My 10-year-old daughter is constantly in need of a new book. We can visit the library and return home with a stack of books, only to need more reading material in a week. So, when Persnickety Press offered us a chance to review their new tween culinary novel, DEX, she enthusiastically agreed to participate. This fun tale of an ordinary kid with extraordinary culinary talent engaged her from the beginning and we recommend DEX as your next read.
Quick Review
Just like Iron Chef and Cupcake Wars, DEX draws you into the creative, competitive world of cooking. Kids and parents alike will be drawn to Dex, an ordinary twelve-year-old kid with dreams of impressing a girl. When Dex looks in the mirror, all he sees are pimples and a lack of muscles. In reality, Dex is a talented, inventive kid with a great business sense and a strong work ethic. Readers will enjoy following this relatable character through his culinary adventures and discovering that we are much more than what we see in the mirror.
About DEX
Dex Rossi is a gawky, lovesick middle-school entrepreneur and amateur chef who runs a gourmet lunch stand from his front lawn. In love with a girl who likes jocks, he hopes to earn enough money to buy a gym system that will help him bulk up and win her heart. But while he serves up his locally famous food, his profits come to serve another purpose. He discovers that his grandmother’s restaurant is in financial ruin, and to save it, he must cook up a quick plan!
With the help of Alicia, his filmmaking older sister, and a host of great friends, Dex kicks his business into high gear. As word of his talent spreads like peanut butter, an unlikely windfall comes his way. Dex lands his own TV cooking show on the famous Eatz network! But just when he thinks he’s got his problems licked, Dex finds himself going head to head with a scheming, hard-boiled associate with a secret he has kept closely guarded. Dex learns that when your dreams are on the chopping block, finding the right ingredients is the best recipe for success.
DEX is an inspiring story for tweens 8 – 13, and a charming read for all adults that love food.
About the Author
Sheri Lynn Fishbach is a New York-based writer and editor who has just published her first novel, DEX, based on her screenplay and TV pilot of the same title. Over the years, Sheri has contributed to local, regional, and national publications including Gannett’s the Journal News, the Jewish Reporter, Steppin’ Out, Psychology Tomorrow, and the New York Times network of newspapers. Sheri holds a B.A. in History from SUNY Binghamton, an M.A. in English Education from Brooklyn College, and is a Meisner-trained actress. She has performed in various regional productions and has been a featured voice in local commercials and audiobooks. Sheri has completed several screenplays and two yet-to-be published novels based on her screenplays entitled Lovelines, and her latest, The Plane Truth.
My Daughter’s Review
I think DEX is a great book that is bound to inspire kids to learn to cook. The boy in it goes through a variety of problems, from trouble at school, to a competitor trying to ruin his cooking show. I was very passionate about this book and could not put it down! Other kids will have endless hours of fun reading this book before bedtime and it will keep them away from the TV.
For a short preview of the book, Dex is a 12-year-old boy who is trying to impress a girl named Sarah all of the time. He gets his own cooking show called Dining with Dex and has to put up with his competitor, Presto, trying to ruin his career. I think DEX is a great book and people should buy it because it’s worth it!
My Review
I never picked up many young adult novels until having kids. Now that I have readers with reading levels that surpass their grade levels, I find myself seeking age-appropriate books to meet their needs. DEX proved to be a terrific choice for my 10-year-old daughter. The quick, zippy writing kept her turning pages and the unique introduction to the culinary world piqued her interest.
As a parent, I especially appreciated how the characters in Dex are not the caricatures we often see of teens in media. Dex and his sister work together and support each other to solve a real problem. Each sibling is talented in their own way and they appreciate each other’s strengths. DEX encourages kids to be individuals, pursue their talents, and act with integrity.
DEX is a fun, endearing book that is great for reading aloud. Who knows, it might even inspire the next top chef in your family!
Get Your Own Copy
DEX is currently available at Amazon through my affiliate link for just $11.04. Buy it here.
Disclosure: I received product in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post. Proceeds go to support my blog.
I think my son would love this!
Sounds like a fun read! My 8 year old is interested in cooking… I’m going to get him this book.
I enjoy good YA books – this sounds like one to try. Unique idea to have the main character be a foodie!