Adams, Leisl. Batter Royale. Amulet Books, 2022. 978-1-419-75075-5. 240 p. $24.99. Grades 7-10.

High school senior Rose is a waitress at the Quayga Diner, though she longs to be in the kitchen like her longtime friend Fred, whose mom owns the restaurant. Rose just has been accepted at her dream school, Toronto’s Fieldberry Culinary School, but her recently separated parents aren’t sure if they can swing the tuition. When an influential food critic visits the diner, Rose presents her with a strawberry shortcake (her own creation) and scores an invitation to participate in a televised baking competition called Batter Royale. The prize is a life-changing $500,000 and a book deal. However, the taping is in London and Rose needs a teammate. She convinces a reluctant Fred to join her in hopes that the publicity will help the struggling Quayga, and the pair jet off across the pond. Will their friendship blossom into something more, or will the pitfalls of a reality TV show (including booby traps, sabotage, and a flirty rival who fights dirty) drive a wedge between them? Author/illustrator Leisl Adams’ brightly-hued artwork is fresh and upbeat. Rose is biracial (her mom is white and her dad is black), and Fred is white. Illustrated recipes accompany all of the featured dishes in this delectable confection.

THOUGHTS: Exciting competition scenes, a heartwarming friends-to-romance trope, and adorable characters make this graphic novel a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Graphic Novel          Amy V. Pickett, Ridley SD