Batter Royale

Aspiring Canadian chef Rose, who is 17 and mixed-race (Black and white), works as a waitress at a local diner owned by Chef Bonnie, the mother of her white childhood best friend, Fred. Rose tries to assume more responsibilities at the diner, hoping to make her way into the kitchen, but her perpetual tardiness causes Bonnie to keep her on a tight schedule, leaving no time to experiment with recipes. Eager to prove she has what it takes to make it in the culinary world, Rose hijacks a special dessert order for a renowned food critic without Chef Bonnie’s knowledge. Swept away by Rose’s talent, the critic extends an invitation for her to join a televised baking competition in London to compete for half a million dollars. With Fred as her partner, Rose strives to win, navigating sneaky cheaters, professionally trained competitors, and the manufactured reality TV drama. Using thinly lined art, eye-catching hues, and animated facial expressions, Adams portrays an endearing cast populated by varied skin tones and body types. Employing simple paneling, uncomplicated dialogue, and a wish-fulfilling premise, Adams ably celebrates foodies and childhood crushes in this slice-of-life graphic novel debut. Recipes for desserts, such as apple crumble, feature throughout. Ages 12–up. Agent: Adria Goetz, Martin Literary Management. (June)