Donut Days

In this thoughtful and humorous debut, Emma's world is turned upside down by a best friend who isn't speaking to her, a boy who's suddenly attractive, and parents who insist on a Christian college. When a local paper offers a scholarship for the best feature story about a new donut shop's campout, Emma sees a chance to forge her own future. This chapter book explores themes of friendship, family expectations, first crushes, and finding your own path, all with a wonderfully sarcastic and lively protagonist. It's a sweet, satisfying read for middle-grade readers navigating similar life complexities.

What would you do for a chance at salvation? Emma's life is a mess. Her best friend isn't talking to her and the boy she's known forever and dismissed has suddenly turned into a hottie. As if that wasn't enough, her parents have decided not to pay for college unless Emma goes to a Christian school, something she absolutely does not want. Enter the Crispy Dream - a new donut franchise in town, where people camp out waiting to be the first ones served. The local paper is running a scholarship for the person who writes the best feature story about the donut camp. This could be Emma's big chance to take control of her future. But she rely solely on donuts for her salvation? ' A sweet, satisfying treat of a first novel.' - SLJ 'In her thoughtful debut, Zielin . . . gives Emma a wonderfully sarcastic voice . . . and delivers lively characters.' Publishers Weekly 'Zielin's lighthearted yet substantive portrayals . . . ring absolutely true.' Kirkus Reviews