Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Last night I finished reading All Four Stars aloud to my 12-year-old, folks, and I have to say, Gladys Gatsby is living the dream. What kid wouldn’t want a secret job as a food critic for the New York–ahem!–Standard, if the first assignment was for an up-and-coming dessert place? (Although I admit, I wasn’t nearly as adventurous with food in 6th grade as I am now.) Unfortunately, after a regrettable creme brulee/blowtorch incident, her parents have forbidden her to cook, and Gladys is going to need her cooking skills in order to get into the city to complete her assignment…

My daughter and I laughed out loud while reading together last night; All Four Stars is intentionally hyperbolic (I was annoyed at her food-impaired parents before figuring that out) and it works for the plot, given that the premise is a stretch. Gladys’ passion for food is contagious, and I empathized with her, but her parents’ punishment forces her into making connections outside of her kitchen, which the parent in me recognizes as a positive thing. Food lovers, aspiring writers, and quirky readers of all ages should love this one!