The Stars of Summer is coming on May 5!

It's hard to believe it, but the sequel to All Four Stars will be out in the world in just a month's time. Many thanks to those who have already preordered a copy and/or requested it at their local library! I hope that you'll enjoy reading Gladys's continuing adventures as much as I've enjoyed writing them.

I also hope to see you at one of my upcoming launch events in Colorado or on the east coast--read on for details!

Best,

Tara

In this charming sequel to All Four Stars, eleven-year-old foodie Gladys Gatsby now has her first published review under her belt and is looking forward to a quiet summer of cooking and reviewing. But her plans quickly go awry when her friend Charissa Bentley delivers Gladys’s birthday gift: a free summer at Camp Bentley.

As Gladys feared, camp life is not easy: she struggles to pass her swim test and can’t keep the other campers happy while planning lunches. The worst part is she can’t seem to get away from the annoying new “celebrity” camper and sneak away for her latest assignment—finding the best hot dog in New York City. But when it turns out her hot dog assignment is actually a dirty trick invented by a jealous fellow reviewer, Gladys’s career may be over forever.

Preorder your copy from…

My local independent bookstores in Colorado:
Boulder Book Store * The Tattered Cover * BookBar

Your local independent bookstore: find one here

Or your favorite national or online retailer:
Penguin * Powells * B&N * Amazon * BAM * Indigo (Canada) * Book Depository (International)

Launch parties in May

Food! Games! Book readings! Book signings! I hope that you can join me at one of these events.

(Additional events may be added on Long Island and in the Washington, D.C. area. For the latest schedule, please check taradairman.com/events over the next few weeks.)

Colorado Launch Party
Wednesday, May 6
6:30pm
Boulder Book Store
1107 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302

New York Launch Party
Thursday, May 14
6-8pm
Books of Wonder
8 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011

Boston-Area Book Panel
Thursday, May 21
Time TBA
Wellesley Books
82 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
(also featuring middle-grade authors Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Dana Alison Levy, Lauren Magaziner, Jen Malone, & Ammi-Joan Paquette)

Kids Author Carnival
Sunday, May 30
Time TBA
Jefferson Market Library
425 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10011
(fun and games for tween readers, featuring many middle-grade authors!)

Reviews are pouring in...

And they're good! Here's what trade reviewers are saying about The Stars of Summer:

“Hilarious.Though a sequel to All Four Stars (2014), this book stands on its own. The main characters are maturing and becoming multidimensional. The author delivers the subtle message that people are not always what they seem at first. Give this one to foodies as well as readers looking for a fun summer tale.”
-SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“A 12-year-old girl who freelances as a restaurant reviewer (her employer doesn’t know her age) finds it increasingly difficult to keep her job secret from her parents while dealing with the problems of being a first-time camper and counselor-in-training. How Gladys rises to these and other challenges is the fun of the story.”
-KIRKUS

"A quest for an outstanding hot dog that blossoms into a family bonding experience, the real sense of understanding felt between old and new friends, plus plenty of humorous mishaps along the way should appeal to younger middle school students looking for a quick read during summer break. A truly entertaining story."
-VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

Paperbacks of All Four Stars are here!

All Four Stars was published in paperback on April 7, with some terrific bonus content: recipes!

Turn to the back of a paperback and you'll find recipes for two of Gladys's favorite treats: bluebarb crumble and gajar ka halwa (Indian carrot pudding).

You can also access these and other recipes on my website anytime.

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