Welcome Back, Booklovers! June is a busy month with so many books coming out for the summer. Batter Royale is a new graphic novel for teens who love baking competitions. I recieved an arc from Abrams Books in exchange for an honest review.
Rose is a waitress working in a small town restaurant. She has big dreams of attending culinary school and becoming a pastry chef. But her parents are seperating and they don't have the money to send her to her dream school. When a critic is impressed by a bold dessert choice she sneaks to her at the restaurant, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in a reality baking show.
Rose flies to London with her best friend, Fred to compete against teams from around the world. The challanges are a little crazy, one of the constestants is trying to sabatogue teams, and their friendship gets tested. During the competition Rose and Fred also have to acknowledge the feelings they have for each other.
This was a cute story with great artwork. I loved how little recipes for various desserts were included. I thought that was a unique touch. I did want some more drama though. Rose's parents announce that they're seperating and she doesn't even get to really deal with any of that before she flies to London for the competition. Fred's mother is in danger of losing her restaurant but we only see that a little bit. The reality tv show filming goes by so fast the other contestants aren't that developed. So I would've loved to see a little more time spent on the behind the scenes of the competition.
I think younger teens will enjoy this one because it's a quick and easy read. The little romance between two best friends is cute. And the recipes are easy enough to inspire any young baker.
The main character's design is cute.
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