Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

Wendy Mass has created a masterpiece that is sure to be loved by children of all ages and adults alike! "The Candymakers" is about four children who are chosen to participate in a contest to create a candy at a local candy factory. Each of the four children are working through things in their own lives that drive their need to participate and succeed in this contest. However, the plan is foiled and the agenda changes making the children work together and each of them even more determined to make a winning candy when a secret ingredient is stolen.

This book is designed in such a great way as each of the four main characters are given the opportunity to tell the story from his or her point of view and it allows the reader to really get to know the characters. The characters are all very realistic and well-developed. Young readers will love the fact that they can relate to the issues that the characters are dealing with, for example, allergies and social anxiety, to name a few. Sabotage, secrets and working together as a team all add together to create mystery and also good lessons in cooperation, determination and growing as individuals. Anyone who enjoys candy will enjoy this book for the mere fact that candy is such a main focus of the story. Similar to Roald Dahl's "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory," this book will win the reader's attention, heart, and sweet tooth and quickly be a favorite.