This book reminds me why I always tell fellow readers to give young adult books a chance. The only complaint I have about The Candymakers is due to the fact that these books are unfortunately targeted towards young adult readers rather than adults that are young at heart. On that note, the only real problems I had were the same reasons this was not targeted to me. Again, unfortunately. The sentences were more concise and simple then I believe necessary for teens; there was a lot more telling than necessary, although there was notable detailed showing. Some of the plot was rather unbelievable; it all came together a little too easily. But, it is a fantasy world filled with candy, after all. How could I not fall in love with this book? The only other two fictional books that I have read set entirely in the Candy World are "True Confections" by Katherine Weber and, of course, "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl. And now this one, which holds its own among them. My favorite thing about this novel is its structure. The author is able to successfully write from different points of view- something many adult books cannot get right. Furthermore, these accounts are sold separately, in different chapters- a difficult thing to do. With impeccable exactitude, no facts, no details, none if the timeline, not the characters are mismatched. Readers get the feeling that they are experiencing the event as they switch between the four childrens' minds, each with their own secrets. They all have their own reasons for being there and all eventually really want to win competition. At first a few are enemies, but, of course, they eventually grow to really care about one another and sincerely can each other friends as they learn each other's secrets and inner thoughts. **** Spoilers **** Logan, The Candymaker's son, feels the need to prove to his parents that he is worthy of inheriting his father's position. He has no other friends because his parents have kept him sheltered since he was a young boy. During the annual factory picnic, he met Philip, who was touring the area. This was one of the first boys had met and he was excited to find a new friend. After playing like boys do around the candy factory for most of the day, they were at the chocolate vat when Phillip lost his toy truck in it. Not wanting to upset his friend and wanting to return it, he crawled into it. He ended up not getting it in time and scarring his entire face. He is still a very happy boy; it seems that he notices his scars far less than anyone else does. In fact, he often forgets that they are there. Daisy, who grew up in a special family- spies with all the technology and ninja moves- is on an assigned mission. She is there for reasons that at first she does only because she was told; until certain events cause her to truly consider what she is doing. And what is right and wrong. Finding and taking Life Is Sweet's secret ingredient with the goal to shut down the factory? Certainly in the latter category. Miles, whom carries a life jacket around everywhere and has taken an interest in the afterlife ever since he was out boating and watched a girl drown. He eventually funds or that girl was actually Daisy, who of course never died because she was utilizing her super powers. Last but not least, there is Philip, whom is extremely negative, pretentious, rude, and full of animosity as soon as he meets the others. We eventually find out that he is the former boy with the toy truck. As expected, he typically is not this type of guy. But as an equally lonely child, when he was erroneously informed by his father that he had been banned from the Life Is Sweet candy factory (he was actually invited back by the family), he is there to win the competition; to take Logan's thunder. I also loved his secret violin talents and music genius. Looking forward to reading her other books!
The Candymakers
By Wendy Mass
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 4 - 8 | Grades 3 - 5 | U | 5 | 102497 |
Logan, the Candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by touch alone?
Miles, the boy who is allergic to merry-go-rounds and the color pink?
Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy like it's a feather?
Or Philip, the suit-and-tie wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook?
This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant's perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations.
Book Reviews (293)
The Candymakers is a great book about four kids (Miles, Logan, Daisy, and Phillip) who are all in a candy-making contest. Each child has a secret that nobody else knows about. It was a funny book and amazing for readers from 4th - 8th grade. The only part that I thought was confusing was when the whole day started over but in a different person’s point of view. Other than that, it was fabulous.
This book is cool it has mystery and some comedy. This book is a good read over the summer because it has a attention getter.
The book was the same story line 4 times, but had different points of views. Who will win the contest, Logan, the Candymaker's son, Daisy, the Super Spy, Miles, the boy who is allergic to colors and rides or, Phillip the suit-coated guy. But all of this turns into a mess when they find out that Phillip's father is planning to steal the factory's secret ingredient and sell the factory. Read to find out!
The book started off strong, and then was a but dull. It did pick back up towards the end. I liked how the book discussed different people's points of views during the story.
This book was simply perfect! I loved reading and couldn't put it down because I always wanted to find out what was going to happen next. It was super surprising and unpredictable. Wendy Mass really thought of every detail and wove all of the characters' stories together to create one amazing book!
Candymaking is all fun and sweets until mystery ensues. Follow along the story through the eyes of four different canymakers. All with something different to bring to the table. And pay close attention to what they tell you and also what they don't. For each person's viewpoints are a piece to the puzzle and until the puzzle is complete the mystery will not be solved.
Only 4 12-year-olds have been chosen to compete. Their task? To come up with the best-tasting candy. All four have different stories, and yet their lives are interconnected in ways you couldn’t imagine. This is an awesome read! The tale is told through all four perspectives - the beginning being retold 4 times, although each time it has a new, interesting and engaging twist. The end comes together really well and brings together all four tales with no loose ends. It’s also got a twist of fantasy. I would recommend it to anybody that likes a feel-good book. (If I wrote anymore, I’d spoil the read).
I think that The Candymakers is an exciting and unpredictable book. There are so many surprising twists. Wendy Mass is a very admirable author, and I enjoy reading her stories.
This is one of the best books you can possibly find. I knew Wendy Mass was popular, but once I read this book, she is clearly a stunning author. This book combines two things the average kid loves: candy and adventure! The book takes place from 4 different views, 4 kids who entered a candy contest; Logan, whose the Candymaker's son that happens to be unsure of himself about his future in candy; Miles, whose witnessed a tragic incident years ago and is a bit of a recluse; Daisy, the spy whose uncertain on meeting her client's request of stealing the secret ingredient that makes the "Life Is Sweet" candy factory sweet; and Philip, the rich, unruly child whose intentions have changed after he learns his father is trying to get "Life Is Sweet" out of business. After 2 days of seeing each characters perspective, you go back to Logan. And all of a sudden, their pasts collide. Daisy learns her client is Philip's father. Daisy turns out to be the girl Miles witnessed, or so he thought, die. Philip is the reason for Logan's scars. Philip is the one who ruined Daisy's school mission 3 years ago. And in one night, their separate interests merge into one objective: make Philip's Harmonicandy win the contest so his father won't steal the secret ingredient. There's a wild ride up until the end, where Philip wins! The last pages of the book show everyone's perspective after the contest while they're hanging out. I absolutely can't wait to read The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase! I've already pre-ordered it!