• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 7 to 12

In Leisl Adams’s fun debut graphic novel, Batter Royale, a talented young chef is selected to participate in a baking reality show and finds herself mixed up in spicy competition, bitter rivalry, and sweet romance.

When 17-year-old small-town waitress Rose impresses a famous food critic, she and her best friend, Fred, find themselves thrust into the tough world of competitive baking. The contest is an intense 10 days of bizarre challenges, and the competition is cutthroat. Some competitors are willing to lie, cheat, and sabotage their way to the top. Rose may be in over her head, but she is determined to show that she can become a top chef.

Batter Royale is a fish-out-of-water-style romantic comedy about climbing out of the circumstances you’re in and making your dreams come true.

“The story is fast-paced and exciting, and both Rose and Fred are likable, relatable characters . . . This fun, engaging graphic novel will have readers eager to discover the winner of the contest. Budding pastry chefs will be inspired to follow suit and prepare delicious desserts of their own.” —School Library Journal

Leisl Adams is a director, storyboard artist, and illustrator. Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, she graduated from the Classical Animation program at Sheridan College in 2002. Since then, she has worked in television and film, animating and storyboarding for clients like Amazon, Disney XD, Teletoon, and CBC, and directed Season 2 of American Girl’s WellieWishers for Mattel in 2018. She illustrated the graphic novel Pixies (Arcana Comics) and has done illustration work for Simon & Schuster, and Rubicon Publishing.

Leisl Adams' profile page

"Food puns, rhymes, and alliterations are sprinkled throughout the narrative, with a dash of sound effects from kitchen tools and appliances that immerses readers in the competition. . .Fans of The Great British Bake Off will consume this delectable graphic novel featuring Rose’s recipes to bake with the whole family. "

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"The story is fast-paced and exciting, and both Rose and Fred are likable, relatable characters. . .This fun, engaging graphic novel will have readers eager to discover the winner of the contest. Budding pastry chefs will be inspired to follow suit and prepare delicious desserts of their own."

School Library Journal

"This delightful graphic novel with its multiracial cast is a nice blend of romance, contemporary culture, and coming-of-age themes. Baking-obsessed Rose has an infectious personality, and the supporting cast members contribute to a lively narrative that is well supported by bright, expressive art."

Kirkus Reviews

"The high-stakes competition is a great vehicle for showcasing each character's personality, and readers will genuinely be rooting for kind and creative Rose and partner Fred to succeed. . . Just the right flavor for foodie teens."

Booklist