The Dessert Diaries
Four-book coming-of-age fiction series for middle-grade kids
by Laura Dower, illustrated by Lilly Lazuli
Sixth grader Emme is always trying to keep the peace. But when her parents decide to split and her BFFs get into a major fight, Emme finds herself caught in the crossfire. Can the opening of an enchanted bakery help Emme to find the peace again?
Goodreads Love
“I expected a ‘cute’ story but found this book had a great message about believing in yourself. It also shows how positive adults (in this case the baker across the street) can influence children for good. It is a sweet story that makes you hungry for baked goods and has a sweet message.”
- Alyson
“Super cute story!”
- LaShiba B.
“I loved it”
- Rose
BOOK EXCERPT
Maggie’s Magic Chocolate Moon
Maggie McAllister gazed out of her bedroom window from her Nana’s house on Sycamore Street. The trees had begun to lose their leaves, and the branches shook gently as the morning breeze blew. Hidden in the top branches of one tree was a large painted bird feeder. Nana had it placed in full view so Maggie and her sister, Grace, could watch the birds gather and feed all winter long. Right now there was a robin poking its beak into the air, ruffling his bright red feathers. Maggie threw a slipper at the window. It made a thud. The bird flew away.
Often Maggie would find herself staring into space, out of windows and up into the cloudy sky. She did far more staring and thinking than talking. In fact, she hadn’t said much for the past several months. Not since the accident. The only person she ever really talked to was Nana or the housekeepers or Grace, of course. Well, she talked to Grace when Grace wasn’t being Annoying with a capital A. Or when Maggie wasn’t feeling Angry with a capital A. But Maggie seemed to be angry a lot of the time. And Grace was annoying all of the time.
There was no smell better than fresh bread.