Good Clean Reads

  • Book Reviews
  • Short Stories
  • Poems
  • About Me

The Candy Makers Book Review!

Book Reviews· Children's Books

4 Oct

If this post seem familiar, or you’re curious as to why the video says “welcome to Kenna’s World,” it’s because I am switching my blog from kennahartian.com, to goodcleanreads.com. The first several posts are all going to be copied from there. 🙂

Todays review is for The Candymakers, and The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase, which are part of the same series and are both written by Wendy Mass. 

These books are written in a neat style where you get to see the story from each character’s point of view (so like four books in one). For example, the first story is from Logan’s point of view – she writes to a certain point and then backtracks and tells the whole thing again, this time from Mile’s point of view. Even though you read the same thing four times, it doesn’t get boring because each character is so different. Even the parts when they’re together are fascinating because of the different things she shares. The second book is also written like this until the climax, when she then switches to writing like a normal story. 

Content Concerns:

The biggest issue with this book is the amount of lying and deceiving the characters do, even though it’s to try and save the factory. One of the characters is a perpetual lier and is extremely rude. His family cheats, thinking it’s okay. His older brother passed him a notebook filled with ways to cheat, lie and scam your way through a contest to win. He doesn’t have great family relations either, and is slightly arrogant. His father is a businessman and his job involves destroying other people’s businesses. This character does change, and comes to realize that this is wrong. Lying is still an issue, however. 

Another one of the characters is obsessed with the afterlife, because he thought he saw someone drown (spoiler alert – this is later revealed to not have happened). His version of the afterlife is way different than what the Bible says. This same character is also slightly superstitious. None of what he believes is written in a serious way, as if the author believes it might be true, rather it is portrayed as a quirky trait of the character. 

One of the characters is taught that there are two sides to a story, and it isn’t your job to decide whether or not something is good or bad, so don’t question motives. This same character also doesn’t have good family relations because this character doesn’t see her family often. 

There are a couple of potty talk comments, and who – likes – who comments, but they are not bad. 

Finally:

All in all, the worst part of these books is the lying, deceiving and stealing the characters do. It was pretty rampant throughout the series, and often it’s portrayed in an okay light. I would say that reading level, these books are large, but not hard to read, so a middle schooler could read them. They are pretty clean books, other than the lying, and they provide some good discussions for your family. 

I do enjoy reading this series because it’s lighthearted and an easy read. Warning: it might cause you to want candy. I mean, come on; it’s in a candy factory! 

Discussion questions – some may contain spoilers:

What does the Bible say about the afterlife? 
Can we do anything ourselves to go to heaven? 
What do we need to do to be saved? 
What does Hebrews 13:2 mean? 
Is it ever okay to lie, steal or cheat? 
What does the Bible say about lying, stealing or cheating? 
Do you think Daisy was right to try and sabotage her client? 
What is wrong with Philip and Daisy’s family situations? 
Why do you think that Logan’s scars have never bothered him?

Links to Books (see note about affiliate links here):

The Candymakers 
The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase

 

Related

Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « Hope, An Original Short Story – Part Two
Next Post: The Faith of a Child »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

good.clean.reads

Kenna Rose
Susanna's Midnight Ride is a unique story covering Susanna's Midnight Ride is a unique story covering a little known revolutionary war hero. It definitely made me curious about Susanna Bolling and the part she played in the Revolutionary War. 
The story discusses the war in a very real way, and doesn't shy away from many of the hardships endured by those waiting at home (and a few from those away fighting).
Though there are definitely some minor content concerns in the story to be aware of, it's an interesting story about Susanna Bolling and her heroic ride to warn Lafayette about a kidnapping plot.
https://goodcleanreads.com/susannas-midnight-ride-book-review/
#historicalfiction #fiction #goodcleanreads #books #stories #book #susannasmidnightride #libbycartymcnamee #historical #history #revolutionarywar #read #reading #reader #story #littleknownhistory #historicalspyfiction #spyfiction #spy #spystory #americanfiction #Americanhistory #kidsfiction #childrenfiction #actionandadventurebook #actionbook #adventurebook
Normally I only posted photos of the books I revie Normally I only posted photos of the books I review, but I figured I'd share this video from my other job (@kennarose_official) that kind of explains why I care about good clean reads so much. It's part 1 of a multiple part series talking about how entertainment is influential. Check it out, and let me know what you think! 
Also, I promise there will be new reviews soon! I have just been incredibly busy. 🙃
#entertainment #influential #books #reading #read #movies #music #book #speaker
The Sinking City(by @christinecohen_author ) is on The Sinking City(by @christinecohen_author ) is one of the most solid books I have read, meaning that the world between the covers seems like it could very well be an alternate reality: Venice, Italy kept afloat by spells.
The quality of the writing is superb, and you end up rooting for, and caring for, the characters. 
But it is indeed a "fairytale with teeth" as the author said. 
And I think that's part of what made it so real. 
Read The rest of my review for The Sinking City at goodcleanreads.com/the-sinking-city-book-review/
#read #reading #book #bookstagram #bookreview #thesinkingcity @canonpress #stories #fairytales #fairytale #darkfairytale #ya #yafiction #youngadult #youngadultbooks #youngadultfiction #historicalfiction #historicalfantasyfiction #fantasyfiction
I have heard nothing but good things about The Won I have heard nothing but good things about The Wonderland Trials by @saraellawrites so I was incredibly excited to discover that @faithandfictionbookbox  was doing a box for it! 
Link in bio!
.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #books #bookworm #thewonderlandtrials #yafiction #cleanyafiction #bookbox #bookstagrammer #enclavepublishing
The third book in the series, and the first book w The third book in the series, and the first book with the series header "the Epic Order of the Seven," The Prophet, the Shepherd and the Star covers from Isaiah all the way to Christ's birth. 
Check out my review! goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote  #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz  #bookstagram #isaiah #Christmas #theprophettheshepherdandthestar #Isaiah #daniel #thelionsden #timelesstruths
The second and final book in the Amazing Tales of The second and final book in the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz is the Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe. Max, Liz, Kate and Al are given a mission to help Joseph. Full of Biblical truth, humor and adventure, the Dreamer, the Schemer and the Robe is a great read. 
Check out my review! goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote  #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz  #bookstagram #thedreamertheschemerandtherobe #joseph #MaxandLiz #thecoatofmanycolors #ancientegypt #egypt #Biblicaltruth
The first book in the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz The first book in the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz is the Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud. It's a fictionalized account of Noah's Ark from the animals point of view. It's a fun, humorous, deep adventure. 
Check out my review! goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #noahsark #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz #thearkthereedandthefirecloud #bookstagram
My newest review is up, and you better believe it' My newest review is up, and you better believe it's Epic! Comprised of eight (soon to be nine) books, the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and the Epic Order of the Seven series (written by @jennyl.cote)are definitely worthwhile reads.
Check it out: goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #noahsark #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz #thearkthereedandthefirecloud #bookstagram
I would say “guess which book I’m reviewing,” buuuut, I stuck the name all over the video. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Oh well. Excited to release this review! 
#bookstagram #bookreview #epicorderoftheseven #amazingtalesofmaxandliz  #theepicorderoftheseven #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz #biblicalfiction #bookworm #books
Pride and Prejudice! I never thought I would love Pride and Prejudice! I never thought I would love the book the first time I read it - now, I've read it multiple times. 
Check out my review:
https://goodcleanreads.com/pride-and-prejudice-book-review
#prideandprejudice #janeausten #bookreview #books #goodcleanreads #cleanbooks #classics #classicbookreview #read #reader #bookstagram #romancenovel #romance #romancebooks #MrDarcy #ElizabethBennet #historicalfictionbookreview #historicalfiction #regencyfiction #bookreviews #book #reading #lovebooks #historicalbooks #historicalnovel
Happy Easter! He is risen! I'm grateful to my Lor Happy Easter! He is risen!
I'm grateful to my Lord for rescuing me. 
Matthew 28:6a "He is not here; he has risen" 
Romans 5:6-8 "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. " 
I've not reviewed these books, but I've read several of Patricia St. John's books. She beautifully illustrates what happens when Christ comes into brokenness. 
#Happyeaster #Heisrisen #books #bookstagram #goodcleanreads #Easter #saved #brokenintobeautiful #Rainbowgarden #thesecretatpleasentcottage #patriciastjohn #matthew28 #romans5
It's Good Friday! I'm thankful to my Lord and Savi It's Good Friday! I'm thankful to my Lord and Savior Christ. 
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,  and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
 yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth."
Isaiah 53:5-7
I've not reviewed this book, but it seemed fitting for Good Friday. It was the book that brought me closest to crying as any book I've read. It shows how the gospel changes and shapes lives through the tragic yet beautiful story of a young girl named Mary and her basket of flowers. 
#TheBasketofFlowers #ABasketofFlowers #books #reading #goodcleanreads #Lamplighterbooks #flowers #goodfriday #Isaiah53
This next review is for Romanov, a historical fant This next review is for Romanov, a historical fantasy-fiction by @nadinebrandes It’s an epic (and heartwarming) retelling of Anastasia Romanov’s story with a fun, magical twist! 
Check out my review: goodcleanreads.com/romanov-book-review/
#romanovbook #romanov #bookstagram #books #literature #historicalfiction #fantasyfiction #historicalfantasy #historicalfantasyfiction #bookreview #read #reading #bookrecommendations #booklover #bookreviews #goodcleanreads
This week's review is for The Secret Keepers, writ This week's review is for The Secret Keepers, written by Trenton Lee Stewart.
It's a delightful story about a boy who finds himself
embroiled in a centuries old mystery, and with the help
of his friends, must finally put to rest a secret that's
been haunting the world for centuries.
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/the-secret-keepers-book-review/
#books #reading #read #book #thesecretkeepers #trentonleestewart #bookstagram #mysterybooks #mystery #actionbook #actionandadventurebooks #adventurebook #actionandadventurebook #childrensbook #middlegradenovel #trentonleestewart
One of the most loved Christmas books of all time, One of the most loved Christmas books of all time, Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol is the definition of a classic. 
Check out my review of this beloved classic:  https://goodcleanreads.com/a-christmas-carol-book-review/
#reading #read #bookreview #goodcleanreads  #author #book #books #middlegradebooks #bookreviews #cleanreads #goodcleanbooks #cleanbooks #Christmasstories #Christmas #Christmasbooks #AChristmascarol #charlesdickens #Charlesdickensachristmascarol #holidaystories #Christmascelebration
The third book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is The third book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is Once Upon the End! 
This trilogy was hilarious - both me and my little brother thoroughly enjoyed it. 
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
 #reading #read #bookreview #goodcleanreads #middlegradeseries #jack #twistedfairytales #onceupontheend  #jamesriley #bookstagram #author #book #books #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #fairytales #fantasy #bookreviews #cleanreads #goodcleanbooks #cleanbooks #middlegradebookreviews @jamesrileyauthor
The second book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is The second book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is Twice Upon a Time! 
The biggest content concerns in this series are the attitudes of the characters and God's name being taken in vain (happens three times in book 1 and that's all). 
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
@jamesrileyauthor #reading #read #bookreview #goodcleanreads #middlegradeseries #jack #twistedfairytales #twiceuponatime #jamesriley #bookstagram #author #book #books #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #fairytales #fantasy #bookreviews #cleanreads #goodcleanbooks #cleanbooks #middlegradebookreviews
The first book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is The first book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is Half Upon a Time! 
This series is set in a world of twisted fairytales - it was fun to read and recognize different fairy tales!
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
@jamesrileyauthor #books #book #reading #read #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #fantasybook #fantasytrilogy #middlegradetrilogy #middlegradeseries #middlegradebook #halfuponatime #jamesriley #philip #onceupontheend #twiceuponatime #goodcleanreads #cleanbookreview #cleanbooks.
This week's review is for the Half Upon a Time Tri This week's review is for the Half Upon a Time Trilogy, written by @jamesrileyauthor!
I enjoyed this series. It isn't written from a Christian worldview, but it's cleaner than most middle-grade series. And it's hilarious. James Riley is a hilarious author! 
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
#reading #read #author #bookstagram #bookreview #cleanbooks #cleanbookreview #goodcleanbooks #halfuponatime #twiceuponatime #onceupontheend #bookreviews #cleanbook #fantasybook #middlegradebook #jamesriley #fantasy
Books 7 - 10 in the Nancy Drew series are The Clu Books 7 - 10 in the Nancy Drew 
series are The Clue in the Diary, Nancy's Mysterious Letter, The Sign of the Twisted Candle, and Password to Larkspur Lane. 
Fun fact - the Nancy Drew books are a series, but one book doesn't necessarily connect to the other. You could read book 36 before reading books 1-35.
Check out my review for books 1 - 10 in this classic
series:
goodcleanreads.com/nancy-drew-series-review-books-1-100
#nancydrew #mystery #mysterynovel #bookreview
#author #bookstagram #Nancydrewmystery
#mysterybook #mysterybookreview
#thesecretoftheoldclock #thehiddenstaircase
#thebungalowmystery #themysteryatlilacinn
#thesecretofshadowranch #thesecretofredgatefarm
#theclueinthediary #nancysmysteriousletter
#thesignofthetwistedcandle #passwordtolarkspurlane
#childrensbook #classicmysterybook #classicbooks
#mysterybooks #kidsbooks #girlsbooks #girlbooks
#girlmysteries
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Refined Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in