The Candymakers

The Candymakers
by Wendy Mass

Little, Brown and Company, 2010








Genre:  Realistic fiction

Honors:  None yet as this is a relatively new book 

Review:   Four 12 year-olds have been selected to tour the "Life is Sweet" candy factory and then given the opportunity to create their own confection that may be the winner of the annual best candy contest. The four children could not be more different, and each has their own reasons for being a part of the contest. As the three days allotted to the contest progress, so does their suddenly intertwining relationship and unexpectedly close friendship.

Opinion:  I really loved this book. I picked up a copy of this book at my local branch, thinking it would be a cute and light book about kids and candy - and which child can resist candy? However, I discovered a wonderfully written and well developed plot with well rounded characters and a great ending. Every child should read this thoroughly enjoyable book.


Ideas:  This book might be a great way to introduce children to the inside workings of factories, and all the effort that goes into running such a large operation. Another idea might be to utilize this book as a portrayal of friendship and trust, which therefore might work on a book list of those related topics.