Tween Tuesday: Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han

4 mini apple pies in a jar (aren't those totally darling?) Yum!

Cover Love?: Yes, it is cute and colorful. Totally eye-catching!

Why I Wanted To Read This:
I am a sucker for books about little girls (like Clementine & Ramona). So I was excited to read this one when it was offered up by Little Brown. Here's the synopsis from Good Reads:

Clara Lee likes her best friends, her grandpa, kimchi, candy necklaces (her signature look!), and the idea of winning the Little Miss Apple Pie contest.Clara Lee doesn't like her mom's fish soup, bad dreams (but Grandpa says they mean good luck!), speaking in public, or when her little sister is being annoying.One day, after a bad dream, Clara Lee is thrilled to have a whole day of luck (Like!). But then, bad luck starts to follow (Dislike!). When will Clara Lee's luck change again? Will it change in time for the Little Miss Apple Pie contest?

I Kept Reading Because:
It was darling! I loved Clara Lee.

Romance?: No, but a little third grade crush.

What I Liked (& Didn't):
I loved the writing. There were phrases like:

"All the kids at school call me Clara Lee and not just Clara. It sounds better that way. Like peanut butter and jelly or trick or treat or fairy and princess, those words just go together. Just like me, Clara Lee."

Isn't that cute? Phrases like that just make me smile and feel good!

I am glad Clara Lee isn't the perfect child, but that she does try and control her impulses. She might want to rip the red ribbon out of her rival's hair, but she doesn't.

I love that Clara Lee's grandpa does her hair for her!

To Sum Up: What a sweet book! I loved meeting Clara Lee and would recommend this for any lower elementary grade reader who is ready to move on from Junie B. Fun start to a series (hopefully).

Book sent by Little Brown (thanks Sara!)

Tween Tuesday was created by Sarah, the GreenBeanTeenQueen. Check her out!