Hallie Durand’s Dessert First is an adorable early middle grade novel about a spunky third-grader named Dessert. Now, who among us hasn’t been tempted to eat dessert first when sitting down for a meal? When Dessert’s new teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody tells her class to march to the beat of their own drummer, Dessert decides that she will eat dessert first from now on. She is even able to convince her family to join her in her new endeavor. But when she succumbs to temptation and secretly eats an entire box of her mother’s Double-decker Chocolate Bars, she is overcome with guilt. Even worse, it turns out that those rare treats were made to celebrate the life and birthday of her grandmother, who has passed away.
Dessert reminded me a lot of another fun early middle grade character- Clementine. She’s spunky, spirited, happy, and even a little “fresh” at times. Even better? She’s real! She reminded me a lot of the 3rd graders I student taught a few years ago- smarter than most adults give them credit for. Plus, readers will identify with her. Who among us hasn’t tried to be unique and only ended up getting in trouble in the process?
Oh, and I love, love, love the cover! The bakery string is a wonderful detail and has me craving some treats.
Highly recommended for elementary libraries.
*ARC copy courtesy of Kathi Appelt
Filed under: cybils, early middle grade, reviews | Tagged: dessert first, hallie durand |
The Reading Zone 
A book with a fiesty character AND chocolate? How have I never picked this one up?? Think of all the recipe possibilities!
the book looks quiet interesting and i take note of the cover in particular..
– VERY INVITING-
it’s a must pick.. if i’ll come across one in the bookstores ill definitely grab a copy..
make more interesting books there many of us out here craving for good reads..
goodluck..
[…] Reading Zone on Dessert First: “Dessert reminded me a lot of another fun early middle grade character- Clementine. She’s spunky, spirited, happy, and even a little “fresh” at times. Even better? She’s real! She reminded me a lot of the 3rd graders I student taught a few years ago.” […]
I’m ready for dessert already … is 11am too early?!! This looks like a fun book.
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[…] Nice review at The Reading Zone. […]