Undercover Chefs

by Erin Fry

Three unlikely friends join forces to win a baking competition and save their school’s culinary classroom. Isaac, a nationally-ranked runner; Jane, a shy artist; and J.C., a rebellious scooter rider - all have a secret passion for cooking. The promise of a cupcake contest lures them to an unusual classroom on the outskirts of campus. As they share friendship and a love for cooking, the pressures of the contest start to boil over - a recipe for disaster that could destroy their chances at winning! The heat is on, and Isaac, Jane, and J.C. must figure out a way to salvage their cupcakes, save the culinary classroom from being demolished, and protect their secrets before the judges cast their final votes.

Genres: Middle Grade

Audible Audio

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Erin Fry's first middle grade novel, LOSING IT, was published in 2012 by Amazon Children's Publishing and has been well-received by librarians and teachers, in addition to being dubbed "an energizing and ultimately uplifting tale of the power to change" by Kirkus. Her second novel, SECRETS OF THE BOOK, hits shelves in 2014 while her first YA serial, THE BENEFACTOR, is set to release in September, 2013.

For over a decade, Fry has taught 6th grade language arts and history at a middle school in southern California. She also coaches cross country each fall, which gets her in shape to run an occasional half marathon or marathon. Since 2003, she has reviewed children's books for Publishers Weekly. This past year, she and a fellow curriculum developer co-founded Common Core Curriculum Specialists, through which they create CCSS-aligned Teachers’ Guides for authors and publishers. She lives in southern California with (and frequently runs alongside) her husband, three children, and their golden Retriever.

Reviews

[Stacie Haas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Chefs follows three students: Isaac, a Junior Olympic track star under immense pressure to succeed; JC, a scooter aficionado whose school work suffers because of his responsibilities at home; and Jane, a young girl who feels she isn't good at anything nor belongs anywhere except when she's creating art. What do they have in common? A passion for baking. When they find themselves involved in a baking contest that could determine the future of their school, the trio must confront their own struggles in their personal lives to live out their passion--and just maybe find themselves.

Ms. Fry has written a delightful story, one that truly captures the spirit of the three characters and sets them on an exciting journey that none of them quite intended or expected. In fact, the characterization in this novel is excellent. All of the characters, especially the three students, are interesting and easy to love and relate to. Undercover Chefs has an interesting plot, including some unexpected twists and turns, and the pace is appropriate for the intended middle-grade audience. This is a story that will be thoroughly enjoyed and one which comes to a satisfying conclusion. I anticipate this novel will be appealing to young people across the spectrum, and at a time of highly popular baking and cooking shows, the "chef" parts of this book have great appeal (including the tasty recipes included). I highly recommend this book for young people and adults who enjoy quality middle grade and young adult fiction.