Ansley’s Big Bake Off

Gr 3-6–Ansley’s family has just moved to a new house, and she and her three sisters are starting a new school. Ansley is nervous about making new friends, but many of the girls she meets at school and church are kind and welcoming. She gets off on the wrong foot with one, Taylor, who seems hostile and competitive—especially when it comes to baking, one of Ansley’s favorite hobbies. Ansley turns to her Christian faith and her supportive family for advice on how to deal with Taylor, but it isn’t until both girls enter the town baking competition that she comes to understand what’s behind Taylor’s behavior. This companion to the “Lena in the Spotlight” series centers a close-knit African American family. Ansley is sometimes very mature, particularly in discussing and expressing her faith. At other times young she is for her age, drawn to unicorns and sparkly things. The frequent prayers and references to scripture verses make this a good fit for preteens seeking inspirational fiction in a modern setting. Faith, family relationships, and friendship drama take center stage.