Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Little, Brown and Company
Pages
453
Description
When four twelve-year-olds, including Logan, who has grown up never leaving his parents' Life Is Sweet candy factory, compete in the Confectionary Association's annual contest, they unexpectedly become friends and uncover secrets about themselves during the process.
Description
Four children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country. Who will invent a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Lightning Chew?
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.
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.
Series
Collection
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010
Physical description
453 p.; 7.6 inches
ISBN
0316002593 / 9780316002592
Similar in this library
Lexile
740L
User reviews
LibraryThing member jmoncton
Wendy Mass is an amazing authos. Two of her books, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life and Every Soul a Star are some of my favorite young adult stories. The Candymakers, her latest book is targeted for the middle grade audience and is a combination of Every Soul a Star and the classic, Charlie and
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the Chocolate Factory. The story revolves around a nation-wide search, for a 12-year old child who can make the most delicious and creative new candy. The four contestants include Logan, the candymaker's son, Daisy, who on the surface appears to be bright and bubbly, Miles, who is slightly neurotic, and Philip, all business in his suit and tie. But each of the contestants is hiding a secret and the story quickly becomes a mashup of Willy Wonka meets Alex Rider. The book is fun and engaging, but lacks some of the heart of her other stories that make them appeal to both kids and adults. Still a good recommendation for children. Show Less
LibraryThing member alanna1122
My daughter (9 years old) loved this book so much she wanted me to read it too. I can understand why she loved it - it's about candy! and it has lots of imaginative sequences that are perfectly attuned to tween sensibilities.
I love that she loved it, but I didn't love it. It was pretty good - I
I love that she loved it, but I didn't love it. It was pretty good - I
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found the story somewhat derivative and the pacing felt slow to me. I will definitely support my son reading it when he gets a little older but I don't think I will run out and have my friends read it. Show Less
LibraryThing member pbadeer
Not as strong as some of her other works, Mass does succeed in creating another family friendly read with enough twists and creative turns to keep the story interesting.
The Candymakers focuses on four children, each ostensibly participating in the annual Candy Making Competition, but each bringing
Where I feel the story falls short is that Mass had to come up with the backstories for each of the characters in order for them to "develop" in the way the novel required. These backstories became more than a little contrived - and unnecessarily so. I think an author as talented as Wendy Mass could have come up with something more "believable". True, this story is for children, but even my 11 year old daughter felt it all a little far fetched.
Enjoyable, but could have been better.
The Candymakers focuses on four children, each ostensibly participating in the annual Candy Making Competition, but each bringing
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a little something extra to mix. They learn a little about competition and a little more about teamwork and a lot about the fact that there's more to life than a competition.Where I feel the story falls short is that Mass had to come up with the backstories for each of the characters in order for them to "develop" in the way the novel required. These backstories became more than a little contrived - and unnecessarily so. I think an author as talented as Wendy Mass could have come up with something more "believable". True, this story is for children, but even my 11 year old daughter felt it all a little far fetched.
Enjoyable, but could have been better.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
She made it fun to read and most people could relate to at least one of the four children. Q4P3 AHS/Angelica Z
LibraryThing member shookrl
The Candymakers follows 4 characters has they win a contest to work in the local candy factory to experiment coming up with the next best candy to present in a competition of all the candy factories. The competitive spirit of this book reigns throughout however the children seem to have fun with
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it. The candy-makers' son is even a part of the competition and we soon find out that that may not actually be an advantage. Told from the perspective of each child, we soon learn how intertwined their relationships are and what happens when they decide to combine forces to make the best candy in the land. Recommended as a read aloud for 3rd and up or as an independent read for 6th grade and up. Show Less
LibraryThing member KimJD
Thirty-two 12-year-olds are selected from around the country to participate in the Annual Candymakers Contest. Mass's story focuses on four of them-- Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip-- who will meet at the factory owned by Logan's parents a couple of days before submissions are due for a
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crash-course in candymaking. While the title and cover description make comparisons with "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" almost unavoidable, Mass has other plans up her sleeve, which she slowly lets readers in on over the course of the story. As the narrative opens, we see events unfolding through the eyes of Logan, the Candymaker's son, and this is where she may lose some readers... the story gets off to a slow start. But about 100 pages in, as the perspective shifts from Logan to Miles, readers get their first surprise, and from that point on, as it later shifts to Daisy and then Philip, the story turns into a roller-coaster ride of adventure and uncovered secrets. None of the four contestants are what they first appear, and as their secrets come to light, the strands weave together into an unexpected and satisfying conclusion. Nine- through twelve-year-olds who persevere through the not-as-exciting start to the book won't be disappointed with this multi-layered sweet treat. Show Less
LibraryThing member jepeters333
At the Life Is Sweet candy factory, Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are about to compete in the national candymaking competition of a lifetime. Who will make a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Yelloe Lightning Chew? The contestants face off in a battle of wits and sugar,
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but soon they realize that things are not what they seem, and they find themselves in a candy-filled world of surprises, suspense, and mouthwatering creations. Show Less
LibraryThing member librarian1204
Interesting method of telling the story and I liked the way it developed with the addition of each character's part.
LibraryThing member icecreamdog
Thirty Two kids from all over get the chance to compete in a candy making competition. Four of them are representing Life Is Sweet, a candy story. Logan Sweet, the candy maker's son is one of the four. Phillip Ransford the Third is a rude, annoying boy who always wears a suit. Daisy, the perky,
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funny girl may not be what she seem to. Miles seems to know a lot about the afterlife. Why? New friendships form, and old ones start back up, the competition keeps on going. I loved the plot, and the ending. This is a favorite. Show Less
LibraryThing member GemmaF.B4
The Candymakers is a wonderful book full of adventure, misjudgement hiden identitiys and delicious candy of every size shape and colour! I have to say I am impressed with Wendy Mass. I have always known she was a great authour. And this just proves it. This book would be great in the hands of a
This book is about four children; Logan: the Candymakers son, Daisy: spy and later future candymaker, Miles: shy, with a fasination for the underworld and Gummysaurus Rex's, and Phillip: mysterious who is determined to win the annual Candymaking contest. The story is told from each of the childrens point of view so you get to hear the story from each point of view.
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child of every age, or adult if they have a love for books like these. I woulld recomend it to you because as I said before, it is filled with amazing discriptions of the candy and the charactors alike. Wendy Mass is a wonder with words, she likes to include even the smallest of detail so that it makes her books just that much better!This book is about four children; Logan: the Candymakers son, Daisy: spy and later future candymaker, Miles: shy, with a fasination for the underworld and Gummysaurus Rex's, and Phillip: mysterious who is determined to win the annual Candymaking contest. The story is told from each of the childrens point of view so you get to hear the story from each point of view.
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LibraryThing member karafrib
When it’s time for the annual candy making contest, Logan can’t wait to open the doors of the Life is Sweet candy factory to his fellow contestants. As the current candymaker’s son, he’s familiar with every wonder filled aspect of the factory, and is hoping to win the contest and prove
The Candymakers is an engaging story that is one part mystery, and what part sweet and whimsical. Mass has created a cast of strong characters, from the four main children to the adults that surround them. Even though the story is re-told four times, it never gets old because each candymaker fills in the gaps of the previous candymakers’ points of view. Mass’ style allows readers to truly understand what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes, and the story of friendship that results from the layered stories is all the more moving for knowing the individual perspectives. Each narrator’s section opens with their cartoon silhouette in a frame, which adds to the mystery of the book since you cannot see their faces. This heartwarming mystery is sure to melt the hearts of readers and make them hunger for a piece of chocolate pizza. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
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himself. But of course, the other three contestants in Wendy Mass’s The Candymakers are hoping to win the contest too. Each of the contestants has a strange quirk, and as the story is told over again from each of their perspectives, it soon becomes obvious that not all of them are there just to make candy. Some things just don’t add up: Logan has mysterious scars, Daisy can lift more weight than most grown men, Miles speaks in his own language, and Philip is always dressed in a suit and jotting things down in a mysterious notebook. Then, of course, there is the night that they all catch each other trying to steal the factory’s secret ingredient.The Candymakers is an engaging story that is one part mystery, and what part sweet and whimsical. Mass has created a cast of strong characters, from the four main children to the adults that surround them. Even though the story is re-told four times, it never gets old because each candymaker fills in the gaps of the previous candymakers’ points of view. Mass’ style allows readers to truly understand what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes, and the story of friendship that results from the layered stories is all the more moving for knowing the individual perspectives. Each narrator’s section opens with their cartoon silhouette in a frame, which adds to the mystery of the book since you cannot see their faces. This heartwarming mystery is sure to melt the hearts of readers and make them hunger for a piece of chocolate pizza. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
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LibraryThing member pussreboots
It is a very rare book that can take me through the entire emotional spectrum from a one star — can't finish — to five star — recommend this book to everyone. Usually by the first couple chapters, I have a pretty good idea of how I will rate the book at its conclusion. The Candymakers by
Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are the regional finalists for a nationwide candy making competition open to children age 12. Logan, as the candymaker's son at one of the host facilities, is an expected shoo-in given that his father and grandfather both won. Logan, though, knows he doesn't have what it takes to get the ingredients just right, even if he does have a stellar idea.
The competition gives a chance for readers to explore an extraordinary but still plausible (and grounded in reality) candy factory. Although Logan's family produces all of their ingredients on site (including a spectacular greenhouse for a mini forest of cacao and rubber trees), Mass avoids the temptation to make the factory an overt homage to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory (Roald Dahl, 1964), which means Logan's idea is bound to be too difficult or impossible to create.
But, Candymakers isn't about Logan flaming out either. It's so much more. The best way I can describe this book is as a tween candy making equivalent to the delightful manga and anime, Space Brothers.
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Wendy Mass, though, completely surprised me. Slowly but surely it rewarded me for my patience.Logan, Miles, Daisy, and Philip are the regional finalists for a nationwide candy making competition open to children age 12. Logan, as the candymaker's son at one of the host facilities, is an expected shoo-in given that his father and grandfather both won. Logan, though, knows he doesn't have what it takes to get the ingredients just right, even if he does have a stellar idea.
The competition gives a chance for readers to explore an extraordinary but still plausible (and grounded in reality) candy factory. Although Logan's family produces all of their ingredients on site (including a spectacular greenhouse for a mini forest of cacao and rubber trees), Mass avoids the temptation to make the factory an overt homage to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory (Roald Dahl, 1964), which means Logan's idea is bound to be too difficult or impossible to create.
But, Candymakers isn't about Logan flaming out either. It's so much more. The best way I can describe this book is as a tween candy making equivalent to the delightful manga and anime, Space Brothers.
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LibraryThing member spartyliblover
In an interesting and captivating, 4 voice story of a junior candy making competition gone awry comes a great story of friendship and overcoming adversity of all varieties. Each of the characters has a secret, and the only way to learn about each of them is to read the story from their points of
This review refers to an Advanced Reading Copy.
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view. The first four parts are the same story, just told from each characters point of view. It is a heart warming story of friendship, and is a perfect longer read for those kids that enjoy thick books. The plot flows well and keeps the pages turning to the very end. A great book for late elementary and early middle school readers.This review refers to an Advanced Reading Copy.
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LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I really loved this book. It follows four children that are entered in a candy making contest. Logan the candymakers son, Miles, Daisy and Phillip. The book tells the story of the same two days from each child's perspective. Then switches back to Logan to narrate the end (although we still
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occaisionally hear from the other children. I really liked getting each characters point of view. As you read each part you get a little more information about the other children and other things going on in the factory. This book has espionage, adventure and action. All four children learn things about themselves and their families and become friends over the course of the adventure. I couldn't tell you which kid I liked best. I really liked them all a lot for different reasons, although I was happy when the narration returned to Logan at the end. The factory itself was amazing and the descriptions of the different types of candy were just incredible. (I really loved the s'mores room and candy and would be happy to just live there forever.) I also want to mention the cover because it was just amazing. Bright, colorful and completely able to draw me in. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I really loved this book. It follows four children that are entered in a candy making contest. Logan the candymakers son, Miles, Daisy and Phillip. The book tells the story of the same two days from each child's perspective. Then switches back to Logan to narrate the end (although we still
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occaisionally hear from the other children. I really liked getting each characters point of view. As you read each part you get a little more information about the other children and other things going on in the factory. This book has espionage, adventure and action. All four children learn things about themselves and their families and become friends over the course of the adventure. I couldn't tell you which kid I liked best. I really liked them all a lot for different reasons, although I was happy when the narration returned to Logan at the end. The factory itself was amazing and the descriptions of the different types of candy were just incredible. (I really loved the s'mores room and candy and would be happy to just live there forever.) I also want to mention the cover because it was just amazing. Bright, colorful and completely able to draw me in. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I really loved this book. It follows four children that are entered in a candy making contest. Logan the candymakers son, Miles, Daisy and Phillip. The book tells the story of the same two days from each child's perspective. Then switches back to Logan to narrate the end (although we still
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occaisionally hear from the other children. I really liked getting each characters point of view. As you read each part you get a little more information about the other children and other things going on in the factory. This book has espionage, adventure and action. All four children learn things about themselves and their families and become friends over the course of the adventure. I couldn't tell you which kid I liked best. I really liked them all a lot for different reasons, although I was happy when the narration returned to Logan at the end. The factory itself was amazing and the descriptions of the different types of candy were just incredible. (I really loved the s'mores room and candy and would be happy to just live there forever.) I also want to mention the cover because it was just amazing. Bright, colorful and completely able to draw me in. Show Less
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I really loved this book. It follows four children that are entered in a candy making contest. Logan the candymakers son, Miles, Daisy and Phillip. The book tells the story of the same two days from each child's perspective. Then switches back to Logan to narrate the end (although we still
Show More
occaisionally hear from the other children. I really liked getting each characters point of view. As you read each part you get a little more information about the other children and other things going on in the factory. This book has espionage, adventure and action. All four children learn things about themselves and their families and become friends over the course of the adventure. I couldn't tell you which kid I liked best. I really liked them all a lot for different reasons, although I was happy when the narration returned to Logan at the end. The factory itself was amazing and the descriptions of the different types of candy were just incredible. (I really loved the s'mores room and candy and would be happy to just live there forever.) I also want to mention the cover because it was just amazing. Bright, colorful and completely able to draw me in. Show Less
LibraryThing member BefuddledPanda
The ending left me with some questions.
Overall, a well done book. She wrote the different perspectives well and it wasn't too repetitive. fun read
Overall, a well done book. She wrote the different perspectives well and it wasn't too repetitive. fun read
LibraryThing member jothebookgirl
NCCBA 2013
This book is a good one for a point of view read. It seems to me it would have been very difficult to write. Logan, the candy-makers son who has grown up in the candy factory is the first character to explain the candy making contest. Next is Miles who has a mysterious past, which is tied
What a great story Wendy Mass.
This book is a good one for a point of view read. It seems to me it would have been very difficult to write. Logan, the candy-makers son who has grown up in the candy factory is the first character to explain the candy making contest. Next is Miles who has a mysterious past, which is tied
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up with the candy-makers son as well as the next character, Daisy. Then we hear Daisy's point of view where things really get reveled. Why does she read her romance novel out loud for instance. Last is an obnoxious Phillip. It all culminates and the mystery is revealed bringing all the lives and backgrounds together.What a great story Wendy Mass.
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LibraryThing member bookbrig
I made it through a few chapters, but it just didn't catch my attention quick enough and it had holds. I may go back to it in the future.
LibraryThing member MollyGroff
A very fun book, that demands the need of making candy afterwards.
A great read aloud, or just to read by yourself!
A great read aloud, or just to read by yourself!
LibraryThing member DebbieMcCauley
Four 12-year-olds have been selected to participate in a national candy-making contest. There is Logan, the Candymaker's son; Miles, a thoughtful boy focused on the afterlife; Daisy, a girl with a secret; and Philip, who seeks revenge. In Part 1 Logan starts telling the story from his perspective.
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Then in Part's 2, 3 & 4 Miles, Daisy, and Philip tell the same story from their view in the run up to the Confectionary's Association's Annual Convention where the winner of the contest will be judged and announced. I liked the different perspectives, this would be great for children to help them try and understand other people's points of view - plus up their intake of sweets! A very nicely told story. Show Less
LibraryThing member ms_rowse
I'm not the audience for this book, which is why I gave it two stars (which means, remember, "It was okay"). It is probably perfect for upper elementary. There were little things about the book the bothered me, namely, the font switch anytime the name of the factory came up.
I did really like the
But other than that, it didn't really hold my interest all that much, and the only reason I finished it was because I told my niece I'd read it so we could talk about it. I am interested to hear what she thought of it. She's 9, and might have a completely different connection to it.
I did really like the
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structure of the book, as the story is told from each of the four main characters' points of view. I also liked the underlying message that we just never know what battles people are fighting until we take time to get to know them. But other than that, it didn't really hold my interest all that much, and the only reason I finished it was because I told my niece I'd read it so we could talk about it. I am interested to hear what she thought of it. She's 9, and might have a completely different connection to it.
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Awards
Nebraska Golden Sower Award (Honor — 2014)
Massachusetts Children's Book Award (Honor — 2013)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — Grades 6-8 — 2013)
Nutmeg Book Award (Nominee — Intermediate — 2014)
Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Winner — Grades 3-5 — 2014)
Iowa Children's Choice Award (Nominee — 2013)
North Carolina Children's Book Award (Winner — 2013)
NCSLMA Battle of the Books (Elementary — 2018)
Call number
J4D.Mas