by Michael Daswick

MG Contemporary, 2019 by Mike’s Books LLC, 207 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

As an adult reading this, you’ll find some of the things Zin accomplishes absurd. It’s not practical or, likely, even possible. It’s cute though and interesting, which is the point.
Zin’s mother is INFURIATING. There was nothing likable about this woman. I don’t care how talented he is, crying to your ten year old because he got fired and you can’t pay rent but can’t get a job because you’re “a Mom” is TERRIBLE. I’m not sure what the point of making her like this was. It didn’t forward the plot. I feel like it was a poor choice. Plus, when she completely changes later there’s no explanation for it.
The ending isn’t great. Have the second one cued up and ready to go because they’re really a contiguous story. You get no resolution in this one. It just cuts off at sort of a weird point in the story.

Right away, we love Zin. He’s smart, focused, and honest. You want him to succeed.
For kids, Zin and his antics would be empowering. He is successful early and his success is recognized by many in the field. Even when he fails, he learns.
The good guys are clear and the villains are clear. In the best kind of middle grade stories, you get good guys that have morals and ethics. This has that. On the other side, the bad guys add to the story without being overly scary and bring some excitement. It’s a great cast of characters.

Middle grade readers who like cooking or have considered being a chef will love Zin’s attention to detail and ambition.