The Stars of Summer

All Four Stars #2

by Tara Dairman

It’s not easy being an undercover restaurant critic—especially when you’re only twelve years old!

After successfully completing her first restaurant review for the New York Standard newspaper, Gladys Gatsby is looking forward to a quiet summer of cooking and eating. But her plans quickly go awry when her friend Charissa Bentley delivers Gladys’s birthday gift: a free summer at Camp Bentley.

As Gladys feared, camp life is not easy; she struggles to pass her swim test, can’t keep the other campers happy while planning lunches, and cannot seem to get away from the annoying new “celebrity” camper. The worst part is she’s not able to find a moment to sneak away for her latest reviewing assignment: finding the best hot dog in New York City. But when Gladys learns that her hot dog assignment might actually be a dirty trick made up by a jealous fellow critic, she fears her reviewing career could be over forever.

This perfectly plotted sequel brings readers on a rollicking summertime adventure through New York City with all of the charm of All Four Stars—and even more foodie flavor!

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens, Fiction, Food, Young Adult

336 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Tara Dairman writes books for kids and teens with strong passions and big questions about the world. Tara’s books include The Girl from Earth’s End, the All Four Stars series, The Great Hibernation, Go, Baby, Go! (illustrated by Olivia Amoah) and Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy (illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan). These titles have been named to best-of-the-year lists by A Mighty Girl, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and more. Tara's debut young adult novel will be published in 2027.

“She/her” or “they/them” are great pronouns to use when referring to Tara.

Representation: Ammi-Joan Paquette of Aevitas Creative Management.

Website: taradairman.com

Facebook: facebook.com/TaraDairmanAuthor

Instagram: instagram.com/allfourstars

Bluesky: taradairman.bsky.social

Author photo credit: Laura Wynkoop

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Find the best hot dog in New York City.

Leave no street corner unvisited, and no dog untasted!”

Gladys Gatsby is now twelve-years-old and there isn’t anything she’s more enthusiastic about than delicious foods. Since that incident with the blowtorch (it really was only a small fire), Gladys has convinced her parents to allow her more opportunities to improve her skills in the kitchen. Gladys also continues to review for the New York Standard even though it’s becoming increasingly difficult to come up with excuses to visit restaurants in the city. Her newest assignment seems to her to be a strange and difficult one: find the best hot dog in New York City. The situation becomes even more difficult when her friend Charissa gives her a summer pass to her parents day camp, Camp Bentley where she ends up in charge of the lunches which she finds to be both exciting and stressful. Will Gladys be able to continue juggling all the things she has going this summer and still manage to somehow the perfect hot dog?

Gladys is back and still just as adorable. The Stars of Summer has our heroine undertaking a monumental task with discovering the perfect hot dog. I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration through multiple cultures from Iceland to even South Africa. Hot dogs are shockingly common in far more places than just the United States! Her descriptions of the exotic foods she gets to sample will once again leave you wishing you could share in her adventure of the taste buds. And while her adventures did often feel a bit lacking in credibility (attending an awards show in New York City minus any parents? She is only twelve…) I admittedly found myself so completely lost in the cuteness of it all that it was easy enough to overlook and just sit back and enjoy. The friendships Gladys has developed since All Four Stars are incredibly touching and most notably was the inclusion of the two boy-girl friendships. With multiple secondary yet still well-developed characters, Dairman has managed to bring to life a full cast of characters this time around that will only enhance future installments in this series.

The Stars of Summer is once again another addition to my well-loved list of foodie fiction stories. In addition to the most appetizing sounding foods, you’re treated to one of the most adorable children in fiction. In addition, there’s a light and charming sense of humor throughout. Most highly recommended.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a treat to discover that this sequel to All Four Stars was every bit as good -- even better than its predecessor. Due to shenanigans by her fellow food critic at the Daily Standard, Gladys is assigned the task of finding the best hot dog in NYC. Hilarity ensues as she tries to find ways to get rides into the city and review as many hot dog vendors as possible. One of the strengths of this series is watching Gladys and her friends problem-solve. They are very creative and occasionally cross a line, but not without consequences. I really love this foody series for middle grade students.

[Annah Stevenson]

OMG THIS WAS THE BEST SEQUEL TO A BOOK EVER

i ship hamilton and gladys

can we figure out a ship name??

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I received an advanced copy of this book for free from the tour host/publisher in exchange of an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

To say that The Stars of Summer was charming would be an understatement. I absolutely adored this sequel to All Four Stars very, very much.

Eleven year old Gladys is back again and still as adorable and sweet and still as interested in food as ever. She’s finally gotten one food review for the New York standard under her belt and is focusing on having a relaxing summer doing what she does best: cook. Her parents are a little more understanding this time around than they were in the first book of her love of cooking, because that blowtorch incident was just a little blip, really.

Her newest assignment from the paper is simple: Find the best hot dog in New York. Or it sounded simple initially until she finds out that there’s so many varieties of hot dogs out there. It isn’t just a New York thing or even an American thing, but we’ve got recipes from Iceland to South Africa. The diversity is simply amazing.

But that isn’t the only thing that Gladys has on her plate, so to speak, as her best friend Charissa gives her a pass to her summer camp for the month. There Gladys finds herself in charge of the campers lunches and it turns out to be more stressful than expected. She also is finding it difficult to get away to do more foodie research for her review as making up excuses are becoming harder and harder.

I must say that I find this series to be so fun and delightful, and the writing style just hooks you from the beginning. Also, while it may be middle grade and great for a younger audience, it also appeals to adult foodies who cannot get enough of the food talk and determined nature of the young protagonist, Gladys.

All in all, a fantastic series for everyone who enjoys great storytelling and a strong, young heroine and scrumptious food talk!


This review and more can be seen here:Fic Talk.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had me smiling. I like how Gladys is being forced to due different things, met new people and learning she likes it. I love how Gladys is so serious about her reviews and how sneaky she is at getting them done. The way that her friends help her has me laughing. I do agree with Gladys that she needs to clue in her parents. I think they will be receptive to helping her.

I was a bit surprised by the drama at Gladys's reviewing job. She handled things perfectly in a way that was good for her and everyone else.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much more of the same as the first, but I will try to find the third, because they are fun and don't take long to read, and because at the end of this, she's about to reveal her secret to her parents.

[Jen (Pop! Goes The Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you find this review helpful? Find more of my reviews at Pop! Goes The Reader!

“Jen, have a look at this,” he said. “Charissa’s family has given Gladdy a free summer at Camp Bentley!” He plucked the paper out of Gladys’ hand and passed it to her mom.
“Oh, how generous!” she exclaimed. “Honey, what a great opportunity for you to make even more friends!”
But Gladys didn’t want more friends. In fact, she wasn’t sure she wanted to keep all the ones she had at the moment.

Gladys Gatsby is back and better than ever! With her cooking privileges restored and her position as one of the New York Standards‘s pre-eminent restaurant critics still a closely-guarded secret, twelve-year-old Gladys has everything firmly under control and is looking forward to a long, relaxing summer spent combing through cookbooks and researching new recipes. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. When Gladys’ new friend, Charissa Bentley, surprises her with an all-expenses-paid admission to her family’s day camp, Camp Bentley (“The Funnest Camp Ever!”), Gladys’ carefree, culinary summer plans quickly go up in flames. Believing that camp will provide the perfect opportunity to slip into the city and complete her next newspaper assignment, Gladys agrees and all too soon finds herself having to contend with the perils of swimming lessons, kitchen duty, adolescent authors and opportunistic journalists who will go to any lengths to ensure that her next column is also her last. None of this, however, will prepare Gladys for her most daunting challenge of all: To find the best hot dog in all of New York City. Gladys will have to kiss a lot of frogs – or is it eat a lot of dogs? – before she finds a winner.

You can do this, she told herself. A writer for the world’s most famous newspaper doesn’t get intimidated by stuff like camp.

Tara Dairman changed my life. This time last year I was a reluctant middle grade reader at best, largely dismissing books aimed at this age group as too young, too simple, or no longer relevant to my life. Then I read All Four Stars. In Gladys Gatsby I discovered a bright, plucky, effervescent heroine whose passion and unbridled enthusiasm opened my eyes to a catagory of fiction I thought lost to me forever. When I shared my review of the first instalment in this series, All Four Stars, back in June 2014, I made no secret of the fact that I thought Tara Dairman’s debut one of the most delightful, enjoyable and entertaining reads in this or any other age designation or genre. I largely credit All Four Stars with rekindling my love of middle grade fiction and encouraging me to pick up the spectacular middle grade novels that I read soon afterward, including Hook’s Revenge, The Truth About Twinkie Pie and Colonial Madness. Much to my delight, Dairman’s sophomore publication and second in the All Four Stars series, The Stars Of Summer, is no less magical and it was immeasurably wonderful to have the opportunity to catch up with Gladys Gatsby and revisit a world and a cast of characters that have come to mean so much to me. This is one middle grade series that is not to be missed.

Hot dogs?
She felt like the message had reached out of the computer and slapped her across the face. It wasn’t just what it said, but the way it was written – so harsh and commanding! Her editor was usually so much nicer over email.
But even if Fiona had written it in her usual friendly way, there would be nothing nice about this message. In one fell swoop, Gladys’ exciting summer filled with delicate pastas and boldly flavoured stews had been ripped away and replaced with…salty meat on white bread.

Whether making hundreds of baloney and cheese sandwiches for a mess hall of not-so-happy campers or on a quest to discover New York City’s most scrumptious hot dog, Gladys Gatsby pursues everything in her life with an infectious, earnest enthusiasm that the reader can’t help but find endlessly enchanting. It is this passion and drive that first endeared me to this memorable, loveable protagonist, and I was happy to see that Gladys remained unchanged. This was of primary concern for me, as the sudden loss of one’s interests in lieu of other considerations is not an uncommon practice in young adult fiction. While I can name a number of young adult authors who manage to balance both romance and individuality with a deft hand, such as Morgan Matson and Jessi Kirby, they, unfortunately, prove the exception rather than the rule. Suddenly, gone are the singing lessons and dance recitals, the theatre rehearsal and band practice that had once proved such significant elements of the character’s lives. In middle grade literature, however, where romantic pursuits are given little, if any, consideration, characters are allowed to pursue their interests without inhibition or distraction. In fact, they are celebrated for them! Throughout The Stars Of Summer Gladys is given the freedom and the support to pursue her passion without recrimination or judgment.

Gladys’ parents dug in, comparing this hot dog with the ones they’d had earlier. Gladys agreed that the flavours were pleasantly surprising. But in truth, they weren’t half as surprising as the fact that her parents had come in here with her at all. Just a few months ago, trying something as crazy and unfamiliar as an Icelandic hot dog would have been unthinkable for them.
It was like they were finally growing up.

As was the case in The Stars Of Summer‘s predecessor, Tara Dairman’s account of Gladys’ gastronomical adventures are evocative and rich in mouthwatering-detail. From a three-tiered, strawberry-lime birthday cake to steamed lobster claws with fresh dill-infused butter sauce, readers should be warned against reading this delectable novel on an empty stomach, lest they find themselves gnawing on the pages in distraction. I was admittedly a little disappointed to learn that Sandy Anderson and Parm Singh, Gladys’ two closest friends, play a largely diminished role in the novel. That said, in their absence Dairman is able to focus and build upon a number of familiar relationships first established in All Four Stars, the most notable of which is the fledgling friendship between Gladys and Charissa. A relationship initially born solely of convenience and a shared love of food, this attachment is examined in greater depth as Charissa demonstrates previously-unexplored insecurities and Gladys learns that, much like the most delicious of dishes, there is often more to something (or someone) than initially meets the eye. The author also introduces a number of vibrant new characters, including Camp Bentley’s resident “celebrity” and literary wunderkind, Hamilton Herbertson, author of the best-selling novel, Zombietown, U.S.A.. Pompous, precocious, and unerringly charming, Hamilton is one of the (many) highlights of the novel and promises to steal readers’ hearts as well as every single scene he’s in. With the inclusion of new characters also comes the inclusion of new types of relationships as Gladys navigates everything from professional commitments and complications to her first kiss. While The Stars Of Summer is clearly meant to be marketed toward middle grade readers, Dairman’s writing is so clever and the merriment so irresistible as to make this novel the perfect choice for readers both young and young-at-heart.

The weeks I spent on this quest taught me that sometimes you have to give things a second chance. Sometimes you need to take the time to dig in deeper, to learn about a food’s variations and try it under different circumstances. If you do, you may discover that what made an unsavoury impression on you the first time around actually has a lot more potential than you think – including the potential to bring people with different tastes to the table.

Tara Dairman has done it again as twelve-year-old Gladys Gatsby returns in this charming, riotous and utterly delicious sequel to the author’s delightful 2014 debut. Tag along as everyone’s favourite adolescent chef and restaurant critic explores everything from the shores of Camp Bentley to the streets of New York City as she undertakes her most difficult assignment yet: To unearth New York’s most delectable hot dog. With a thoughtful examination of and emphasis on honesty, friendship, first impressions and second chances, Dairman’s sophomore release promises to both entertain and educate in equal measure. Readers won’t be able to help but shout “Fudge” as they close the final page on the latest instalment of the adventures of Gladys Gatsby, but with a forthcoming sequel already underway, The Stars Of Summer promises to mark not the end, but merely the beginning of a new chapter in the storied life of G. Gatsby.

Please Note: All quotations included in this review have been taken from an advance reader copy and therefore might be subject to change.

[Louise Galveston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy of this book, because my kids and I adored ALL FOUR STARS. I was not disappointed!

The adventures of food critic and budding chef, Gladys Gatsby, continue as she ends up at summer camp where they serve food "kids like," such as bologna sandwiches on white bread. But never fear campers, Gladys is on the scene! And not only is she faced with a cranky camp cook who is hard-boiled and set in her ways, but she also has to face the humiliation of learning to swim, finding ways to fulfill her writing assignment as a food critic, battle a rival critic who's out to ruin her, deal with an egotistical superstar kid author who considers her his "muse," and keep up her friendship with her next-door neighbor and fellow food schemer, Sandy, who's at karate camp and has no access to technology. Sound fun? It IS!

Dairman deftly weaves a plot that's full of surprises, while sprinkling humor on every page. I loved the way relationships that were budding in book one blossomed-especially the two boy-girl friendships (my 11 yo son loved this book!) and her new-found bond with her parents. One of the themes of the book is that no one is irredeemable, and the book has a heartwarming conclusion that will leave readers thinking twice before they judge someone harshly.

But most of all they'll be salivating for the next edition of this yummy series, and saying "fudge!" when they turn the last page!

In a word? SATISFYING

[Michael Kott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked what MS Dairmen did with that first book, All Four Stars. It was so cute I ordered the second book, The Stars of Summer. It was even better! Not often a second in a series beats the first. Now I look forward to further adventure os Gladys, Charissa and Hamilton. Well done, pass the hot dogs!

[Farhan · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on May 7, 2015 on For What It's Worth: http://www.fwiwreviews.net/2015/05/bl...

I adored Dairman’s debut mid-grade book, All Four Stars, about aspiring chef and food critic, 11 year old Gladys Gatsby.

The series continues as Glady’s juggles her new (top secret) position as a food critic for the New York Standard’s Dining section with an unexpected trip to summer camp.

Glady’s is thrilled to get cooking detail at Camp Bentley until she meets the very inflexible head cook, Mrs. Spinelli. Glady’s tries to push the boundaries of the bologna on white bread loving campers with little success but she learns to adapt with each challenge she comes up against, even the pretentious celebrity camper, child author, Hamilton Herbertson (who ends up being such a sweetie) and swimming lessons with the roaring Coach Mike.

I love how the author was able to continue Glady’s love of all things food while challenging her with new characters and social situations that would test any 12 year old, including her new assignment - the seemingly impossible search for the BEST NYC hotdog. Will it be Nathan's? One of the many NYC cart hotdogs? The Icelandic pylsur, the Sonoran, the Thai dog, the Chilean complete Italiano or a last minute surprise contender?

The Stars of Summer deftly blends adventure, family, friends (who are not all cookie cutter perfect - which I love), a few twists and *gasp* sabotage! with a feeling of wistfulness, for older readers, of summers past.

While All Four Stars had more of a whimsical feel, this book allows Glady’s to stumble a bit and learn lessons. This would be an excellent book to use as a jumping off point for discussions about friendships, peer pressure and the consequences of lying.

Another thing to love about this series is the diversity - both with food and characters. Read both books with your kids next to a computer or have a notebook handy then go explore all the food and countries mentioned! I’m going to NYC for BEA in a few weeks and I know I have few more cuisines I want to try after reading.

The only weak spot for me (as well as in All Four Stars) is Glady’s parents. Maybe I’m only seeing it as someone who would LOVE if my child wanted to cook all the time, lol, but I wish they were more supportive of her interests. I do think that the author is working towards resolving that as the series progresses though. Both the mother, father & Glady’s stepped out of their comfort zones and bonded a little more in this installment and I can’t wait to see how they handle the events that happened at the end of The Stars of Summer in the next book!

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

{originally posted on my blog: Ciao Bella}

As popular of a setting as it is, I’ve never actually been to the “traditional” summer camp, where, if my knowledge from books and movies will suffice, your cabin mates become your best friends, the mess hall becomes your second home, and your days and nights intertwine to become an endless slew of fun. Though my opportunity to go to summer camp has since passed, there are a number of novels that allow me to visit the classic destination in a different fashion: through the power of words. One of the most recent – and most adorable – examples is The Stars of Summer, the follow-up to Tara Dariman’s foodie debut, All Four Stars, where the book’s pint-sized restaurant critic Gladys Gatsby is off to Camp Bentley. It’s as cute as it sounds!

Like its predecessor, Dairman’s sophomore novel delivers in both charm and heart. Gladys has a lot on her plate, pun not intended, during her summer vacation: she is the new assistant cook in the camp kitchen, she has to pass her swimming test, and she has the difficult assignment of finding the best hot dog in NYC. These storylines offer various opportunities to introduce new characters, from an arrogant young author to a gruff camp cook, but they also allow the previous characters to grow and develop. In addition, Gladys’s enthusiasm for good food is contagious, and the vivid descriptions of her meals had my mouth watering {it’s important to note that this book is best read not hungry}.

While the novel suffers from a slow beginning, the plot picks up as Gladys adjusts to camp life and learns more about her new acquaintances. Fortunately, this is only a small complaint in an otherwise outstanding new installment; it’s the level of quality I’ve come to expect from Dairman, and I think it will be no different when the third book is released. Like a towering ice cream cone on a warm summer’s day, The Stars of Summer can only be described in one way: a delight not to be missed.

[Rebecca Petruck]

Gladys Gatsby is at it again with her making me want to eat everything all the time. The food descriptions alone are worth the price of admission, but so are her food metaphors and, of course, her story. Gladys is a level-headed girl who tries to be fair and has the passion of her passion to sway people to be their better selves. I admire her willingness not only to try something new but also to give people (and food) another chance. First impressions (for self-important boys and hot dogs) do a disservice to both boys and hot dogs, and Gladys is an inspiration. She discovers opportunities that others miss because she is observant, thoughtful, and kind. I'd love to be her friend--and not only so I can try her "tatale," pancakes made with plantains, ginger, and cornmeal. Yum! Eat this book! (Or read it, but seriously: Gobble up this book!)

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, this was such a lovely surprise. I jokingly said that I was celebrating the end of my least favorite season by reading a seasonal book, so I figured the premise of this one wouldn't be exactly for me. And I knew this one involved camp and I am not *at all* a camp person. AND it turns out that a big plotline involved a lot of hot dog tasting, and (like Gladys) I don't like those either lol.

But this was so great? I adore Gladys as a character even more than book 1. She's such a good friend and a good person, and when she makes mistakes she does better (something some adults need to work on...) She's fun and caring and smart, and like book 1 I genuinely loved her writing in the food review sections.

I will reiterate my point in the first book that if you find the unbelievable premise (kid accidentally gets hired as a professional food critic) annoying, the series probably won't convince you otherwise. But I find myself okay with it. Yes, there are parts of the conflict that felt a little silly or overdramatic, but the character relationships are so lovely and genuine that it didn't bother me.

Also? I really ended up loving the discussion of what "serious food" is or isn't, and I really like the way the author used that discussion to include different cultural foods as well.

I also continue to like the way that these books can surprise me in small ways: a character shows up who I'm sure is going to be one way, but they aren't; or something looks like it's going to fall apart but actually it comes together.

Finally, one of my criticisms of the first book was how over-the-top her parents were in terms of their immaturity and anti-cooking stance - so I really liked that that was handled much more believably here, and I loved seeing Gladys and her parents hang out more.

Narrator: Kathleen McInerney (truly impressed at her range of character voices)

CW: Vomiting, lots of food discussion

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gladys Gatsby lives a complicated life: she’s a 12-year restaurant critic (though her employer is not aware of her age, nor her parents of this profession); she’s been invited to her friend Charissa’s summer camp (that she has no interest in going to); and her next writing assignment is the find the best hot dog in New York City (hot dogs are gross!)

Dairman’s continues Gladys’ madcap adventures in her follow-up to her ridiculously charming All Four Stars and I think I might have enjoyed this second installment even more than the first.

This story is purposefully over-the-top and silly and I love it for that. I’m also obsessed with food reality shows and consider myself a bit of a foodie, so all the talk of delicious food stuffs adds a lot of charm for me. I genuinely find the humour very funny, though I’m curious how the target audience takes to it. I can see the appeal here for younger readers though (most of the adults in this series are depicted as being pretty dumb, but in the kindest way possible.)

I’m also completely enamoured with the characters. Dairman does a good job of balancing Gladys’ precociousness while also making her a believable 12-year old. The side-characters, Gladys’ friends, are equally loveable, and Dairman makes Gladys’ friendships with hard-to-like personalities very convincing and genuine. There was a scene with Gladys and Charissa that I found surprisingly heartfelt.

I’m so glad I finally picked up this backlist title. It’s adorable and a very fun light read. I hope to get to the concluding volume soon, though I’ll be sad to be finished with Gladys and her friends. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys dabbling in Middle Grade fiction.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sequel, eleven-year-old Gladys Gatsby, a foodie, has anonymously written a food review published in a NYC newspaper and is now looking forward to the summer before middle school where she can explore and learn more about cooking. But after her birthday celebration at a NYC restaurant, one of her friends gives her the gift of a free summer camp experience. The saving grace is that Gladys has been assigned to kitchen duty. She soon discovers she has to make meals the kids like-- "salty meat on white bread and nothing too fancy." However, Gladys does finagle a way to at least make gourmet meals for the camp staff.

In the meantime, Gladys needs to find time and a way to find the best hot dog in NYC and write a review, which include involving her parents and a new summer camp attendee and her swimming partner, who happens to be a young, published author.

What a fun read about a determined young girl. I appreciated the similarities to shows I enjoy watching on the Food Network which were mentioned in the story.

Now if only most kids would be as interested in writing, as much and as well as Gladys and her new friend and child author, Hamilton Herbertson!

I've already started reading the third book in the series.

[Ambre7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully entertaining continuation of Gladys' story. Relatable, charming, nostalgic coming of age themes in the second book of the series. Gladys confronts both the angsty experiences common to most tweens (summer camp, embarrassment in front of peers, summer crushes), as well as the very real conflicts adults must overcome (deadlines, underhanded colleagues, staying focused on assigned task).

As a parent preview reading for my 10yo, I do think some parents will be dismayed at the amount of lying, sneaking, and dishonesty Gladys employees to accomplish her "job" as a restaurant critic; however, Dairman shares Gladys inner dialogue and I think it's important to acknowledge that many young persons struggle with the same issues. Gladys' willingness to wonder about the ethics of what she is doing in regards to the trust relationship with her parents is far from condoning the behavior. The reader feels that Gladys is very uncomfortable with the situation, and in a way, the book begs parents to also consider the needs and maturity of our children regardless of what society says is "age appropriate" for them. I greatly look forward to the third book and hope Gladys and her parents are able to find a path to transparency, support, and championship between them.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered All Four Stars years ago and loved it as an adult foodie! I found The Stars of Summer at a Goodwill book store, my library does not carry Dariman. This story is FICTION as there is no way a 12 year old could pull this off or write like Gladys. The story picked up where All Four Stars left off and the part of her family coming together is the best part. I loved the book, but it was like reading a soap opera, which is fine with me right now. I do not think I would want my 12 year old granddaughter reading these books, because of the constant lying, and good excuses for them. Some she comes clean on but most not. Also breaking rules "spolier" sending sweets to Sandy at camp when it's not allowed and being sneaky about it. Changing the food order and never confessing yet getting praise for her food is sending a message "its' OK to lie if you get away with it". Stealing is also a trend. Yes that all makes for a good story, but not a lesson. This story ends with her finally confessing to her parents so until I can find the next book Stars So Sweet my review stands.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's quick, it's fun, it's cute.

This isn't really a criticism, but I gotta say: there's a weird tension I feel when reading. To some degree this series has the flavor of a heist story, with how Gladys plans her reviewing excursions. While she's not doing anything illegal, her actions are still "wrong," and I can't help but wait for the other shoe to drop. "Hey, kids! Lie to your parents and wander around Manhattan on your own! It'll work out great!" Like, she can't keep getting away with this, can she? You can't actually write a middle grade book where that happens. Aren't there supposed to be Rules about that sort of thing?

At the end Gladys resolves to spill her secret. I guess I'll have to read book three to see whether or not the Proper Moral Order is restored.

[Amy Oberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a scrumptious sequel! Tara Dairman's "The Stars of Summer" is a well-crafted story that combines several key ingredients, including the thoughtful development of several characters, use of unexpected plot twists, integration of "coming-of-age" moments, and subtle foreshadowing to future adventures. Gladys' journeys--as a preteen during the summer months, as well as an up-and-coming food critic--intersect to reveal bittersweet discoveries and, ultimately, mature reflections (...and all through writing that is as light as meringue, and not too tart). The last chapter is a savory amuse-bouche for the third (and supposedly final?) course of the "All Four Stars" series, and this reader cannot wait to partake in its enjoyment!

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom and I are working our way through this series for our mother daughter book club and these books are among our favorites. In this latest installment Gladys attends summer camp and continues her secret life as a food critic. This book was my favorite in the series so far because we see a lot of personal growth from Gladys in this series. I also like the fact that the relationship between Gladys and her parents has greatly improved. This book ended with the possibility of a big reveal in the next edition of the series so I’m curious to see how that is handled. A great middle grade series with a smart and lovable main character.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter and I enjoyed the first book in the series and this book was just as good. Gladys is at summer camp with her friend Charissa, with a kitchen job that is not what she expected, swimming lessons and other campers that are very different from herself. At least she has her job at the newspaper, well maybe she does? This is going to be a long summer!
I loved how everything starts one way and ends up going the other way. What a great summer adventure. Makes me wish I went to summer camp. My daughter hasn't decided if she wants to go or not... regardless a great second book in the series.

[Sakshamms08gmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could you be a restraunt critic at the age of twelve and venture in to the city. You may not be able to but Gladys Gatsby a twelve year old does all of that and more when she gets a impossible task to find the best hot dogs in New York . A mystery why the standard would ask her to do such a kiddish review but yet she manages to get it done and save Fiona Inglethorpe's job and all of this while balancing Camp Bently and keeping this all a secret from her parents.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun, sweet read and the food just made me so hungry! I want to make it all!! I enjoyed Gatsby's summer adventures and how she learns to make true friends and bond with her parents in such a unique way. When faced with a challenge, she succeeds in a manner that is truly unique and adds a playful depth to the story. Who knew how awesome and "cultural"hot dogs could be ;)

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling book! Read with my daughter and she's glued to this series. On to the next! I loved how this book used a plain old kid food like hot dogs and turned it into something fun for adults and kids to read about! I might have even liked this one better than the first, it was slightly less preposterous and just a lot of fun, while also managing to include real-life friend issues that kids face.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this better than the previous book. However, I can relate to the girl who I think is named Ronanda, because I immensely enjoy swimming and I am on the swim team. 🏊🏻‍♀️ We need a BF and GF name for Hamilton and Gladys, though. What about Gamilton? Or Hladys? Hladys sounds like Hades, though.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and series are absolutely wonderful!! It is great to see Gladys grow as a person, and see some of the jams (pun intended) she gets herself into. I hope the author writes more in this series.

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous book, possibly even better than the first. I really love how Gladys is growing and learning, both about food, her writing, and her friends. I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and I hope Ms. Dairman continues writing it.

[Maybeline Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book to bits. I enjoyed the first book and this second one was every bit delicious! I am not only talking about the food in this book. I love how Gladys tried out unlikely things, relationships and learnt to withhold judgements. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next book.

[Callie Stockman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved my second adventure with Gladys. She's completely oblivious to the culture around her, is confident in who she is, but still gets a little uncertain when new situations arise. I love her and her lobster backpack.