Kalvin Shmelton runs an underground candy business at school, putting the student council out of business with his low prices and better inventory. He soon inadvertently turns his candy business into therapy sessions when he gives relationship advice to Sterling, a popular, rich girl who just so happens to be Kal’s crush. Kal’s parents are therapists and relationship experts who host a successful podcast, and it turns out Kal is a natural. But when his parents’ marriage begins to fall apart and a few classmates turn against him, Kal’s world begins to crumble.

This has some great commentary on therapy and family dynamics. It has a wonderful message for teens, and I like the emphasis it placed on healthy relationships destigmatizing therapy. However, I did not like the portrayal of Kal’s relationship with Sterling. Without giving any spoilers, he does something in the middle of the book that really upsets Sterling (rightfully so), he reflects on it and admits it was wrong, then in the end basically does the same thing. I didn’t like the message that sent, especially to teens, but I can at least appreciate how he wrestles with what he’s done instead of it being blown off as not a big deal. Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Audio, and Brian Wasson for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I remember adding this to my TBR and not knowing anything about it lol The only thing I knew was the cover was cute as hell. I was ready to give this 5 stars from the cover alone lol Yes I know this is a problem whatever. Anyways, the good thing is the inside is just as cute as the outside.
So Kalvin starts selling some candy from a closet that used to be long to student council…. Where they stored their candy for the same thing, just a separate operation. What could go wrong? Turns out everything. Butt it turns out Kalvin is doing this for a very specific reason that he’s determined is going to fix everything. But he wasn’t counting on life to unravel all his hard work.

Ok so in my initial thoughts on Goodreads I said “some of these characters had me fighting air” and I definitely wasn’t lying. That one person made me think I would be going to jail if this was like my little cousin or something cuz I would have been up at this school so fast. They were terrible and I really didn’t like what they did. It just didn’t fit what he did. She was extreme and uncalled for. And then when they said “you’re not even mad” or something like that I wanted to be like “DUH, HES PROBABLY BROKEN!” Idc I would have hired a cousin for the day.

On the other side of that, I wish the characters were more fleshed out. Yes I was mad af at what that person did, but I really couldn’t tell you anything besides the grudge they were holding. And all the other characters were the same. It was like we only knew surface level stuff and that was unfortunate.
Then there was the romance? I think I was disappointed because first off, it doesn’t happen till the book is over and two because it was pitched to me as one. It was more realistic fiction. They flirted and they were cute, but I wasn’t convinced they actually liked each other. ESPECIALLY after that stunt he pulled. At that point I turned into his mama and slapped him upside the head lol

As for the mental health aspect, I LOVED it. And I loved that Kalvin was so good with his classmates. No none of it was ethical, but I meannnn lol They’re teens and it was high school. But if he was this good without schooling and only watching his parents, he’s going to be great at it when he finally gets the training he needs if that’s what he wants to do. I was actually really proud of what he built, so when it all fell I felt so bad for him. It was BAD.

This book had me yelling and mad but also cheesing and happy. I hope this book brings all readers the same happiness it brought me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for the synthesized voice galley of this title in exchange for an honest review.

First, a note about synthesized voice galleys. Sometimes they work better than others, i.e. if there are not too many characters that the voice cannot differentiate, and if there are no dialects to contend with. This was not one of those cases. With a real narrator, I expect this book will be brilliant in audio.

There was a lot going on in this book—competition for candy sales, a family on the verge of breaking up, a first crush… but the most important theme for me, as a former teacher, was how much high school kids are in need of support and a listening ear. There is a growing need for mental health services in schools, and this book highlighted it in a truly unique way.

Seven Minutes in Candyland was not what I expected it to be from the title and the cover. It started out all about the candy, and I really wasn’t sure where it was going. It took some twists and turns and ended up at a pretty cool destination.

I used the Netgalley audio to listen to this absolutely awesome YA story of debut author Wasson.

Let's start with the cover and title. Can't get better than that.

It focuses on food- particularly candy and specifically making pithy candygrams as Kalvin's side hustle in school in a former AV closet that he has access to. He's an entrepreneur. Yes.

And then the girl of his dreams, Sterling, happens to pop into "Candyland" with tears in her eyes and a stupid boyfriend. Kalvin thinks this might be his in, but he also has something else up his sleeve- his parents are relationship therapists, and popular podcasting/tech savvy ones whose brand is out there in the world, so Kalvin dishes out more than just the candy, he gives advice.

Kalvin's voice along with his friendships are rich. How he weathers the storm that is the secrets of his parents (will they or won't they?) possible divorce lends weight to weightier topics in the book. And the romance is sweetly centered around his industriousness.

As the book came to an end, there were several vibrant scenes that made it an all around male protagonist forward story. Not that I want it because I can be judgmental, but this would make an adorable Netflix-adapted movie (please please make it like Heartstopper, To All The Boys, and Dumplin')

Kalvin is an entrepreneur. He sells candygrams to students in school. Yes, he is trying to make money, but it is for something important. He also stumbles into giving relationship advice to his classmates, for $10 a session, 7 minutes each in the supply closet tricked out to be their meeting place. Students of all cliques come for his advice. He seems to be the perfect guy for this because his parents are a famous therapist team. Soon his crush comes to him for advice. During all of this, his rival, a girl from student council, is trying to take him down for the candy business AND therapy sessions.

Poor Kal is stuck to decide how to approach is crush's issues. Does he help her or himself by making her realize her boyfriend is totally wrong for her? What does he do to keep himself from being discovered as a fake therapist?

I think my students will like this book. It sounds like some of the conversations overheard in the halls of the school, maybe not the candy selling or therapy, but similar relationship issues.
I will recommend this book to some of my students.

I was given the opportunity to listen to this audiobook by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Although slow to start, this book told a good story that can help teach middle grade readers about life.

Wasson has a bright future ahead of him.

When listening to this it reminded me of the show Sex Education. Kalvin is the child of 2 psychologist parents. He’s a part time candy guy and therapist at his school. He show how much we need to incorporate for mental health skills in our schools. This is a great read and I can’t wait until it comes and see who the real narrator will be.