Gabby Torres Is the Best Winner Ever

by Angela Dominguez

In the second book in the Gabby Torres graphic novel series, nine-year-old Gabby discovers the true meaning of winning when she enters a baking contest, perfect for fans of THE CUPCAKE DIARIES and DORY FANTASMAGORY.

Gabby has a new now that she’s finally learned how to not burn her cookies, she will become the best baker the world has ever seen!

The local grocery store's baking competition is the perfect opportunity to show everyone what she’s made of… winner material!

All she needs to do is buy books for research and baking supplies... and more baking supplies... and more baking supplies... oh dear.

What will happen when her money, and her parents’ patience, runs out?

This heartwarming series is written and illustrated by Angela Dominguez, the New York Times bestselling illustrator who created the beloved Stella Díaz series. Gabby Torres is tenacious, bold, relatable, and hilarious, reminiscent of favorite characters like Junie B. Jones, Clementine, and Ramona Quimby.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Food, Juvenile, Humor, Cooking, Graphic Novels Comics

160 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2025

About the author

Angela Dominguez is the author/illustrator of Let’s Go, Hugo! and Knit Together. She has an MFA from the Academy of Art University, was born in Mexico City, grew up in Texas, and now lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Mara K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think it would be pretty good if you are a younger level of reading.
it was ok, pretty straight forward and cozy.
the pie she ended up making with her grandparents was a nice touch, a little family moment.
i wish the whole thing with needing money for ingredients had ended better than her parents just being like, "we'll take 100 dollars!"
it was strange how they never really adressed her being so obnoxious and oblivious while she was baking, and i wish there was more meetings if her club than just the one at the beginning.
maybe seeing the otters in the wild?
i really liked that she didn't win the bake off though.

thanks to netgalley and the editor for letting me read it in advance!

[Cynthia T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @NetGalley and @MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup for the ARC. This was so cute and informative. Gabby Torres wants to win a baking contest to show that she is the best at something. Unfortunately things to do go as planned for Gabby. She is also learning how to save the river otters homes with her ocean club. Told with so much witt, you can only root for Gabby to win. A must for all Libraries.

[Julesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby Torres is an ambitious 9-year-old girl fourth grader who lives near Chicago. She has her mind set that she must win at something because her BFF Kat won a bouldering (aka rock wall climbing) competition and her other BFF Priya won an essay writing contest. Gabby feels that winning is everything and she is left out so she is on the hunt to become a winner. But at what? After all, she is good at so many things!

One day while trying to avoid accompanying her father’s avid (and boring to Gabby) bird watching hobby, she joins her mother during her grocery store errand. She sees a flyer announcing a Kids Baking Competition in three weeks for kids aged 8-13. Perfect! Gabby knows she will win the $1,000 grand prize and a shiny medal. She plans to generously donate her winnings to save the river otters as part of her Sea Musketeers Club, a kid organization to save the ocean (yes, the club is aware that their fundraising is for river otters, not sea otters). Gabby’s parents give their approval on the condition that she pays for the extra equipment for her baking needs out of her savings. That way she won’t go overboard with the spending. Gabby’s baking projects aren’t going exactly as planned and are creating quite the mess and destruction. Her parents are not happy campers and Gabby has been grounded from the kitchen. She just needs that one perfect baking dish to win that contest. What will it be? Will her parents let her back in the kitchen?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as much as I did the first. Through Gabby’s trials and tribulations, she learns that winning isn’t everything to simply enjoy life, how to manage money, and charitable fundraising. I love the moral of the story which will really provide a realistic positive outlook for middle grade readers. The illustrations are very simply drawn without intricate detail, which work perfectly while embedded within the text. I’m really excited to see there will be more to come on Gabby Torres!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby is into winning at everything. She is also into helping the environment. So, when she hears about a cooking contest for kids, with a grand prize of $1000, she figures she can win, and donate the money to the river otters.

So, she becomes obsessed with making the most complicated things ever, finally settling on Baked Alaska. I laughed when I saw that, because when I was her aga, I too, along with my siblings, that would be the best thing to make. Who wouldn’t want a cake with ice cream in it. Well, I’m sure you can figure out what happened when she tried to make it on her own.

Cute story about learning to work within our abilities, and also to ask for help when you need it.

This is the second book in the series, but it isn’t necessary to have read the first one. Both are fast paced, and funny, as you see the scrapes that Gabby gets herself into.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 2nd of December 2025.

[Ariel K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC.

My first impression of this book is that this would be a really fun read for kids that aren’t big readers. The illustrations are very cute/and age appropriate. The writing of the book is very quick and easy to follow as well. I think for early readers or bilingual readers who have a primary language other than English would do well with this book. The FMC character Gabby is kind of hyper energetic but also adorable 9 year old little girl.

In the beginning, Gabby is a bit neurotic - ok through most of the book - but in a way that’s cute and endearing. At some point, she decides to join a baking contest *Lots of Baking TV Show vibes here* to “Save the Otters” - I love a girl on a mission for charity!

I don’t want to give away the ending, but it was very easy to read, fun, and I could totally seeing some of my students enjoying this.

I would recommend for ages 8 - 12.

[Vanity La’Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars
ARC REVIEW :

The title is ironic, trust me.

Gabby is desperate to win, and in the process, she’s honestly not a great friend or daughter. She’s selfish, competitive to a fault, and lowkey a menace. But somehow, everyone around her is still super supportive, which adds a sweet touch to the chaos.

Things I enjoyed:

- This gave me Junie B. Jones vibes for sure. Fun, loud, dramatic, and a little over the top.
- Ingredients for the things she was attempting to make.
- Her intrusive thoughts? Hilarious.
- The visuals? Really cool and vibrant.

But I can’t lie, Gabby is obnoxious and selfish, and while it seems like she’s about to learn a lesson multiple times… she doesn’t. Not really. And that was a little frustrating.

Still, it’s a fast, fun read with personality and heart, even if the “best winner” doesn’t quite get the memo.

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books is fantastic for teaching young kids important life lessons. In this story, Gabby really wants to win something, so she decides to enter a baking contest. Along the way, the book introduces ideas like budgeting for supplies and even touches on borrowing money responsibly when Gabby takes a small loan from her parents.

It also shows that mistakes happen—Gabby messes up at one point, but the story highlights how she takes responsibility and makes things right. The book balances fun storytelling with real-world lessons, making it both engaging and meaningful.

For parents and educators:
This is a great pick for younger and middle school readers, especially those starting to learn about money management, responsibility, and problem-solving. It opens the door for family discussions about spending, saving, and learning from mistakes in a healthy way.

[Lauryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5 ⭐️’s rounded up)

Gabby is definitely NOT the best winner lol!



This diary-style formatted graphic novel takes readers through Gabby’s mission to being a winner, which is very ironic because during this process she shows very few characteristics of a good winner. As we go along Gabby’s journey towards winning a baking competition we see displays of determination, responsibility (and lack of), humor, and just a wee bit of growth towards the end. This is the perfect book for middle-school aged lovers of graphic novels maybe even older elementary school children who enjoy helping out in the kitchen, as the ingredients for recipes are pictured!


Thank you NetGalley and MacmillanChildren'sPublishing Group for the ARC!

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Roaring Book Press via NetGalley. The Gabby Torres series reads like an early chapter book crossed with a graphic novel. The art is good and makes the series easy and fun to read for 3rd and 4th graders.

Similar to the first book in the series, Gabby is involved in an animal activist group and this time they are helping river otters. However, that storyline takes a backseat to Gabby wanting to win a big prize like some of her friends. Gabby enters a baking competition. While I enjoy Gabby’s family dynamic, she felt more obnoxious and selfish in this book and the lessons she learned didn’t feel as rewarding. I will continue to read the series to see what Gabby is up to next.

[Hope Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby is back in Book 2 and delightful and unconsciously mischievous as ever. Determined to show that she is as eco-conscious as the older kids in Sea Musketeers, the group dedicated to protecting the ocean environment, Gabby decides to enter a baking contest which she erroneously thinks will give a large cash prize to the winner, which she can in turn donate to the river otters fund.

The prose/graphic hybrid lends itself to Gabby's personality, and readers are quickly swept into her world. The Gabby series will be loved by those who read Junie B. Jones, Clementine, and Babysitter's Club graphic novels.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 104 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I enjoyed this that I now want to look for Gabby's earlier adventures and read the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group through NetGalley.
Second in the series.
Gabby desperately wants to win at something. Readers see her think about everything she could possibly do and decide to enter a baking competition. Dominguez uses a humorous approach to show how focused Gabby becomes on winning. She loses sight of friendships, family and rules to pursue her desire to receive that medal and earn the prize money. By the end, she remembers what is really important, finds a family recipe she can make, and does receive recognition at the competition.
Mid level elementary students will appreciate Gabby's passion and relate to her journey.

[Anne Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is more of a diary format book than a graphic novel but nevertheless incorporates comic style interactions. This is the second installment of Gabby series and this adds a spin to Gabby's love for cooking. She learns a very important lesson that - winning isn't everything. You can be happy when you are happy with [ you are. This is an interesting and easy to read book. This would be more relatable to young Middle schoolers.I still look forward to reading more in the installments, especially with brewing mystery.

[Ashli Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to consult my middle school daughter for this review! This book is sweet, entertaining story that combines humor, heart, and a love of baking!

A Delightful Graphic Novel for Young Bakers and Dreamers!

If your middle schooler loves baking and graphic novels, Gabby Torres: Baking Up a Storm is a perfect pick! Gabby, with her passion for baking and a heart full of determination, takes on a local grocery store's baking competition. But as she quickly learns, there's more to winning than just having the right supplies—especially when you’re balancing your budget and your parents' patience!

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Gabby Torres Is the Best Winner Ever”is a diary-style book with comic panels and a simple art style.

It follows nine-year-old Gabby, who is determined to become a winner by entering a local baking contest. Along the way, she faces some challenges, like needing to understand money in order to buy baking supplies.

While the story did feel a bit repetitive at times, it delivered a nice message about how winning isn’t everything.

Overall, it’s an okay read for younger kids.


Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Formatted as a mix of diary entries and comic panels, we follow ambitious-to-a-fault Gabby Torres as she explores her baking talents for a good cause. Kids will find her chaotic tendencies amusing and possibly inspiring, much to their parents' dismay, but her relentless pursuit of greatness is endearing. Its predictability was manageable, given the target age demographic, but it did feel quite repetitive after about halfway through.

Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for the arc!

[Brittany Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby’s back and better than ever! In this sweet and funny story, she’s determined to win a baking contest—but learns that being the “best” isn’t always about taking home a prize. Angela Dominguez mixes heart, humor, and cookies in the perfect recipe for young readers. A fun reminder that passion matters more than perfection! 🍪💛

[Jaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really cute graphic novel! I loved getting to know the story of Gabby Torres and how she just strived to win a competition, but realized that winning isn't all that it seems. Great characters, cute drawings, fun art style, and creative story.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy to review!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillian Children's publishing Group for early copy for review*

This was so cute. Gabby is a great example for young girls. She has so much confidence and determination. It reminded me of Amelia's Notebook which I read when I was Gabby's age. This perfect for early elementary age children.

[Liz W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great second book in the series. Gabby is determined to win a baking competition. But she’s so focused on winning that she doesn’t think enough about her family, friends, or the sea otters she’s trying to help. And Gabby sure can make a mess while baking! I think my 5th graders will like this one.

[Michelle Ardillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review at http://michelleardillo.com/2025/04/05...

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabby’s not my favorite character, but she does show some growth by the end, so I’m grateful for that. There are lessons on friendships, looking outside of yourself, and even fiscal responsibility.

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute illustrated novel for grades 3-5

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby Torres is back. This energetic nine year old decides that she wants to be a winner. She tries a lot of different things and eventually tries a cooking contest for kids. Gabby is so caught up in trying to win that she ends upa but selfish and irresponsible. But by the end of the story, she realizes that winning isn't everything. This cute book is a cross between a diary style chapter book and a graphic novel. The colorful illustrations are funny and engaging. The fun story can lead to some great discussions about being happy with just the experience instead of trying to win at something. I accessed a temporary advanced review copy of this cute book and I can honestly recommend it to young readers.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabby has seen her friends and family winning, so it's only right for her to be a winner at something. Gabby decides to enter a cooking contest, and hijinks ensue! Dominguez helps us learn to work with our abilities and to ask for help when you need it. The Best Winner Ever will be loved by graphic novel fans young and old.