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The Doughnut Fix #1
The Doughnut Fix
Tristan isn't Gifted or Talented like his sister Jeanine, and he's always been okay with that because he can make a perfect chocolate chip cookie and he lives in the greatest city in the world. But his life takes a turn for the worse when his parents decide to move to middle-of-nowhere Petersville―a town with one street and no restaurants. It's like suddenly they're supposed to be this other family, one that can survive without bagels and movie theaters.
His suspicions about his new town are confirmed when he's tricked into believing the local general store has life-changing chocolate cream doughnuts, when in fact the owner hasn't made them in years. And so begins the only thing that could make life in Petersville worth living: getting the recipe, making the doughnuts, and bringing them back to the town through his very own doughnut stand. But Tristan will soon discover that when starting a business, it helps to be both Gifted and Talented, and it's possible he's bitten off more than he can chew...
His suspicions about his new town are confirmed when he's tricked into believing the local general store has life-changing chocolate cream doughnuts, when in fact the owner hasn't made them in years. And so begins the only thing that could make life in Petersville worth living: getting the recipe, making the doughnuts, and bringing them back to the town through his very own doughnut stand. But Tristan will soon discover that when starting a business, it helps to be both Gifted and Talented, and it's possible he's bitten off more than he can chew...
First published April 1, 2018
About the author
Jessie Janowitz
3 books72 followers"The Doughnut Fix" is Jessie Janowitz's first book!
Jessie grew up in New York City and still lives there with her family.
Her debut middle grade novel THE DOUGHNUT FIX was a 2018 Cybils finalist, a Spring 2018 Junior Library Guild Selection, an Amazon Best Book of the Month (Apr 2018), and received a starred review from The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. The sequel, THE DOUGHNUT KING, out from Sourcebooks May 2019, is also a Junior Library Guild Selection.
Jessie grew up in New York City and still lives there with her family.
Her debut middle grade novel THE DOUGHNUT FIX was a 2018 Cybils finalist, a Spring 2018 Junior Library Guild Selection, an Amazon Best Book of the Month (Apr 2018), and received a starred review from The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. The sequel, THE DOUGHNUT KING, out from Sourcebooks May 2019, is also a Junior Library Guild Selection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
April 10, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
12-year-old Tristan’s life had been rapidly turned up-side-down when his parents announced that they were moving from New York City to Petersville after his father lost his job at the bank.
Petersville was a small town with only one street, mainly filled with closed down shops. The train no longer stopped in the centre either, and there wasn’t even a place to get anything to eat from, never mind buy a doughnut from.
The local convenience store, run by Winnie used to sell the best chocolate cream filled doughnuts, but she no longer made them as they were too popular. Kristan though had a plan. He couldn’t start school for another few weeks, so he decided to try and get Winnie to give him her recipe so he could make and sell, the doughnuts. However, starting your own business was hard work – Good job he had ‘Starting a Business for Dummies’ book to hand.
The Doughnut Fix, is an amazing book. The characters are so believable, and likeable too. Tristan is a young lad who loved living in the city. He loved the people, places to go, the food and he even loved school. He had friends, especially his best mate Charlie. Upping and leaving for a place in the country was hard for him. He was sad, lonely and hungry. This is how he came across Winnie and her non-existent doughnuts.
As well as Tristan there is his super bright sister Jeannie. She is a genius and she knows it. She could be a little over-bearing, but nothing compared to his little sister Zoe who was a real hand full. I’m sure many young people will be able to relate to Tristan, especially if they too have annoying siblings!
I loved everything about this book, it was so addictive and I was hooked right from the beginning. It was a lot of fun to read and very witty. The writing is superb and the setting just perfect. Be warned though, you may just get the urge for doughnuts too. Luckily Ms. Janowitz had put the recipe for the Chocolate Cream Doughnuts on her website for you all to make.
12-year-old Tristan’s life had been rapidly turned up-side-down when his parents announced that they were moving from New York City to Petersville after his father lost his job at the bank.
Petersville was a small town with only one street, mainly filled with closed down shops. The train no longer stopped in the centre either, and there wasn’t even a place to get anything to eat from, never mind buy a doughnut from.
The local convenience store, run by Winnie used to sell the best chocolate cream filled doughnuts, but she no longer made them as they were too popular. Kristan though had a plan. He couldn’t start school for another few weeks, so he decided to try and get Winnie to give him her recipe so he could make and sell, the doughnuts. However, starting your own business was hard work – Good job he had ‘Starting a Business for Dummies’ book to hand.
The Doughnut Fix, is an amazing book. The characters are so believable, and likeable too. Tristan is a young lad who loved living in the city. He loved the people, places to go, the food and he even loved school. He had friends, especially his best mate Charlie. Upping and leaving for a place in the country was hard for him. He was sad, lonely and hungry. This is how he came across Winnie and her non-existent doughnuts.
As well as Tristan there is his super bright sister Jeannie. She is a genius and she knows it. She could be a little over-bearing, but nothing compared to his little sister Zoe who was a real hand full. I’m sure many young people will be able to relate to Tristan, especially if they too have annoying siblings!
I loved everything about this book, it was so addictive and I was hooked right from the beginning. It was a lot of fun to read and very witty. The writing is superb and the setting just perfect. Be warned though, you may just get the urge for doughnuts too. Luckily Ms. Janowitz had put the recipe for the Chocolate Cream Doughnuts on her website for you all to make.
March 30, 2018
Rounded up from 4.5 stars.
A big thank you to Sourcebooks and Edelweiss for a digital ARC of this new middle grade novel.
I really, really love doughnuts, so this book was great fun to read. It was great fun to see a NYC boy get transplanted to a little town like Petersville and discover the joys of rural life. Twelve-year-old Tris is not able to start school right away since it is mid-semester, so his parents require him to complete a project. After realizing the chocolate cream doughnut has not been seen in Petersville for quite some time he decides to bring it back with his baking skills. All he has to do is come up with a business plan, acquire some investors and convince Winnie, the gas station owner/operator, to share her recipe. Good thing his friend helped him find a book on starting businesses for dummies at the local library. Loved that the library was a favorite place to hang out and that his friend Josh's mom is the librarian. Not so fond of the purple monster or the unfinished story line of the raccoon.
A big thank you to Sourcebooks and Edelweiss for a digital ARC of this new middle grade novel.
I really, really love doughnuts, so this book was great fun to read. It was great fun to see a NYC boy get transplanted to a little town like Petersville and discover the joys of rural life. Twelve-year-old Tris is not able to start school right away since it is mid-semester, so his parents require him to complete a project. After realizing the chocolate cream doughnut has not been seen in Petersville for quite some time he decides to bring it back with his baking skills. All he has to do is come up with a business plan, acquire some investors and convince Winnie, the gas station owner/operator, to share her recipe. Good thing his friend helped him find a book on starting businesses for dummies at the local library. Loved that the library was a favorite place to hang out and that his friend Josh's mom is the librarian. Not so fond of the purple monster or the unfinished story line of the raccoon.
April 4, 2018
It's impossible to resist this smart and funny middle-grade novel, especially because it includes a quest to make the perfect chocolate cream doughnut. It moves quickly, from the moment Tristan's life gets turned upside-down when his family moves to a small, Upstate New York town from New York City through his adjustment to his new town. Readers won't be able to put it down until its done. And then they will want more.
October 3, 2022
Tristan’s family moves from bustling N.Y.C. to Petersville, a town so small that it only has one street. The one thing it used to be famous for was the General Store’s chocolate-cream doughnuts, which the owner no longer makes. If Tris can get that recipe and begin a new doughnut business in Petersville, life just might become more bearable. After all, “everything is less terrible with doughnuts”, of course!
(Opening line)-“It started off like any normal Saturday, with Jeanine, Zoe and me flipping through cookbooks on the living room floor.”
What a wonderful, enjoyable read! Every character is drawn with their own unique personality, all flawed, but loveable. I have to say that 4-year-old Zoe quickly became a favorite. Her antics are hilarious; laugh-out-loud funny, mainly because one is reading about them, not experiencing them!🤣
Fans of Tara Dairman’s All Four Stars series will eat this one up (pun intended)!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg. 1)-“For Mom, teaching us to bake was right up ther with teaching us to read.”
(Pg.27)-“Mad feels like it’s going somewhere at least. Sad just sits on your chest making it hard to move or breathe.”
(Pg. 128)-“When the Purple Demon gets bored, she turns out all the lights so she can watch us bump into things.”
(Opening line)-“It started off like any normal Saturday, with Jeanine, Zoe and me flipping through cookbooks on the living room floor.”
What a wonderful, enjoyable read! Every character is drawn with their own unique personality, all flawed, but loveable. I have to say that 4-year-old Zoe quickly became a favorite. Her antics are hilarious; laugh-out-loud funny, mainly because one is reading about them, not experiencing them!🤣
Fans of Tara Dairman’s All Four Stars series will eat this one up (pun intended)!
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg. 1)-“For Mom, teaching us to bake was right up ther with teaching us to read.”
(Pg.27)-“Mad feels like it’s going somewhere at least. Sad just sits on your chest making it hard to move or breathe.”
(Pg. 128)-“When the Purple Demon gets bored, she turns out all the lights so she can watch us bump into things.”
August 6, 2021
8/5/21 Update - This one was as a fun the second time as it was the first time.
A modern day Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing or Superfudge. Instead of Peter Hatcher and a couple of younger siblings including the unforgettable Fudge growing up in New York City, we have Tristan Levin and two younger sisters, Jeanine the overachiever gifted one and Zoe who is giving Fudge a run for his money as the most impossible sibling ever, moving away from New York City to a rural small town.
When Tris and Jeanine are unable to start school right away in their new home; their Mom assigns them passion projects. Somehow Tristan comes up with the idea of starting a doughnut business. Does he have what it takes? Can this big city family make it in the small town of Petersville?And what's up with Zoe and her antics?
Kids or parents looking for a fun family story to read on their own or together will love this one.
A modern day Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing or Superfudge. Instead of Peter Hatcher and a couple of younger siblings including the unforgettable Fudge growing up in New York City, we have Tristan Levin and two younger sisters, Jeanine the overachiever gifted one and Zoe who is giving Fudge a run for his money as the most impossible sibling ever, moving away from New York City to a rural small town.
When Tris and Jeanine are unable to start school right away in their new home; their Mom assigns them passion projects. Somehow Tristan comes up with the idea of starting a doughnut business. Does he have what it takes? Can this big city family make it in the small town of Petersville?And what's up with Zoe and her antics?
Kids or parents looking for a fun family story to read on their own or together will love this one.
April 19, 2019
This book is FUN. I laughed out loud and cheered for Tris the whole book. Looking forward to the sequel.
February 19, 2019
The Doughnut Fix stars a boy named Tristan who’s passionate about cooking and who is really determined to get a doughnut. Unfortunately, his family just moved from New York City to the middle of nowhere, and there aren’t any doughnuts in the middle of nowhere! If he wants one, he’ll have to make it himself.
I enjoyed this book. I laughed several times while reading it. It’s different from the depressing stuff I’m normally drawn to. I appreciate that it’s not an “issue novel” because some kids don’t want to read about children in miserable situations. Tristan faces challenges, but they’re not sad challenges. Mostly, he wants a doughnut. His family and community are supportive of his idea to start a doughnut stand. The adult characters encourage him to set realistic goals and not give up when he suffers unexpected setbacks. This is an upbeat novel about determination and adapting to change.
The author does a pretty good job of teaching readers about operating a business without beating them over the heads with boring information. This is undeniably an educational story, but Tristan’s passion for doughnuts is entertaining enough to make it readable.
I have a few issues with the book. The humor occasionally becomes too slapstick for my tastes. I got annoyed with it. Kids might find it funny, though, and this is a kids’ book, so my opinion on the humor probably doesn’t count. Also, there are a few plot events that I don’t believe. For example, I don’t think wholesalers would negotiate with children because contracts with minors aren’t enforceable.
There are a few dropped/underdeveloped plot threads. First, did Tristan’s parents ever catch the raccoon on the cover? It was sneaking into their house at night. I can assure you that you don’t want a raccoon chilling in your walls. They can do a lot more damage than just pooping on your rug.
Second, I wondered about Tristan’s friend, Charlie. After Tristan leaves New York City, they become long-distance friends. Tristan eventually stops responding to Charlie’s messages. Does Charlie care that his best friend suddenly vanishes? I have no idea. That plotline ends abruptly. Maybe it’ll start again in the sequel?
This isn't the best middlegrade book I've ever read, but I’d recommend it if you enjoy baking or fun, fluffy stories.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense?
I have a blog for that.
I enjoyed this book. I laughed several times while reading it. It’s different from the depressing stuff I’m normally drawn to. I appreciate that it’s not an “issue novel” because some kids don’t want to read about children in miserable situations. Tristan faces challenges, but they’re not sad challenges. Mostly, he wants a doughnut. His family and community are supportive of his idea to start a doughnut stand. The adult characters encourage him to set realistic goals and not give up when he suffers unexpected setbacks. This is an upbeat novel about determination and adapting to change.
The author does a pretty good job of teaching readers about operating a business without beating them over the heads with boring information. This is undeniably an educational story, but Tristan’s passion for doughnuts is entertaining enough to make it readable.
I have a few issues with the book. The humor occasionally becomes too slapstick for my tastes. I got annoyed with it. Kids might find it funny, though, and this is a kids’ book, so my opinion on the humor probably doesn’t count. Also, there are a few plot events that I don’t believe. For example, I don’t think wholesalers would negotiate with children because contracts with minors aren’t enforceable.
There are a few dropped/underdeveloped plot threads. First, did Tristan’s parents ever catch the raccoon on the cover? It was sneaking into their house at night. I can assure you that you don’t want a raccoon chilling in your walls. They can do a lot more damage than just pooping on your rug.
Second, I wondered about Tristan’s friend, Charlie. After Tristan leaves New York City, they become long-distance friends. Tristan eventually stops responding to Charlie’s messages. Does Charlie care that his best friend suddenly vanishes? I have no idea. That plotline ends abruptly. Maybe it’ll start again in the sequel?
This isn't the best middlegrade book I've ever read, but I’d recommend it if you enjoy baking or fun, fluffy stories.
Do you like opinions, giveaways, and bookish nonsense?
I have a blog for that.
October 20, 2017
Never before have I so thoroughly identified with a 12 year-old boy.
Seriously, this is wonderful. Read it.
Seriously, this is wonderful. Read it.
April 21, 2023
This book is amazing.
Funny interesting fun to read and just a great book.
Tris wants to open a donut stand. But first tris moved from the big NYC city to a little town petersville we’re there is honestly nothing. But tris works have hard and we find out if he was successful
Funny interesting fun to read and just a great book.
Tris wants to open a donut stand. But first tris moved from the big NYC city to a little town petersville we’re there is honestly nothing. But tris works have hard and we find out if he was successful
March 11, 2018
When my daughter was young, she wanted to learn to cook, so I got her several children's cook books, and we made things together. In face, if she made them, she was more likely to eat them, and if I made them from the book, she was more likely to like the food.
In fact, she still makes brownies from one of the cook books, because the browsies turn out well, and it is a simple recipie.
So it is kind of cool that Tristian, otherwise known as Tris or Jax, and his sisters are learning from their mother had to cook, or properly, how to bake, and enjoy it as a family activitiy. And that is important because of the theme of this book is the amazing doughnut that Jax wants to make.
And in between, learning how to make this doughnut, he is also learning how to run a business to sell the doughnut. This helps teach kids how to plan and execute selling things, from start to finish.
There is a lot of humor in this book, and it is well written. For example, because he is a city boy, and is only now learning about country life, this is how he describes what he sees on the dairy farm:
Or
:"Why are the windows all different sizes?" I said, staying put. "
"It's neat, right?" She said. "An artist and her husband built it. They wanted something completely original. SOmething that would surprise you."
"Were they color blind?" Jeannie asked.
This is a quick read, and it looks as though the recipie for the donuts will be included in the back, although there was just an empty space for them, in this advanced review copy.
One reviewer though it was odd that a school would ask the kids to wait until the new semester to enroll, and allow the parents to have the kids do a project, but when I was in middle school, I went back East to visit my aunt, and I was given projects to do for the three weeks I was going to be gone. Not as long as the two month Jay had, but still, understandable, and pleasurable.
The only problem I have with the book is the cover. Yes, there is a raccoon in the story, but he appears once, and then is never mentioned again, and really, has *nothing* to do with the story, other than his appearance. I would change the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
In fact, she still makes brownies from one of the cook books, because the browsies turn out well, and it is a simple recipie.
So it is kind of cool that Tristian, otherwise known as Tris or Jax, and his sisters are learning from their mother had to cook, or properly, how to bake, and enjoy it as a family activitiy. And that is important because of the theme of this book is the amazing doughnut that Jax wants to make.
And in between, learning how to make this doughnut, he is also learning how to run a business to sell the doughnut. This helps teach kids how to plan and execute selling things, from start to finish.
There is a lot of humor in this book, and it is well written. For example, because he is a city boy, and is only now learning about country life, this is how he describes what he sees on the dairy farm:
There were white cows with black splotches and wiggling ears. There were big ones and little ones and the big ones had budging pink balloons that hung down between their back legs
Or
:"Why are the windows all different sizes?" I said, staying put. "
"It's neat, right?" She said. "An artist and her husband built it. They wanted something completely original. SOmething that would surprise you."
"Were they color blind?" Jeannie asked.
This is a quick read, and it looks as though the recipie for the donuts will be included in the back, although there was just an empty space for them, in this advanced review copy.
One reviewer though it was odd that a school would ask the kids to wait until the new semester to enroll, and allow the parents to have the kids do a project, but when I was in middle school, I went back East to visit my aunt, and I was given projects to do for the three weeks I was going to be gone. Not as long as the two month Jay had, but still, understandable, and pleasurable.
The only problem I have with the book is the cover. Yes, there is a raccoon in the story, but he appears once, and then is never mentioned again, and really, has *nothing* to do with the story, other than his appearance. I would change the cover.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
January 22, 2018
This was adorable. I'll admit, I was kind of skeptical at first, but got hooked right away.
Tristan (Jax, lol) is a believable main character that many young readers will identify with. He feels ignored, left behind, and struggles with being jealous of his siblings, but ultimately just wants to succeed. I really enjoyed this, but wish that the recipes had been included on in the egalley I received. ;)
Tristan and his family live in New York and he LOVES it. The food, the people, the environment, everything. He's shattered when his parents announce that they bought a house in the country and are leaving the city. His mother, a chef, plans to open a restaurant, and his father, an accountant who no longer works in a bank, think that this opportunity will be AMAZING for Tristan and his sisters. The siblings? not so sure. Things get even worse for Tristan when he finds out that Petersville doesn't even have a bakery. He spies a sign in the general store window advertising "world famous doughnuts" and things just get worse when he finds out that the doughnuts are no longer being made.
When his parents find out they can't start school right away they decide that each kid needs a project to keep them busy. This is easy for Tristan's sister, a member of the Gifted & Talented crew, but not so easy for Tristan. Tristan decides to go with what he knows, and what he knows is baking- so he goes on a quest to bring back the doughnuts, learning about himself, friendship, entrepreneurship, and family.
Tristan (Jax, lol) is a believable main character that many young readers will identify with. He feels ignored, left behind, and struggles with being jealous of his siblings, but ultimately just wants to succeed. I really enjoyed this, but wish that the recipes had been included on in the egalley I received. ;)
Tristan and his family live in New York and he LOVES it. The food, the people, the environment, everything. He's shattered when his parents announce that they bought a house in the country and are leaving the city. His mother, a chef, plans to open a restaurant, and his father, an accountant who no longer works in a bank, think that this opportunity will be AMAZING for Tristan and his sisters. The siblings? not so sure. Things get even worse for Tristan when he finds out that Petersville doesn't even have a bakery. He spies a sign in the general store window advertising "world famous doughnuts" and things just get worse when he finds out that the doughnuts are no longer being made.
When his parents find out they can't start school right away they decide that each kid needs a project to keep them busy. This is easy for Tristan's sister, a member of the Gifted & Talented crew, but not so easy for Tristan. Tristan decides to go with what he knows, and what he knows is baking- so he goes on a quest to bring back the doughnuts, learning about himself, friendship, entrepreneurship, and family.
June 5, 2020
I think the characters and story line were well developed with universal themes. It was tough to rank this one because overall it was solid. It drives me crazy when the am author takes something a little to far and the editors don’t help. Of course, it is possible the editor made the suggestion which was ignored. I was confounded why the lines on p 101 describing the doctor were included, “The only thing separating him from complete nakedness were those teen, tiny, running shorts. You know the ones so small you’re worried something will fall out?” This along with repeated references to the doctors chest hairs poking out. This all turns out to be irrelevant to the story line thankfully but why out it there. Those lines take the story to far and are not necessary to the character or story line. Sadly for this reason, I do not consider this a must purchase.
May 31, 2018
Made me hungry for donuts!
February 3, 2021
I really liked this book! I loved the baking aspect and all the characters were super lovable. I like the fact that it has recipes in the back of the book too. I love the little small town aspect as well. Totally recommend.
September 28, 2021
Closer to 3.5. A lot happens but not a lot “happens” if that makes sense
April 20, 2018
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
So, I have eaten my nommy dougnut I am ready to write my review! After a bumpy start, I fell in love with this book and I had a lot of fun reading it. Though I definitely got hungry because of it. :P
Tris/Jax was a fun character, and I was delighted how sweet he was (well, mostly, but then again, siblings don't always go well together) to his sisters. Even later when he had to babysit Zoe on an important day he did it with love (and some threats that she didn't get any doughnuts or fairy dust). Plus he was such a fun character, I loved his project and how dedicated he was to making it work. How he made a plan, found suppliers, bribed the lady to give the recipe (with chocolate cake), talked with her, and more. Often a character may give up, but this guy? He just kept going even when it wasn't easy or when he got angry at his plan having faults.
I felt sorry for him and how his friendship with Charlie went and ended. I saw it from the beginning that their friendship was breaking, but it still broke my heart. It mustn't be easy for him, and at first he seemed to be denying that it was happening, but thankfully he later saw that he should just give up. Sometimes that is the best one can do.
It was very fun to see him get used to the tiny village and his new home.
I was a bit worried about Jeanine. I am generally not a fan of overly smart girls. Not because they are smart, oh no, not at all, I am delighted with smart characters. But sadly, most smart characters are also obnoxious, will keep on proving their point, will correct people even when they don't want to be corrected, and do I need to go on? While Jeanine had a few moments that had me frown, I mostly really liked her, and she did some really nice things for her brother. I just adored it when she started climbing trees following some sort of formula. :P
Zoe, the little sister, again, like Jeanine I was wondering if I would like the girl. Sometimes little sisters can be annoying, but in fact I was mostly laughing at Zoe and her antics. She is a headstrong little girl.
I am not too sure how I felt about the parents not really giving the kids a choice in moving. They just told them they have a new home, and good luck with that. I get that the parents have the final say in these matters, but I did feel it was a bit weird they didn't tell the kids anything and just bought the house. And then later that they didn't let the kids go to school. I get that they have reasons for it, but I found it a bit silly. Especially for someone like Jeanine, she is already missing the special classes, and then you tell her no school, but she can do a project? Why not have some special program for her so she can keep on studying without going bonkers about it.
Plus that they didn't see that their kids weren't happy. Sorry, if my kids are walking around like zombies, and my littlest one is biting people or doing all sorts of other stuff? I would definitely not ignore it and talk with them, or try to help them out.
Plus what was up with the dad? He was kind of weird at times.
I was a bit confused why Tris kept switching between Jax and Tris. Later I got that he had two names, but why does he go between them? I have 3 first names myself and sorry, I only use the one that is first.
I would have loved to see what recipes would be included at the end, chocolate cream doughnut? Please? Or something else delicious? Like those lava cakes? Please?
The ending was fabulous, yay for Tris and Josh!
All in all, this book was oh so much fun, and I was so happy for Tris, that he found a place to belong, and not only that, but he also found a good friend (and not a crappy one like Charlie), and he now has a business with all sorts of yummy treats (and thanks to his sister he can sell other things as well). I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! Though be warned, you may get hungry because of all the doughnut and food talk (Tris is not the only one making food, his mom is also cooking for her new restaurant).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So, I have eaten my nommy dougnut I am ready to write my review! After a bumpy start, I fell in love with this book and I had a lot of fun reading it. Though I definitely got hungry because of it. :P
Tris/Jax was a fun character, and I was delighted how sweet he was (well, mostly, but then again, siblings don't always go well together) to his sisters. Even later when he had to babysit Zoe on an important day he did it with love (and some threats that she didn't get any doughnuts or fairy dust). Plus he was such a fun character, I loved his project and how dedicated he was to making it work. How he made a plan, found suppliers, bribed the lady to give the recipe (with chocolate cake), talked with her, and more. Often a character may give up, but this guy? He just kept going even when it wasn't easy or when he got angry at his plan having faults.
I felt sorry for him and how his friendship with Charlie went and ended. I saw it from the beginning that their friendship was breaking, but it still broke my heart. It mustn't be easy for him, and at first he seemed to be denying that it was happening, but thankfully he later saw that he should just give up. Sometimes that is the best one can do.
It was very fun to see him get used to the tiny village and his new home.
I was a bit worried about Jeanine. I am generally not a fan of overly smart girls. Not because they are smart, oh no, not at all, I am delighted with smart characters. But sadly, most smart characters are also obnoxious, will keep on proving their point, will correct people even when they don't want to be corrected, and do I need to go on? While Jeanine had a few moments that had me frown, I mostly really liked her, and she did some really nice things for her brother. I just adored it when she started climbing trees following some sort of formula. :P
Zoe, the little sister, again, like Jeanine I was wondering if I would like the girl. Sometimes little sisters can be annoying, but in fact I was mostly laughing at Zoe and her antics. She is a headstrong little girl.
I am not too sure how I felt about the parents not really giving the kids a choice in moving. They just told them they have a new home, and good luck with that. I get that the parents have the final say in these matters, but I did feel it was a bit weird they didn't tell the kids anything and just bought the house. And then later that they didn't let the kids go to school. I get that they have reasons for it, but I found it a bit silly. Especially for someone like Jeanine, she is already missing the special classes, and then you tell her no school, but she can do a project? Why not have some special program for her so she can keep on studying without going bonkers about it.
Plus that they didn't see that their kids weren't happy. Sorry, if my kids are walking around like zombies, and my littlest one is biting people or doing all sorts of other stuff? I would definitely not ignore it and talk with them, or try to help them out.
Plus what was up with the dad? He was kind of weird at times.
I was a bit confused why Tris kept switching between Jax and Tris. Later I got that he had two names, but why does he go between them? I have 3 first names myself and sorry, I only use the one that is first.
I would have loved to see what recipes would be included at the end, chocolate cream doughnut? Please? Or something else delicious? Like those lava cakes? Please?
The ending was fabulous, yay for Tris and Josh!
All in all, this book was oh so much fun, and I was so happy for Tris, that he found a place to belong, and not only that, but he also found a good friend (and not a crappy one like Charlie), and he now has a business with all sorts of yummy treats (and thanks to his sister he can sell other things as well). I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! Though be warned, you may get hungry because of all the doughnut and food talk (Tris is not the only one making food, his mom is also cooking for her new restaurant).
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
January 14, 2020
Adorable, great story!
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August 20, 2020Find this book in our catalog!
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May 13, 2020I really, really love doughnuts, so this book was great fun to read. It was fascinating to see a NYC boy get transplanted to a little town like Petersville and discover the joys of rural life. Twelve-year-old Tris is not able to start school right away since it is mid-semester, so his parents require him to complete a project. After realizing the chocolate cream doughnut has not been seen in Petersville for quite some time he decides to bring it back with his baking skills. All he has to do is come up with a business plan, acquire some investors and convince Winnie, the gas station owner/operator, to share her recipe. Good thing his friend helped him find a book on starting businesses for dummies at the local library. Loved that the library was a favorite place to hang out and that his friend Josh's mom is the librarian. Not so fond of the purple monster or the unfinished story line of the raccoon. Available now in Audio book and E-book formats in the Overdrive catalog at www.mymcpl.org. Check it out today! *Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
December 1, 2021
The doughnut and the cream worked together in a way they hadn't before. This wasn't just some D plus some C. It was picture-in-the-paper and get-up-at-dawn and flying-carpet just like it had been before. It was all of those things, and it was mine and it was life changing.
I picked up this book because who doesn't love a book about doughnuts? Well apparently I'd reached my limit of middle grade books because I didn't particularly love this book. While it was interesting, it was very focused on the business side of things and included some hints in the back about how to set up your own business (plus there were recipes for doughnuts--always a good thing!). This book just wasn't quite what I expected. I wanted a little less business talk, a little more exploring the doughnut recipe talk. Cute, but not enough for me to check out the second book.
I picked up this book because who doesn't love a book about doughnuts? Well apparently I'd reached my limit of middle grade books because I didn't particularly love this book. While it was interesting, it was very focused on the business side of things and included some hints in the back about how to set up your own business (plus there were recipes for doughnuts--always a good thing!). This book just wasn't quite what I expected. I wanted a little less business talk, a little more exploring the doughnut recipe talk. Cute, but not enough for me to check out the second book.
June 25, 2018
DNF
Somehow lost the book with a couple of other netgalley downloads. Didnt care enough to try to get it back. ....Also have no clue why I am JUST getting around to writing this review.
Seemed ok, but I wasnt taken in by any of the characters or the storyline. Some stuff had me a little confused and annoyed.Honestly, I only got it because the cover. There were no donuts or racoons within the first couple chapters, so...yeah.
Somehow lost the book with a couple of other netgalley downloads. Didnt care enough to try to get it back. ....Also have no clue why I am JUST getting around to writing this review.
Seemed ok, but I wasnt taken in by any of the characters or the storyline. Some stuff had me a little confused and annoyed.Honestly, I only got it because the cover. There were no donuts or racoons within the first couple chapters, so...yeah.
April 13, 2018
I have to rave about this book. So funny. Such a fresh voice. If you're from NYC, it's placed in the city, but has so many unique interesting tidbits that illuminate the city in a way I've never read before. Also, if you or your kid likes baking, or making money, this is great. I'd honestly recommend it for any kid 5 and up, including adults. It's a perfect read-with-your-kid book.
April 19, 2018
Just the right length for my 4th and 5th graders. They want books with characters they can remember and feel like they know. The sister/brother fights and drama will appeal to them. Zoe's antics are LOL funny as is the scene with Dad in the baby buggy. Smiles! Really like this book.
May 17, 2018
Just good clean regular fun that I can basically give to anybody this summer. I liked that Tris is a regular kid and recognizes that even though he's not gifted, he is still smart. And I loved reading a book about a boy who likes to bake and doesn't have any weird baggage about it.
February 20, 2020
I think this book is fabulous. I like humor and Tristan's problem solving. It made me laugh and it made me hungry. I liked reading about how determined all the characters became about their projects.
May 31, 2018
Tris is not happy about his parents' good news -- "We're moving!" Until he discovers the solution to his problems. Doughnuts!
June 6, 2018
For being YA, this book was so relatable! And just a cute story. Worth reading, definitely.
August 19, 2018
Cute book, but somewhat unbelievable. And I wanted more raccoon since there was one on the cover...
October 1, 2021
I imagine this is written for 4th through 6th grades, but should work for almost anyone. I can easily envision a family listening to it on a car trip. It's smart, quirky, and funny.
April 28, 2022
The characters in this book were so well-written and believable! The ending was a little abrupt, but overall, I loved every minute of this story. 😊
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