This is the 2nd book in the series, but by no means is it a problem to pick this one up and read it on its own. The main character also comes from the much-loved Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.

Aven has found her love for baking and wants to enter a contest at the fair with her three best friends. Each brings over their favorite recipe, and one by one, each desert is created. The best will be chosen for the contest. But Aven finds something she really dislikes about each of them and decides she can't support baking anything with raisins. Her decision leaves her in a fight with her friends and unable to enter the contest...unless she finds a way to make everything right.

I did read the first one in this series and enjoyed it. Aven is spunky and tends to tell everyone exactly what's on her mind—refreshing but gets her into tons of trouble. Her attitude in this book was a bit irritating as she complains about everything and is very harsh to those around her. Of course, people do act that way, at times, but it also made her dislikable since she made this mistake even several times even after her mother reminded her to be kind. Still, Aven learns her lesson and the book ends on a good note. It's definitely a lesson for those kids, who sometimes act the same way.

The author packs diversity into these pages. Not only does Aven offer her own zest, but each desert comes from a different culture. I did appreciate this variety, and many readers will not recognize the dishes. The author adds the clever note of making sure to explain each lesser known item as part of Aven's candid narration, and there is a glossary at the end. As an extra bonus, the author adds the recipes at the end of the book, which encourages readers not only to bake but allows them to have a chance to try these more exotic dishes on their own.

This is an easy to read chapter book with very short chapters (something reluctant readers will appreciate). Aven, of course, has her own, distinct way of seeing things, which is either a positive or negative depending on the reader. I find her character intriguing and a bit gritty...something young readers are sure to enjoy. Plus, baking and snacking are always a treat.

I received an ARC and am giving 4.5 while rounding up. ( )