kecurangan demi memenangi kontes tersebut. Hingga akhirnya, mereka mengetahui ada orang yang ingin menghancurkan pabrik kesayangan mereka tersebut.
Keempat anak yang disatukan dalam kontes ini kemudian berupaya untuk melindungi resep rahasia dari orang yang ingin menghancurkan Life Is Sweet.
Namun, bagaimana dengan dendam Philip dan phobia Milles? Atau rahasia luka Logan dan Daisy yang misterius saat terungkap?
Persaingan mereka dipenuhi oleh berbagai kecurangan demi memenangi kontes tersebut. Hingga akhirnya, mereka mengetahui ada orang yang ingin menghancurkan pabrik kesayangan mereka tersebut.
Keempat anak yang disatukan dalam kontes ini kemudian berupaya untuk melindungi resep rahasia dari orang yang ingin menghancurkan Life Is Sweet.
Namun, bagaimana dengan dendam Philip dan phobia Milles? Atau rahasia luka Logan dan Daisy yang misterius saat terungkap?
564 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2010
1412 people are currently reading
13752 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Mass
83 books3,688 followersWendy Mass is the author of thirty novels for young people, including A Mango-Shaped Space, which was awarded the Schneider Family Book Award, Leap Day, the Twice Upon a Time fairy tale series, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall, the Willow Falls, Space Taxi and Candymakers series. Wendy wrote the storyline for an episode of the television show Monk, entitled "Mr. Monk Goes to the Theatre," which aired during the show's second season. She tells people her hobbies are hiking and photography, but really they're collecting candy bar wrappers and searching for buried treasure with her metal detector. Wendy lives with her family in New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,353 reviews
January 6, 2021
This book reminds me why I always tell fellow readers to give young adult books a chance. The only complaint I have about The Candymakers is due to the fact that these books are unfortunately targeted towards young adult readers rather than adults that are young at heart. (Guess which category I fall into?)
On that note, the only real problems I had were the same reasons this was not targeted to me. The sentences were more concise and simple then I believe necessary for teens; there was a lot more telling than necessary, although there was notable detailed showing. Some of the plot was rather unbelievable; it all came together a little too easily. But, it is a fantasy world filled with candy, after all. How could I not fall in love with this book? The only other two fictional books that I have read set entirely in the Candy World are "True Confections" by Katherine Weber and, of course, "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl. And now this one, which holds its own among them.
My favorite thing about this novel is its structure. The author is able to successfully write from different points of view- something many adult books cannot get right. Furthermore, these accounts are sold separately, in different chapters- a difficult thing to do. With impeccable exactitude, no facts, no details, none if the timeline, not the characters are mismatched. Readers get the feeling that they are experiencing the event as they switch between the four childrens' minds, each with their own secrets.
They all have their own reasons for being there and all eventually really want to win competition. At first a few are enemies, but, of course, they eventually grow to really care about one another and sincerely can each other friends as they learn each other's secrets and inner thoughts.
**** Spoilers ****
Logan, The Candymaker's son, feels the need to prove to his parents that he is worthy of inheriting his father's position. He has no other friends because his parents have kept him sheltered since he was a young boy. During the annual factory picnic, he met Philip, who was touring the area. This was one of the first boys had met and he was excited to find a new friend. After playing like boys do around the candy factory for most of the day, they were at the chocolate vat when Phillip lost his toy truck in it. Not wanting to upset his friend and wanting to return it, he crawled into it. He ended up not getting it in time and scarring his entire face. He is still a very happy boy; it seems that he notices his scars far less than anyone else does. In fact, he often forgets that they are there.
Daisy, who grew up in a special family- spies with all the technology and ninja moves- is on an assigned mission. She is there for reasons that at first she does only because she was told; until certain events cause her to truly consider what she is doing. And what is right and wrong. Finding and taking Life Is Sweet's secret ingredient with the goal to shut down the factory? Certainly in the latter category.
Miles, whom carries a life jacket around everywhere and has taken an interest in the afterlife ever since he was out boating and watched a girl drown. He eventually finds out that girl was actually Daisy, who of course never died because she had her super powers.
Last but not least, there is Philip, whom is extremely negative, pretentious, rude, and full of animosity as soon as he meets the others. We eventually find out that he is the former boy with the toy truck. He is not typically this type of guy. But as an equally lonely child, when he was erroneously informed by his father that he had been banned from the Life Is Sweet candy factory (he was actually invited back by the family), he is there to win the competition; to take Logan's thunder. I also loved his secret violin talents and music genius.
Looking forward to reading her other books!
On that note, the only real problems I had were the same reasons this was not targeted to me. The sentences were more concise and simple then I believe necessary for teens; there was a lot more telling than necessary, although there was notable detailed showing. Some of the plot was rather unbelievable; it all came together a little too easily. But, it is a fantasy world filled with candy, after all. How could I not fall in love with this book? The only other two fictional books that I have read set entirely in the Candy World are "True Confections" by Katherine Weber and, of course, "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl. And now this one, which holds its own among them.
My favorite thing about this novel is its structure. The author is able to successfully write from different points of view- something many adult books cannot get right. Furthermore, these accounts are sold separately, in different chapters- a difficult thing to do. With impeccable exactitude, no facts, no details, none if the timeline, not the characters are mismatched. Readers get the feeling that they are experiencing the event as they switch between the four childrens' minds, each with their own secrets.
They all have their own reasons for being there and all eventually really want to win competition. At first a few are enemies, but, of course, they eventually grow to really care about one another and sincerely can each other friends as they learn each other's secrets and inner thoughts.
**** Spoilers ****
Logan, The Candymaker's son, feels the need to prove to his parents that he is worthy of inheriting his father's position. He has no other friends because his parents have kept him sheltered since he was a young boy. During the annual factory picnic, he met Philip, who was touring the area. This was one of the first boys had met and he was excited to find a new friend. After playing like boys do around the candy factory for most of the day, they were at the chocolate vat when Phillip lost his toy truck in it. Not wanting to upset his friend and wanting to return it, he crawled into it. He ended up not getting it in time and scarring his entire face. He is still a very happy boy; it seems that he notices his scars far less than anyone else does. In fact, he often forgets that they are there.
Daisy, who grew up in a special family- spies with all the technology and ninja moves- is on an assigned mission. She is there for reasons that at first she does only because she was told; until certain events cause her to truly consider what she is doing. And what is right and wrong. Finding and taking Life Is Sweet's secret ingredient with the goal to shut down the factory? Certainly in the latter category.
Miles, whom carries a life jacket around everywhere and has taken an interest in the afterlife ever since he was out boating and watched a girl drown. He eventually finds out that girl was actually Daisy, who of course never died because she had her super powers.
Last but not least, there is Philip, whom is extremely negative, pretentious, rude, and full of animosity as soon as he meets the others. We eventually find out that he is the former boy with the toy truck. He is not typically this type of guy. But as an equally lonely child, when he was erroneously informed by his father that he had been banned from the Life Is Sweet candy factory (he was actually invited back by the family), he is there to win the competition; to take Logan's thunder. I also loved his secret violin talents and music genius.
Looking forward to reading her other books!
March 9, 2011
REVIEW
Do not read this book if you are hungry. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! The Candymakers is a clever middle grade book about four children in a national candy-making contest. Yummy!
The book begins from Logan’s perspective. He actually lives in the candy factory, and his account of things is pretty nuts-and-bolts. Ah, but then the point-of-view changes to the other kids (Miles, Daisy, and Philip). That’s when things really get interesting! With each perspective, I learned something new. I also realized that not all of the kids are entirely truthful and they don’t all reveal everything they know. Things are not always what they seem to be.
A simple candy-making competition becomes a complex mystery. In the end, secrets are revealed and the mystery is solved. You’ll have a good time getting to the conclusion.
The Candymakers is a fun book that will appeal to middle graders and anyone who has a sweet tooth. The candy descriptions made me hungry for a sweet treat of my own. Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company for sending this book for me to review.
RATING
5 Plot
5 Characters
4 Attention Grabbing
4 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
22 TOTAL
5 STARS
Do not read this book if you are hungry. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! The Candymakers is a clever middle grade book about four children in a national candy-making contest. Yummy!
The book begins from Logan’s perspective. He actually lives in the candy factory, and his account of things is pretty nuts-and-bolts. Ah, but then the point-of-view changes to the other kids (Miles, Daisy, and Philip). That’s when things really get interesting! With each perspective, I learned something new. I also realized that not all of the kids are entirely truthful and they don’t all reveal everything they know. Things are not always what they seem to be.
A simple candy-making competition becomes a complex mystery. In the end, secrets are revealed and the mystery is solved. You’ll have a good time getting to the conclusion.
The Candymakers is a fun book that will appeal to middle graders and anyone who has a sweet tooth. The candy descriptions made me hungry for a sweet treat of my own. Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company for sending this book for me to review.
RATING
5 Plot
5 Characters
4 Attention Grabbing
4 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
22 TOTAL
5 STARS
November 26, 2011
Since it was started, the Life Is Sweet candy factory has Participated in a contest most of the greatest candy factories around the world enter. In the town of Spring Haven, four twelve-year-olds named Logan Sweet, grandson of the famed Samuel Sweet, who started the factory and son of the current Candymaker, Daisy, who doesn't know her last name, was born into a family of spies and was hired to steal the Life Is Sweet secret formula, Philip Ransford, a kid who always has a pressed suit and briefcase, and also is the reason Logan has burn scars on his face, hands, and arms, and Miles, who needs to win this contest for the girl who ran into the lake and never came back up, and is allergic to the color pink, merry-go-rounds, jazz, and pancakes, and has a ginormous addiction to chocolate pizza. who will win? Who is the real bad guy?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2014
Important note:I got a copy of this at ALA in June, passed it to my 11 year old, and she really enjoyed it. That's a far better recommendation than mine or any other grownups...
This is being compared to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in which 5 kids win a contest to tour a magical candy factory. But here 4 kids are at a wonderful but very non-magical candy factory to COMPETE in a contest, and we see the 2 days they spend together in turn from each child's point of view--and each child's voice is clear and distinct.
Dahl's kids were cartoony--the greedy one, the TV obsessed, the good beyond good one. Bad ones get punished, good one gets rewarded. Mass's kids are much more realistic. Each is not what he/she seems from the initial view. Each has a secret. And each has a chance to reach out to the others and do something wonderful, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
This is sweet, but it's not sticky-sweet (except for the candy being made)and it's extremely satisfying. Now WHERE do I get the recipe for that chocolate pizza?
This is being compared to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in which 5 kids win a contest to tour a magical candy factory. But here 4 kids are at a wonderful but very non-magical candy factory to COMPETE in a contest, and we see the 2 days they spend together in turn from each child's point of view--and each child's voice is clear and distinct.
Dahl's kids were cartoony--the greedy one, the TV obsessed, the good beyond good one. Bad ones get punished, good one gets rewarded. Mass's kids are much more realistic. Each is not what he/she seems from the initial view. Each has a secret. And each has a chance to reach out to the others and do something wonderful, leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
This is sweet, but it's not sticky-sweet (except for the candy being made)and it's extremely satisfying. Now WHERE do I get the recipe for that chocolate pizza?
June 15, 2018
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."
3.5 stars rounded up
This is my first book by Wendy Mass and WOW, did it get me right in the feels. I had heard a lot about Mass growing up (esp. her book A Mango-Shaped Space) but didn't have a chance to read any of her works. Let me change that now! Aka I'm going to binge this author.
At first glace, The Candymakers seemed like it be a fun, sweet
Part 1 turned out to be what I expected: a fun little candy-making adventure, with some added mystery. Part 1 is told from Logan's POV and follows him and 3 other kids' candy-making competition.
Part 2 is told by Miles, he retells what happened in part 1. Now, here's where things took a turns for me. I was not expecting Miles' backstory, explaining why he is 'allergic' to all these strange things. I liked Miles in the first part (he is shy, a linguist, and a bookworm! how cute!) so it comes as no surprise that he quickly became my favorite. I also cried, did I mention that? We learn more of why Miles talks about the afterlife so much. And the scene where, in answer to Miles, Logan talks about living life all the more perfect:
"Well, if you enjoy life while you have it, then it doesn't matter how long you have it for."
Part 3 is Daisy's POV of the events of part 1 and part 4 is Phillip's. I did get a bit bored halfway through Daisy's POV and I skipped a few chapters of Phillip's POV (I hated that entitled bully and I'm almost sure that I didn't miss anything I couldn't figure out). Part 5 is Logan's POV again and the story continues. The ending is cheesy but cute.
More quotes:
"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no such thing as butterflies"
"'You're so lucky,' [Miles] said earnestly. 'A whole library inside your house.' Of all the things Logan felt lucky to have in his house, the library fell very low on the list."
February 6, 2013
It's time for the annual candy making competition! At the
Life is Sweet
candy factory, things are definitely much more exciting. Four 12-year-olds with their own stories to tell: Logan; the Candymaker's son, Daisy; a girl with a huge secret, Miles; an innocent thoughtful boy with a hidden past, and Phillip; a young contestant seeking revenge. As the Confectionary's Association's Annual Convention goes nearer, the contestants find themselves all facing an unlikely turn of events.
A book of unlikely friendships, self-discoveries, candies, chocolates and lots more! What I loved about the book was how I got to see different versions of one single story through different people. Part one is told through Logan's perspective, in Part Two we get to know the story through Daisy's perspective, so on and so forth. Each character has a unique and interesting personality, each character has their own back story, and the book's structure allows readers to really know who Logan, Daisy, Miles and Phillip is. I also loved how it all came together in the end. I enjoyed reading how someone's story is actually connected to someone else's. What a small world, indeed. I loved how, in the end, all the loose ends are all tied up. Hooray for happy endings!
Also, although the book talks about candies and chocolates, the book is definitely not shallow. Basically the book's main lesson is about choosing good over evil, and realizing where true happiness comes from. Cheesy and a tad bit overused lesson, yes, but the book definitely has a fun and exciting way of showing it. It can be a bit tiring to keep going back to the start of one story as another perspective retells the same story, but I think it's still quick and manageable.
A fun, quick read! Reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. :D Almost the same exact setting, but with a completely different story! I totally channeled the young teenager version of me as I read this, and so I definitely enjoyed it. PS. I REALLY WANT A CHOCOLATE PIZZA NOW. Anyone know where I can get some? Haha!
A book of unlikely friendships, self-discoveries, candies, chocolates and lots more! What I loved about the book was how I got to see different versions of one single story through different people. Part one is told through Logan's perspective, in Part Two we get to know the story through Daisy's perspective, so on and so forth. Each character has a unique and interesting personality, each character has their own back story, and the book's structure allows readers to really know who Logan, Daisy, Miles and Phillip is. I also loved how it all came together in the end. I enjoyed reading how someone's story is actually connected to someone else's. What a small world, indeed. I loved how, in the end, all the loose ends are all tied up. Hooray for happy endings!
Also, although the book talks about candies and chocolates, the book is definitely not shallow. Basically the book's main lesson is about choosing good over evil, and realizing where true happiness comes from. Cheesy and a tad bit overused lesson, yes, but the book definitely has a fun and exciting way of showing it. It can be a bit tiring to keep going back to the start of one story as another perspective retells the same story, but I think it's still quick and manageable.
A fun, quick read! Reminded me a lot of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. :D Almost the same exact setting, but with a completely different story! I totally channeled the young teenager version of me as I read this, and so I definitely enjoyed it. PS. I REALLY WANT A CHOCOLATE PIZZA NOW. Anyone know where I can get some? Haha!
September 12, 2019
Oh. My. Gooey-ness. I'm giving this scrumptious, mysterious tale 3.5 stars! This book was a lot of fun!
Four kids win the opportunity of going to a candy factory for two days and seeing if they can create the next winning candy for the national championship. The kids are all twelve: Logan, Miles, Daisy and Philip. The book is broken into sections, with the story being told from each child's point of view. As their perspectives are revealed, you'll see the friendly tournament go from fun to ... a very twisted and twizzlered mystery!
You won't anticipate the way the story will suddenly turn and I definitely don't want to spoil it for you. Just know that it's a complete mix-match of kooky, wonky, suspense, adventure, fun and friendship that all melds together incredibly nicely.
Enjoy!
Ages: 8 - 13
Cleanliness: one of the kids talks about/believes in the after-life (he talks about his imaginations of it a bit but it is not linked to any religion). There is one kid who is at first rude and self-centered but he changes.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
Four kids win the opportunity of going to a candy factory for two days and seeing if they can create the next winning candy for the national championship. The kids are all twelve: Logan, Miles, Daisy and Philip. The book is broken into sections, with the story being told from each child's point of view. As their perspectives are revealed, you'll see the friendly tournament go from fun to ... a very twisted and twizzlered mystery!
You won't anticipate the way the story will suddenly turn and I definitely don't want to spoil it for you. Just know that it's a complete mix-match of kooky, wonky, suspense, adventure, fun and friendship that all melds together incredibly nicely.
Enjoy!
Ages: 8 - 13
Cleanliness: one of the kids talks about/believes in the after-life (he talks about his imaginations of it a bit but it is not linked to any religion). There is one kid who is at first rude and self-centered but he changes.
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
August 13, 2020
A very sweet story (pun completely intended), if a little predictable.
I liked seeing the events from each character's point of view, even if it got a bit repetitive at times, and found it an interesting way to slowly reveal more information to the reader.
3.5 stars
I liked seeing the events from each character's point of view, even if it got a bit repetitive at times, and found it an interesting way to slowly reveal more information to the reader.
3.5 stars
November 23, 2013
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!
July 4, 2010
I picked this up at ALA with much excitement. It was described to me as "Willy Wonka meets Mysterious Benedict Society" and I liked at least one of Wendy Mass's previous books. As I started in on it, I was pleased to find decent jokes, a quick-ish pace, and lots of mouth-watering candy descriptions. The structure of the book is interesting too: Each of the four main characters (Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip) narrate separate sections of the book. So after we've read Logan's POV, we go back in time and see the day through Miles' eyes, then Daisy's, etc. So it's a slow reveal of what's really going on, which definitely keeps the pages a-turnin'.
The mystery is very Wonka-esque. Three kids are invited to a candy factory to learn about candymaking so they can enter a candymaking contest (Logan, the fourth contestant, is the candymaker's son and lives at the factory). It seems as though someone is after the factory's secret ingredient and may be trying to close it down. But who's the bad guy? Why do these kids have so many secrets? Who can be trusted? Will the four kids end up best friends or bitter enemies?
I was with this book right up until the end. The finale could have really popped, but instead it fizzled. And it got pretty cheesy, too. Still, 90% enjoyable isn't bad. I always think the toughest part of writing a mystery/adventure story is coming up with a satisfying ending. Maybe it's enough that the journey is exciting, even if the destination leaves something to be desired. I think I'll still recommend this one. The premise alone will make it an easy sell.
The mystery is very Wonka-esque. Three kids are invited to a candy factory to learn about candymaking so they can enter a candymaking contest (Logan, the fourth contestant, is the candymaker's son and lives at the factory). It seems as though someone is after the factory's secret ingredient and may be trying to close it down. But who's the bad guy? Why do these kids have so many secrets? Who can be trusted? Will the four kids end up best friends or bitter enemies?
I was with this book right up until the end. The finale could have really popped, but instead it fizzled. And it got pretty cheesy, too. Still, 90% enjoyable isn't bad. I always think the toughest part of writing a mystery/adventure story is coming up with a satisfying ending. Maybe it's enough that the journey is exciting, even if the destination leaves something to be desired. I think I'll still recommend this one. The premise alone will make it an easy sell.
August 8, 2022
This was a read aloud to my grandkids, and we all loved it! I don't remember how I came across it but am glad we read it to wind up the summer break. It was rollicking fun, wonderful candy descriptions, and great subtext messages on collaboration, family, discovering who you are, and a bit of inspirational quotes.
December 21, 2017
Actual rating: 4.5
Too many feels. Phillip is my favorite character. Eat candy while you read this book. ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER. I know I'm being incoherent, but I can't even with this book.
Too many feels. Phillip is my favorite character. Eat candy while you read this book. ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER. I know I'm being incoherent, but I can't even with this book.
October 6, 2011
Great book! A good surprise around every corner. It made me hungry. :)
October 22, 2017
The name made me assume this book would be a light, simple confection. My 10, 8, and 5 year old boys listened to it with me, and we were all pleasantly surprised by it — not only the plot surprises, but it’s depth. For a book I’ve never heard of elsewhere, it is remarkably good. Dare I say better than Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory? Yes, I think so. We finished it a few months ago, and my boys are already asking to hear it again.
July 12, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. I was worried that it would be too close to Charlie and Chocolate Factory but it's very different. The story is fun and unexpected and the characters are totally loveable.
August 12, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book because of the unique way that it was written. The beginning was slow, but it got better as you heard the different perspective of each character. It gives you a perfect example of why you shouldn’t judge someone before you know their side of the story.
July 1, 2019
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
MY THOUGHTS
Wendy Mass was one of my favorite authors when I was in middle school. This book came out after I left middle school and while I added it to my TBR, for some reason did not get read until now. I mainly listened to this on audiobook but I read the last portion of this in physical form because I really wanted to keep reading! I'm happy to say that this was a fantastic book!
The summary does a great job of summarizing the main point of this book, so I'm not going to give a big rehash, but basically, four twelve-year-olds come to the Life is Sweet candy factory in order to come up with the perfect candy for a national competition. Each character is given a point-of-view, but instead of switching the POV every other chapter, we are given multiple chapters from one perspective, and then it switches. We start with Logan, the candymaker's son, so excited to meet the other kids. We follow Logan until we get to an incident. A really intriguing incident. Then the book rewinds and follows Miles, as he is coming to the factory and meeting the other kids. We follow him until the incident, then rewind to show Daisy (who is not who she seems), until the incident. The same goes for Phillip. So with each perspective we see the same days, but with a different perspective. I've never read a book that dealt with perspectives this way and it was done so well! I loved seeing how each character saw the day, each other, and learning more about them. Each POV ended in a cliffhanger that made me want to see how everything comes together and with each perspective, you see the small details that add up to that one moment. It was just so exciting by the time I got to Phillip's perspective because it felt like everything was coming together! Even though it was tense, I was filled with joy!
The characters in this book were fantastic and I felt like I really got to know them. Logan is such a nice guy and he really knows everything to know about candy making, but he's also anxious about the competition and making friends. But even though he is feeling unsure about himself, he does his best at talking to the others and making his dream candy. Miles is obsessed with the afterlife, has his own language, and is on the watch for signs. I felt bad for him at times because he was so scared, but I loved how he tries to look at life. Daisy, well I can't say much about her due to spoilers, but I can say that I was really surprised by her character. I was also surprised by Phillip because from the first time we meant him (in Logan's perspective) he comes off as obnoxious, but I ended up really liking his perspective. Partially because everything comes together, but also because he's not a bad guy, he's actually a nice guy, but he always has a barrier up towards others. The best part with the characters, though, was them all together. One of the reasons why I love MG books is that there is such a strong focus on friendship and by the end of this book the friendship warmed my heart.
This book is also a wonderful blend of reality and magical. There are some things you may have to suspend disbelief for, but it's so gosh darn fun! And even within the improbable, the characters and their stories bring real and relatable problems. That's another one of the reasons why I loved the characters so much, because I really felt like I understood them and they still felt realistic.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was such a wonderful book. I loved the characters, the mystery, the unique layout. When I closed this book I felt like a ball of emotions and I knew I had just finished a great book. Wendy Mass is a great writer and I can still call her a favorite author. There is a sequel and you bet I'm going to read it!
MY THOUGHTS
Wendy Mass was one of my favorite authors when I was in middle school. This book came out after I left middle school and while I added it to my TBR, for some reason did not get read until now. I mainly listened to this on audiobook but I read the last portion of this in physical form because I really wanted to keep reading! I'm happy to say that this was a fantastic book!
The summary does a great job of summarizing the main point of this book, so I'm not going to give a big rehash, but basically, four twelve-year-olds come to the Life is Sweet candy factory in order to come up with the perfect candy for a national competition. Each character is given a point-of-view, but instead of switching the POV every other chapter, we are given multiple chapters from one perspective, and then it switches. We start with Logan, the candymaker's son, so excited to meet the other kids. We follow Logan until we get to an incident. A really intriguing incident. Then the book rewinds and follows Miles, as he is coming to the factory and meeting the other kids. We follow him until the incident, then rewind to show Daisy (who is not who she seems), until the incident. The same goes for Phillip. So with each perspective we see the same days, but with a different perspective. I've never read a book that dealt with perspectives this way and it was done so well! I loved seeing how each character saw the day, each other, and learning more about them. Each POV ended in a cliffhanger that made me want to see how everything comes together and with each perspective, you see the small details that add up to that one moment. It was just so exciting by the time I got to Phillip's perspective because it felt like everything was coming together! Even though it was tense, I was filled with joy!
The characters in this book were fantastic and I felt like I really got to know them. Logan is such a nice guy and he really knows everything to know about candy making, but he's also anxious about the competition and making friends. But even though he is feeling unsure about himself, he does his best at talking to the others and making his dream candy. Miles is obsessed with the afterlife, has his own language, and is on the watch for signs. I felt bad for him at times because he was so scared, but I loved how he tries to look at life. Daisy, well I can't say much about her due to spoilers, but I can say that I was really surprised by her character. I was also surprised by Phillip because from the first time we meant him (in Logan's perspective) he comes off as obnoxious, but I ended up really liking his perspective. Partially because everything comes together, but also because he's not a bad guy, he's actually a nice guy, but he always has a barrier up towards others. The best part with the characters, though, was them all together. One of the reasons why I love MG books is that there is such a strong focus on friendship and by the end of this book the friendship warmed my heart.
This book is also a wonderful blend of reality and magical. There are some things you may have to suspend disbelief for, but it's so gosh darn fun! And even within the improbable, the characters and their stories bring real and relatable problems. That's another one of the reasons why I loved the characters so much, because I really felt like I understood them and they still felt realistic.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, this was such a wonderful book. I loved the characters, the mystery, the unique layout. When I closed this book I felt like a ball of emotions and I knew I had just finished a great book. Wendy Mass is a great writer and I can still call her a favorite author. There is a sequel and you bet I'm going to read it!
May 14, 2020
This was a great book. I liked how the author kept changing perspectives of the 4 main characters Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip. It was a very happy story, I would have never thought about reading a book about a candy competition but it was really good. The author did a good job of painting a picture in my mind. For example, it was totally fun picturing this cool candy factory in my mind. I like how everyone had a really interesting story about there life. For example, Logan lives in a CANDY FACTORY, Daisy is a SPY, Phillip WINS EVERYTHING, and miles has an interesting story I can't explain in one sentence. It was a longer book than the ones I usually read but totally worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2016
Such a sweet and amazing book!
July 30, 2022
It's pretty rare that I reread a book since there are always SO many books to read! But one of the reading prompts I'm following this month was to read a childhood favorite and I thought of this book. I'm so happy that I did! The Candymakers heavily reminds me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with all the in-depth descriptions of the candy-making rooms. This book does such a good job at teaching/reminding people to never judge a person too quickly. There is always more that you don't know! The format of the chapters is unique because we go through a few days with the first narrator, then we go back and read from 3 other narrators, then finish the book with the first narrator. This worked really well with the plot and created twists and revelations that kept me interested.
November 5, 2019
This made for a fun read aloud to my kids ages four to thirteen. It had a few sweet lessons on friendship, honesty, and being courageous enough to be yourself. My eleven year old wants to read the second book in the series now that she’s familiar with all of the fun characters.
January 3, 2024
literally held up in every way
September 16, 2021
I loved it! It gave me a lot of willy wonka vibes but less fantasy which I liked. The characters were ingenious. Their personalities and interests matched up for the perfect, funny dialogue sequences. And the connections! it all fit together like a puzzle at the end, finding out how their pasts lined up. for the most part it was entertaining, the plot was clever, and it made me really want to live in a candy factory!
March 26, 2022
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.
Read
December 18, 2025needed something appetizing and then comforting and this fit the bill💵🍫👍🏼
March 6, 2017
This book was clever and fun but slow. I forced myself through most of it. I might have liked it more if I were younger. It was imaginative and creative, especially with the 4 different POVs, but the pacing drove me crazy. I liked Daisy and Philip's POVs the best, though it took me several pages to realize Daisy wasn't just recounting a dream, but reality.
I really wanted to like this one, but I couldn't get into it. Logan was a little too perfect. It didn't get interesting until it got crazy...but perhaps this would appeal to younger readers?
I really wanted to like this one, but I couldn't get into it. Logan was a little too perfect. It didn't get interesting until it got crazy...but perhaps this would appeal to younger readers?
December 17, 2012
Haven had been asking me to read this book for many months. She loved it and was sure that I would. I finally got a kindle and it was the first full book I read on it, since it was already on our account. The first section was not what I wanted to read. Think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Mary Poppins - very heavy on the candy and the adjectives, low on plot content. I threatened to Haven to stop reading numerous times. Heck, I don't even like candy (for real - I don't). She begged me to hang on to the end of part one. I did it for her, so I could then respectfully bow out of it.
However, I read one paragraph of part two and was TOTALLY hooked! I LOVED how this was written. Told from one narrator perspective for the first part, then that same story is told from the point of view of the other three main characters again - over the next three sections of the book. She had explained this to me, but I had no idea how brillantly it would play out - the story was completely different each time, as you had no clue about the characters' true issues until they shared their story.
The story was definitely too juvenile (which is the genre, so no apologies there) to recommend, but it was a good book to connect with my daughter in literature once again.
However, I read one paragraph of part two and was TOTALLY hooked! I LOVED how this was written. Told from one narrator perspective for the first part, then that same story is told from the point of view of the other three main characters again - over the next three sections of the book. She had explained this to me, but I had no idea how brillantly it would play out - the story was completely different each time, as you had no clue about the characters' true issues until they shared their story.
The story was definitely too juvenile (which is the genre, so no apologies there) to recommend, but it was a good book to connect with my daughter in literature once again.
June 6, 2022
I've actually read this at least four times, no exaggeration. It's probably my favorite middle grade book ever.
March 27, 2021
I got this book at Doggeared books in Ames, IA. It was a really great book but it made me hungry!
February 21, 2025
The Candymakers starts off pretty similarly to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Four kids have been selected to participate in this candy-making competition. The competition will have many more than 4 contestants, but these four are going to visit the Life Is Sweet candy factory to meet the candymaker and work with the staff to create a new candy creation/recipe. Other contestants from all over the country will work with other candy factories, and then they will all come together for a national candy-making competition. Before I move on, I wanted to note that how the contestants were chosen wasn't specified. And I bring this up because it bugged me not to know. Three out of the four contestants that this story is about had zero prior experience working with candy. Their knowledge was basically starting from scratch.
Each contestant had various reasons why they wanted to participate in the contest and why they wanted to win. But it drove me a little crazy wondering how they were each chosen. When you look at competitions today, especially like the ones on Food Network, the contestants already have prior experience. They aren't totally inexperienced.
As the description says, we have four contestants, and each contestant has a part of the book where we follow them from day one of the competition up until a central point in a "who done it" kind of method. Then we move into the perspective most needed to advance the storyline. It's hard to discuss because the book is written in a bit of a mystery so I don't want to spoil anything. All of the characters are connected in some way or other which is part of the mystery as well.
The contestants being chosen are kind of like the kids with the golden ticket with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Once they arrive at the factory for the first day of the competition, the characters are given a tour of the factory where they see different rooms needed for the candy-making process. This is also similar to the Wonka Factory. Things aren't quite so magical as Wonka, but still. The candy all has weird names as well.
I read this aloud to my two older kids and they both really enjoyed it. My daughter always looked forward to me reading it. My son wouldn't always look forward to it, but he does a great job of seeing foreshadowing, so he would often spot clues that pointed to answering various mysteries in the book.
I really underestimated the amount of time it would take me to read this to my kids. At this point, I was only reading to them every other day at bedtime, but during times when the kids had extracurricular activities we often had to skip reading in favor of hurrying off to bed since we'd gotten home late. I started reading this in July 2024 and didn't finish it until December. I will try not to pick books this long to read aloud until I can read them every day or read bigger chunks at one time.
The Candymakers was an enjoyable family read-aloud. It was reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which we've also read aloud together so the kids enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences. The mysteries were fun for the kids to try to figure out. I highly recommend this for young kids. (Mine were 7 and 9 when we finished reading this if that gives you an idea of a target audience.) The Candymakers gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Candymakers? What did you think? Let me know!
Each contestant had various reasons why they wanted to participate in the contest and why they wanted to win. But it drove me a little crazy wondering how they were each chosen. When you look at competitions today, especially like the ones on Food Network, the contestants already have prior experience. They aren't totally inexperienced.
As the description says, we have four contestants, and each contestant has a part of the book where we follow them from day one of the competition up until a central point in a "who done it" kind of method. Then we move into the perspective most needed to advance the storyline. It's hard to discuss because the book is written in a bit of a mystery so I don't want to spoil anything. All of the characters are connected in some way or other which is part of the mystery as well.
The contestants being chosen are kind of like the kids with the golden ticket with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Once they arrive at the factory for the first day of the competition, the characters are given a tour of the factory where they see different rooms needed for the candy-making process. This is also similar to the Wonka Factory. Things aren't quite so magical as Wonka, but still. The candy all has weird names as well.
I read this aloud to my two older kids and they both really enjoyed it. My daughter always looked forward to me reading it. My son wouldn't always look forward to it, but he does a great job of seeing foreshadowing, so he would often spot clues that pointed to answering various mysteries in the book.
I really underestimated the amount of time it would take me to read this to my kids. At this point, I was only reading to them every other day at bedtime, but during times when the kids had extracurricular activities we often had to skip reading in favor of hurrying off to bed since we'd gotten home late. I started reading this in July 2024 and didn't finish it until December. I will try not to pick books this long to read aloud until I can read them every day or read bigger chunks at one time.
The Candymakers was an enjoyable family read-aloud. It was reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which we've also read aloud together so the kids enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences. The mysteries were fun for the kids to try to figure out. I highly recommend this for young kids. (Mine were 7 and 9 when we finished reading this if that gives you an idea of a target audience.) The Candymakers gets 4 Stars. Have you read The Candymakers? What did you think? Let me know!
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