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Ready, Set, Dough!
From Kelly J. Baptist, the award-winning author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero , comes a story about Zoe Sparks, an over-enthusiastic cookie-dough seller who wishes to win a laptop from her school fundraiser. Of course, there's unexpected competition, bad music, strained friendships, and over-the-top ideas that go horribly wrong.
Spunky sixth-grader Zoe Sparks has discovered a unique way to get the laptop of her dreams—to win it! If Zoe can sell more tubs of cookie dough than anyone in her school, the laptop is hers. It’s the first step to becoming a prize-winning journalist! But her win-at-all-costs attitude is starting to drive a wedge between Zoe, her best friend Felix, and her family. Zoe may be a top cookie-dough seller in her class, but is winning the prize really worth it?
Spunky sixth-grader Zoe Sparks has discovered a unique way to get the laptop of her dreams—to win it! If Zoe can sell more tubs of cookie dough than anyone in her school, the laptop is hers. It’s the first step to becoming a prize-winning journalist! But her win-at-all-costs attitude is starting to drive a wedge between Zoe, her best friend Felix, and her family. Zoe may be a top cookie-dough seller in her class, but is winning the prize really worth it?
176 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2023
8 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 17, 2023
"Ready, Set, Dough" by Kelly J. Baptist is a delightful and heartwarming story that captures the essence of ambition, friendship, and the challenges of growing up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would gladly rate it four stars.
The story revolves around Zoe Sparks, a spirited and enthusiastic sixth-grader with a dream of winning a laptop through her school's fundraiser. Her determination to emerge victorious in the cookie dough-selling competition is palpable from the very beginning. Kelly J. Baptist does an excellent job of bringing Zoe's character to life, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the ups and downs of this unique quest.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the portrayal of Zoe's character. She is a spunky and relatable protagonist, driven by her dreams of becoming a prize-winning journalist. Her passion and dedication are inspiring, but as the story unfolds, we also witness the toll her win-at-all-costs attitude takes on her friendships and family relationships. This exploration of the consequences of ambition adds depth to the narrative and makes Zoe's character growth all the more meaningful.
The supporting cast of characters, including Zoe's best friend Felix, adds depth and charm to the story. The dynamics between Zoe and her friends, as well as her interactions with her family, are portrayed realistically and provide valuable life lessons about the importance of balance and prioritizing relationships over personal ambitions.
The plot is engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Zoe's journey to sell the most cookie dough is not without its share of challenges, and the mishaps and over-the-top ideas that go awry add humor and excitement to the story. The pacing is well-maintained, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.
Kelly J. Baptist's "Ready, Set, Dough" is a charming middle-grade book that delivers a valuable message about the importance of balance and the true meaning of success. With a relatable protagonist, a well-crafted plot, and a healthy dose of humor, it's a story that will resonate with young readers and leave them with a smile on their faces. I highly recommend it for its heartwarming storytelling and relatable themes.
The story revolves around Zoe Sparks, a spirited and enthusiastic sixth-grader with a dream of winning a laptop through her school's fundraiser. Her determination to emerge victorious in the cookie dough-selling competition is palpable from the very beginning. Kelly J. Baptist does an excellent job of bringing Zoe's character to life, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the ups and downs of this unique quest.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the portrayal of Zoe's character. She is a spunky and relatable protagonist, driven by her dreams of becoming a prize-winning journalist. Her passion and dedication are inspiring, but as the story unfolds, we also witness the toll her win-at-all-costs attitude takes on her friendships and family relationships. This exploration of the consequences of ambition adds depth to the narrative and makes Zoe's character growth all the more meaningful.
The supporting cast of characters, including Zoe's best friend Felix, adds depth and charm to the story. The dynamics between Zoe and her friends, as well as her interactions with her family, are portrayed realistically and provide valuable life lessons about the importance of balance and prioritizing relationships over personal ambitions.
The plot is engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Zoe's journey to sell the most cookie dough is not without its share of challenges, and the mishaps and over-the-top ideas that go awry add humor and excitement to the story. The pacing is well-maintained, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish.
Kelly J. Baptist's "Ready, Set, Dough" is a charming middle-grade book that delivers a valuable message about the importance of balance and the true meaning of success. With a relatable protagonist, a well-crafted plot, and a healthy dose of humor, it's a story that will resonate with young readers and leave them with a smile on their faces. I highly recommend it for its heartwarming storytelling and relatable themes.
January 1, 2024
3.5
Zoe is a passionate, spunky protagonist who’s goal of winning a new laptop takes over her entire life, leading to some disasters with her friendships.
Cute story, quick read, for kids who like realistic fiction.
Zoe is a passionate, spunky protagonist who’s goal of winning a new laptop takes over her entire life, leading to some disasters with her friendships.
Cute story, quick read, for kids who like realistic fiction.
August 9, 2024
A cute story about a determined cookie dough seller in a school fundraiser.
I think there are a lot of kids who will relate to and/or like Zoe, and I think they will also like the mix of friendship drama, cookie competitiveness, family relationships, and general school stories. I would definitely recommend it and think I'll bring it on school visits next year.
I think there are a lot of kids who will relate to and/or like Zoe, and I think they will also like the mix of friendship drama, cookie competitiveness, family relationships, and general school stories. I would definitely recommend it and think I'll bring it on school visits next year.
July 10, 2023
E ARC provided by Netgalley
When Zoe Spark's family computer goes on the fritz, she's hoping that her parents will finally get her a Horizon WordPro GT so that she can do more writing, which is her passion. After all, her brother Mark is interested in music, and her parents have helped him with the assets he needs for that. Unfortunately, her father is the manager of a grocery store that is going to be shut down, and her mother works at a florist shop, so there's not a lot of extra money. The school lets students use Chromebooks, but since some students tried to sell school devices on eBay (!!), they can't be taken home. When the school newspaper announces a fundraiser, Zoe is very interested in the top prize-- it's the computer that she wants. The downside? She has to sell at least fifty units of frozen cookie dough in order to be in the running. She takes her job VERY seriously, going to neighbors near her, calling relatives, canvassing neighborhoods where her friends live, and even going to her friend Felix's church and taking orders there. Her quest becomes all consuming, and she forgets plans that she has made with Felix several times, which doesn't make him happy. Not only that, but she loses over $200 of the money that she needs to turn in. When classmate Amaya mentions that she has already sold fifty tubs, Zoe is worried and redoubles her efforts. Of course, there is her newspaper writing and school work that she still has to do, and one of her articles gets a lot of attention. She writes about how not everyone has a computer or WiFi at home, but mentions that all of the teachers expect that students have these technologies when they assign projects. This causes the staff to rethink a lot of their practices. Luckily her brother loans her the money that she is missing. While she has the most sales in her homeroom, the contest is for the whole school. Will she manage to sell the most and get the coveted lap top?
Strengths: There are so many books about class elections and school newspapers (neither of which occur at my school), but only one other about a fundraising sale; Anderson's Me and My Big Mouth. While we haven't had a traditional fundraiser since the Pandemic hit, in my twenty years at the school they've sold magazines, flowers, candy, gift wrap, and several other things I can't even remember. I vividly remember fundraisers when I was in school, and the prizes are a big motivation for some students. Since Zoe really wants a new computer, it makes sense that she throws herself into sales. Baptist CLEARLY knows the world of fund raisers really well, because this is all done realistically. I also liked seeing Zoe's family life, and how her parents balance the needs of the family against the things life throws at them. Mark is a slightly annoying but ultimately helpful older brother who occasionally has to drag Zoe along with him. I'd love to see more of that kind of sibling relationship in middle grade books. The relationship with Felix, and the thoughtless way she treats her friend is so common in middle school. This is a great example of Kids Doing Things, and I loved that the whole vibe was generally upbeat. The cover is fantastic.
Weaknesses: While Zoe really wants the computer, I had trouble believing that her writing depended on having one. Writing is definitely one of those things kids can do without technology. Also, I still wish we would see middle grade students who want to pursue careers that are more science based rather than so many careers like writing, music, dance, or sports. There can't possibly be enough jobs for all of the eleven year olds who want to be famous singers or novelists!
What I really think: I will definitely purchase this title, and it will be a good choice for readers who like upbeat, realistic fiction, like Papdemetriou's Squad Goals, Schroeder's It's Raining Cupcakes, or Greenwald's Absolutely, Positively Natty.
When Zoe Spark's family computer goes on the fritz, she's hoping that her parents will finally get her a Horizon WordPro GT so that she can do more writing, which is her passion. After all, her brother Mark is interested in music, and her parents have helped him with the assets he needs for that. Unfortunately, her father is the manager of a grocery store that is going to be shut down, and her mother works at a florist shop, so there's not a lot of extra money. The school lets students use Chromebooks, but since some students tried to sell school devices on eBay (!!), they can't be taken home. When the school newspaper announces a fundraiser, Zoe is very interested in the top prize-- it's the computer that she wants. The downside? She has to sell at least fifty units of frozen cookie dough in order to be in the running. She takes her job VERY seriously, going to neighbors near her, calling relatives, canvassing neighborhoods where her friends live, and even going to her friend Felix's church and taking orders there. Her quest becomes all consuming, and she forgets plans that she has made with Felix several times, which doesn't make him happy. Not only that, but she loses over $200 of the money that she needs to turn in. When classmate Amaya mentions that she has already sold fifty tubs, Zoe is worried and redoubles her efforts. Of course, there is her newspaper writing and school work that she still has to do, and one of her articles gets a lot of attention. She writes about how not everyone has a computer or WiFi at home, but mentions that all of the teachers expect that students have these technologies when they assign projects. This causes the staff to rethink a lot of their practices. Luckily her brother loans her the money that she is missing. While she has the most sales in her homeroom, the contest is for the whole school. Will she manage to sell the most and get the coveted lap top?
Strengths: There are so many books about class elections and school newspapers (neither of which occur at my school), but only one other about a fundraising sale; Anderson's Me and My Big Mouth. While we haven't had a traditional fundraiser since the Pandemic hit, in my twenty years at the school they've sold magazines, flowers, candy, gift wrap, and several other things I can't even remember. I vividly remember fundraisers when I was in school, and the prizes are a big motivation for some students. Since Zoe really wants a new computer, it makes sense that she throws herself into sales. Baptist CLEARLY knows the world of fund raisers really well, because this is all done realistically. I also liked seeing Zoe's family life, and how her parents balance the needs of the family against the things life throws at them. Mark is a slightly annoying but ultimately helpful older brother who occasionally has to drag Zoe along with him. I'd love to see more of that kind of sibling relationship in middle grade books. The relationship with Felix, and the thoughtless way she treats her friend is so common in middle school. This is a great example of Kids Doing Things, and I loved that the whole vibe was generally upbeat. The cover is fantastic.
Weaknesses: While Zoe really wants the computer, I had trouble believing that her writing depended on having one. Writing is definitely one of those things kids can do without technology. Also, I still wish we would see middle grade students who want to pursue careers that are more science based rather than so many careers like writing, music, dance, or sports. There can't possibly be enough jobs for all of the eleven year olds who want to be famous singers or novelists!
What I really think: I will definitely purchase this title, and it will be a good choice for readers who like upbeat, realistic fiction, like Papdemetriou's Squad Goals, Schroeder's It's Raining Cupcakes, or Greenwald's Absolutely, Positively Natty.
April 3, 2025
I have a lot of complicated feelings on this, but in the sense of I'm not sure how to organise all of my thoughts into a coherent review... kind of like how Zoe gets ideas from out of nowhere and HAS to write them all down the instant they come to mind or they vanish into the ether. Basically, I have a million thoughts on this and no idea where to start.
Well, 1. I hated selling stuff. Still do! Ask why I'm not a world-famous anything... yet! KIDDING, I'll never be famous, since that involves selling myself.* I also had the problem of losing (track of) money that was placed in my care, so the stress of just READING ABOUT these imaginary sales made me anxious, even though
2. The story is predictable, in that slice-of-life way that there would never be a literal Deus Ex Machina where, say, Zeus came down from Olympus and said, "Good show, Zoe, here's that laptop you wanted, for literally no reason other than I decided I wanted to show up in this book." So, Zoe either succeeds in selling the most and wins the laptop, doesn't and finds a way to earn the laptop some other way, or... ties? And they split the winnings into a monetary value, so at least Zoe is partway to getting the laptop.
(Spoiler: It's not a tie.)
...and, of course, along the way Zoe realises things about friendship and family and all that, because if she DIDN'T learn that lesson, then what exactly was this book about?
3. (see my review about Peace, Love and Cupcakes for the bit about bullies, even if Amaya isn't a bully here so much as an obnoxious braggart, I suppose as a feint to )
I do like the story, and I don't know what I would change about it that's keeping me from giving a full five stars. It's a good read and teaches a good lesson. Would I read it again? Probably not. Would I recommend it to a younger reader, especially one in a similar situation? Definitely! I guess maybe I've just read too many books** for this one to stand out in particular. Absolutely one of the better slice-of-life books I've read, though!
*as opposed to infamous, being well-known for doing something horrible (which... at least PROBABLY doesn't involve selling anything)
**No such thing!
Well, 1. I hated selling stuff. Still do! Ask why I'm not a world-famous anything... yet! KIDDING, I'll never be famous, since that involves selling myself.* I also had the problem of losing (track of) money that was placed in my care, so the stress of just READING ABOUT these imaginary sales made me anxious, even though
2. The story is predictable, in that slice-of-life way that there would never be a literal Deus Ex Machina where, say, Zeus came down from Olympus and said, "Good show, Zoe, here's that laptop you wanted, for literally no reason other than I decided I wanted to show up in this book." So, Zoe either succeeds in selling the most and wins the laptop, doesn't and finds a way to earn the laptop some other way, or... ties? And they split the winnings into a monetary value, so at least Zoe is partway to getting the laptop.
(Spoiler: It's not a tie.)
...and, of course, along the way Zoe realises things about friendship and family and all that, because if she DIDN'T learn that lesson, then what exactly was this book about?
3. (see my review about Peace, Love and Cupcakes for the bit about bullies, even if Amaya isn't a bully here so much as an obnoxious braggart, I suppose as a feint to )
I do like the story, and I don't know what I would change about it that's keeping me from giving a full five stars. It's a good read and teaches a good lesson. Would I read it again? Probably not. Would I recommend it to a younger reader, especially one in a similar situation? Definitely! I guess maybe I've just read too many books** for this one to stand out in particular. Absolutely one of the better slice-of-life books I've read, though!
*as opposed to infamous, being well-known for doing something horrible (which... at least PROBABLY doesn't involve selling anything)
**No such thing!
November 27, 2023
Zoe is an aspiring writer and loves her journalism class. She has so many good ideas for future news stories that she needs a reliable computer. She dreams of owning a new laptop especially when the family computer keeps crashing. Although her school has chromebooks, students aren’t allowed to take them home because of a chromebook-selling scam a few years back. When she learns the top seller in the cookie dough fundraiser will receive the laptop of their dreams, she becomes a selling machine. Unfortunately, her selling tactics come at a price – she neglects her best friend and misses his state championship swim meet, she only sees her brother as someone to give her a ride and not someone with his own dreams and aspirations, and most importantly, she doesn’t realize something is going on with her father’s job until after he loses his job. She even tries selling to one of her mom’s uncles who she didn’t realize was deceased! Will Zoe win the contest? Will she realize how selfish she is before she loses the respect of her friends and family? Upper elementary readers will especially enjoy hanging out with Zoe.
April 2, 2024
Zoe Sparks loves to write. She knows that having a new, top of the line WordPro laptop would make all the difference in her success, especially since the device her family currently has is unreliable. When Zoe learns that her prized laptop is the first prize in the school’s annual fundraising campaign, she goes all in to sell as many tubs of cookie dough as she can to win the coveted device. Along the way, Zoe’s drive and tactics rub some the wrong way and impact her relationship with her best friend, Felix.
This was a quick read that will be both accessible and relatable for many middle grade readers. Zoe’s enthusiastic personality and the twists and turns along the way as she tries to meet her goals will keep readers engaged. Readers will see what happens when Zoe’s ambition goes into overdrive, helping them to understand why it might be important to have some balance. I also enjoyed the family/sibling dynamics throughout the story and the realistic portrayal of middle grade friendships. Fans of the author’s Isaiah Dunn series will enjoy this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
This was a quick read that will be both accessible and relatable for many middle grade readers. Zoe’s enthusiastic personality and the twists and turns along the way as she tries to meet her goals will keep readers engaged. Readers will see what happens when Zoe’s ambition goes into overdrive, helping them to understand why it might be important to have some balance. I also enjoyed the family/sibling dynamics throughout the story and the realistic portrayal of middle grade friendships. Fans of the author’s Isaiah Dunn series will enjoy this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read and review.
July 11, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing me with an e-arc of this book.
Zoe Sparks is going to win a new laptop, and nothing will stand in her way. 6th grader Zoe is a young journalist, but this big dreamer is weighed down by old equipment. When her school announces that the top cookie dough seller could receive her dream laptop, she decides she will do whatever it takes to win. The latest from Kelly Baptist is a fun middle school adventure. She perfectly captures the drama of cookie dough sale competitions, which feel like the end of the world at the time. Baptist also does a great job of exploring middle school friendship, both the ups and downs. The Sparks family dynamic was well-written and relatable, especially the relationship between Zoe and her older brother. This book will appeal to fans of realistic middle grade fiction, strong women protagonists, and Baptist's past work.
October 17, 2023
Did you have to do those school fundraisers? Schools are always way having them. When my daughter was in school it was magazines. The local high school has them for mattresses, of all things. And in this cute take on it, it is tubs of cookie dough. The author said the story was based on her own kids wanting to win the top awards, just as the main character, Zoe does in this book. Though the author let her kid know that no one ever gets the top prize, something no one said to Zoe.
See,Zoe’s computer broke, and she really wants a new one, and that is one of the top prizes for selling cookie dough. So she goes whole hog. No one can stand in her way. And I’m sure you’ll figure out where this is going, as it does with any obsession.
Cute story. I like how Zoe goes into Zoe mode when she goes into her sales pitch to sell the cookie dough.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is available today, the 17th of October 2023.
See,Zoe’s computer broke, and she really wants a new one, and that is one of the top prizes for selling cookie dough. So she goes whole hog. No one can stand in her way. And I’m sure you’ll figure out where this is going, as it does with any obsession.
Cute story. I like how Zoe goes into Zoe mode when she goes into her sales pitch to sell the cookie dough.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is available today, the 17th of October 2023.
October 26, 2023
An adorable MG novel for fans of the Ryan Hart series by Renee Watson who are ready to read something a bit older.
🍪
Zoe Sparks is a pretty good writer, if she does say so herself. The only thing missing in her life is a working computer, but the chances of her parents buying her one are slim after she finds out her dad lost his job. When a fundraiser at school kicks off, Zoe decides to make it her mission to sell the most cookie dough because the winner gets a new laptop computer. But when Zoe Mode kicks in and she gets a one-track mind it starts to drive a wedge between everyone in her life, including her best friend, Felix.
💻
This was just precious. I loved Zoe’s work ethic and her passion for writing. It’s so refreshing to see kids written in this age group as have drive and goals. While Zoe did let it overtake her, it’s a great lesson to show balance in our lives.
CW: unemployment
🍪
Zoe Sparks is a pretty good writer, if she does say so herself. The only thing missing in her life is a working computer, but the chances of her parents buying her one are slim after she finds out her dad lost his job. When a fundraiser at school kicks off, Zoe decides to make it her mission to sell the most cookie dough because the winner gets a new laptop computer. But when Zoe Mode kicks in and she gets a one-track mind it starts to drive a wedge between everyone in her life, including her best friend, Felix.
💻
This was just precious. I loved Zoe’s work ethic and her passion for writing. It’s so refreshing to see kids written in this age group as have drive and goals. While Zoe did let it overtake her, it’s a great lesson to show balance in our lives.
CW: unemployment
December 4, 2023
Zoe loves to write, which is why she's devastated when her family's computer starts having issues and her parents refuse to buy her the new laptop she wants. But when she hears that the laptop she wants is one of the prizes for her school fundraiser, she decides that she has to win it, no matter what it takes.
I absolutely hated school fundraisers as a kid, but I promise that has nothing to do with my rating. The reason I'm only rating this book two stars is because I just really didn't like Zoe as a character. She's really overdramatic and I hated the way that she just kept hurting her best friend over and over. I kind of wish she would have lost in the end, because that could've been the thing that would show her the error of her ways. Still, if you know a sixth-grader who is just as passionate about writing as Zoe, you might want to give them this book. Maybe I'm just the wrong audience for it.
I absolutely hated school fundraisers as a kid, but I promise that has nothing to do with my rating. The reason I'm only rating this book two stars is because I just really didn't like Zoe as a character. She's really overdramatic and I hated the way that she just kept hurting her best friend over and over. I kind of wish she would have lost in the end, because that could've been the thing that would show her the error of her ways. Still, if you know a sixth-grader who is just as passionate about writing as Zoe, you might want to give them this book. Maybe I'm just the wrong audience for it.
December 6, 2023
3.5⭐️ rounded up
This was a quick, fun read that shows young readers that you can achieve your dreams by putting in the hard work—but also that you can't let your dreams take over your whole life. Zoe does everything she can to sell the most cookie dough so she can win the laptop of her dreams to kickstart her journalism dream, but as she does so, she pushes away the people closest to her. While reading this story as an adult made it hard to relate or even stomach some of the actions Zoe takes (it's been a long time since I've been a sixth grader, okay?!), young readers will likely be able to find something for them in it—a story about growing up, learning hard lessons, and the staying power of love and friendship.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.
This was a quick, fun read that shows young readers that you can achieve your dreams by putting in the hard work—but also that you can't let your dreams take over your whole life. Zoe does everything she can to sell the most cookie dough so she can win the laptop of her dreams to kickstart her journalism dream, but as she does so, she pushes away the people closest to her. While reading this story as an adult made it hard to relate or even stomach some of the actions Zoe takes (it's been a long time since I've been a sixth grader, okay?!), young readers will likely be able to find something for them in it—a story about growing up, learning hard lessons, and the staying power of love and friendship.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.
August 14, 2023
Baptist really has perfected the voice of Black tweens. I loved this book. Zoe is a middle-schooler who dreams of becoming an award-winning writer. However, she can’t do that with her old and busted computer. No matter how much she tries to get her parents to get her a new one, it’s just not in her stars. When the opportunity presents itself to fundraise for the laptop of her dreams, she puts her all into winning and beating the snippy Amaya who has more resources (and wealth) than her. Heartfelt, funny and filled with life lessons, this is a yummy treat kids will enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
This was exactly what it said it would be. I liked how realistic it was (especially seeing economics through Zoe's lens, but also being able to see that the adults are doing their best to keep adult stuff as adult stuff and deal with it. It also did a good job with other kids at school thinking everyone has it better than they do and how sometimes what we're focused on can make it where we can't see that that is not an emergency for everyone), but at the same time, it was so realistic that it felt a bit low stakes to me.
July 18, 2023
This book takes me back to my middle school years where everyone wanted that big prize for selling The World's Finest Chocolate! Zoe is determined to win the top prize, a computer to help her with her writing. She is so determined that it gets a little out of hand and she hurts some others along the way. This was a fun read and will be appealing to older elementary/beginning middle school students.
September 29, 2024
6th grade Zoe is, as everyone tells her, "something else!" She's a spunky go-getter who decides that if her family can't afford a laptop so that she can begin her career as a newspaper columnist, then she'll just win one herself during her school's annual cookie dough sales. Will her single-minded quest for cookie domination cost her her friends and family's goodwill? Read to find out!
Super cute!
Super cute!
October 18, 2024
Loved this book! Parents loathe school fundraisers. However, Zoe Sparks is determined to be the top seller and get a laptop. She is a spunky little girl and has endless energy and she can get the sales. However, she neglects important things along the way and learns valuable lessons. If you’re a teacher it would be a great read aloud. There are two cuss words that aren’t too bad. In the grand scheme of the book it’s worth it.
November 25, 2024
I read this book for the Charlie May Simon Award Committee. It is about a little girl that really wants a laptop to use for the writing career, but her family can't afford to buy her one. She participates in a school competition to sell cookie dough, where the grand prize is the EXACT laptop she wants. This book is about competition, but it is also about many things: family relationships, job layoffs, friendships, etc. I highly suggest you pick this one up!
February 6, 2025
Zoe, the ambitious overzealous and highly motivated little girl was me growing up. I loved reading the storyline of how Zoe pushed herself to reach a goal while learning the hard way it’s not the best to always be self centered. This was a very easy read and interesting to follow along. The plot of the book was realistic. I think overachievers and anyone reading it will definitely learn something when it comes to being a good friend and overall decent human being.
September 20, 2023
Middle school appropriate. I liked how supportive everyone in Zoey’s life is and how they empower her. Zoey struck me as realistic but, with an adult’s perspective, I found her pretty self-involved. I’ve personally enjoyed some of this author’s other main characters more. Zoey felt very different to me from the author’s other main characters, which shows the author’s skill.
March 26, 2024
I thought this was really relatable for elementary and middle school kids. Zoe is a bit extra, which is a good thing when she achieves her goals and not so good when she stomps on friends and family to do so. I also appreciated that this is a short, clean story. So many chapter books are giant times these days.
June 7, 2024
I had this book recommended to me by an upper elementary kid. It's a cute story and a quick read (for an adult). The main character is trying to sell enough cookie dough to get the grand prize (a new laptop). Things go a little awry along the way.
July 11, 2024
Listened to this with my 5th grader. Such a cute book, the main character Zoey and her family are relatable. The story also helped flex the empathy muscles of young readers as you can see both sides of the problems Zoey faces.
November 13, 2023
Who hasn’t wanted that big grand prize for selling the most? Great audiobook too!
November 28, 2023
This was a super cute quick middle grade read. I enjoyed reading this and remembering that feeling of triumph when your class one a prize or pizza 🍕 party. I gave this 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 4, 2023
Some aspects were a little to unrealistic.
January 2, 2024
Great read-alike for kids who enjoyed Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun
January 31, 2024
3.5 stars
Cute! Definitely skews to the younger side of MG, especially with how short it is
Cute! Definitely skews to the younger side of MG, especially with how short it is
March 13, 2024
i related to zoe and admired her tenacity but did not like her
March 17, 2024
A very sweet little realistic fiction novel, low stakes but heartwarming
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews