Reviews

Ready, Set, Dough! by Kelly J. Baptist

christiana's review

3.0

This was exactly what it said it would be. I liked how realistic it was (especially seeing economics through Zoe's lens, but also being able to see that the adults are doing their best to keep adult stuff as adult stuff and deal with it. It also did a good job with other kids at school thinking everyone has it better than they do and how sometimes what we're focused on can make it where we can't see that that is not an emergency for everyone), but at the same time, it was so realistic that it felt a bit low stakes to me.

nicolelovesbooks's review against another edition

4.0

This middle grade book showcases a character with passion, drive, perseverance, and gumption. While her singlemindedness does cause her some problems, Zoe shows how hard work can pay off. She also learns a little about herself, and how to be a better friend/sister/daughter in the process, but her journey doesn't feel heavy-handed or didactic in any way; the lessons feel realistic and relatable. A great (short!) option for elementary libraries-- the length actually makes it perfect for readers who enjoy older novels like those of Andrew Clements, Judy Blume, and Beverly Cleary. 

jesstele's review

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mariahistryingtoread's review

5.0

Sixth grader Zoe is a budding journalist convinced she needs the ultimate laptop to live out her journalism aspirations to the fullest. Lucky for her, her school is selling tubs of cookie dough and if Zoe can be the person who sells the most tubs she will win the laptop of her dreams. Along the way she has to learn that winning isn't worth it, if you have to step on people to get to the top.

Zoe is a great main character, ultimately very sweet, but when she gets into 'Zoe mode' you better watch out. I liked that the book didn't fault Zoe for her ambition. The lesson was about moderation and respect for other people. So often, Black girls are demonized for wanting literally anything. I appreciated that the want and the drive were not the source of the conflict: the methods were. I also enjoyed her spiral into a cookie selling monster; it was funny to see how far she kept pushing the envelope before her big fall. The tension was delicious too because on the outside you could see that she tiptoeing on the edge of a cliff whereas Zoe was perfectly assured she was in the middle of a field, totally safe.

Kelly J. Baptist is a favorite author of mine and once more she doesn't disappoint. It's a fantastic (relatively) low stakes, easily digestible, quick read that I'm sure would be great for reluctant readers.

mlottermoser's review against another edition

funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Middle grade fiction on friendship, competition, and hard work. 

calebcandy's review

funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

thenextgenlibrarian's review

4.0

An adorable MG novel for fans of the Ryan Hart series by Renee Watson who are ready to read something a bit older.

thenextgenlib's review against another edition

4.0

An adorable MG novel for fans of the Ryan Hart series by Renee Watson who are ready to read something a bit older.

miszjeanie's review against another edition

5.0

Ambitious sixth grader Zoe Sparks loves to write and enjoys brainstorming ideas for her journalism class. There’s only one problem: Her at-home computer is so unreliable that it just stops working one day. Fortunately, her school is organizing a cookie dough fundraiser, and guess what the top seller prize is? A WordPro laptop — and orange (her favorite color) at that! Zoe is determined to outsell everyone, especially her nemesis Amaya. But soon, her ambition begins to impact her balance and her friendship with her BFF Felix. I adored the voice in this one and finished it in one day. Good for ages 9+ and also UNDER 200 pages! (The audiobook is narrated by Bahni Turpin!)

⭐️ A RMG Best Middle Grade Book of 2023!

msmadeinchina's review

3.5

This was a quick, fun read that shows young readers that you can achieve your dreams by putting in the hard work—but also that you can't let your dreams take over your whole life. Zoe does everything she can to sell the most cookie dough so she can win the laptop of her dreams to kickstart her journalism dream, but as she does so, she pushes away the people closest to her. While reading this story as an adult made it hard to relate or even stomach some of the actions Zoe takes (it's been a long time since I've been a sixth grader, okay?!), young readers will likely be able to find something for them in it—a story about growing up, learning hard lessons, and the staying power of love and friendship.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.