Dodging Cupcakes

by Laura Pashley

Overview

Mindy's life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to her dad's quaint hometown in Illinois. Starting at a new school without any friends is challenging enough, but the real surprise is that the school is housed in an abandoned motel.

On her first day, Mindy encounters an overly enthusiastic principal celebrating Pirate Day and befriends a mysterious boy who offers her advice from inside a locker. Her opportunity to connect with others arises during the school's carnival fundraiser, where she partners with Charlie, one of the most popular boys.

While Charlie suggests a simple cupcake booth, Mindy dreams bigger. She's determined to create an epic game for the school carnival, even if it means taking a few risks. Will her ambitious plan win her new friends or push her into taking things too far?

Mindy, is a spirited 12-year-old girl, on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, friendship, and self-discovery. When Mindy realizes the consequences of her own broken promises, she embarks on a mission to repair the harm she has done. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about building friendships in her new school and finding her place in the world. From navigating the ups and downs of fitting into discovering the power of teamwork, Mindy discovers the true meaning of friendship. With her infectious humor, indomitable spirit, and creativity, Mindy will capture your heart and inspire you to embrace your sense of curiosity and imagination.

Additionally, Dodging Cupcakes inspires young readers to explore the world of STEM. The book follows Mindy, step by step, as she builds one game idea after another to impress her teammate Charlie for their game booth at the school carnival. By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, kids develop resilience and confidence. Elements of STEM emphasize collaboration and teamwork, as in Dodging Cupcakes where Mindy and her classmates learn how to work together to find solutions. In conclusion, Dodging Cupcakes is an engaging book that inspires young readers to explore the world of STEM and its many advantages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798881199036
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	05/28/2024
Pages:	238
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Laura Pashley wears many hats—she’s a writer, an artist, and an advocate for empowering young minds. As a mother of three, she is no stranger to life's challenges, having moved across the country multiple times. These experiences opened her eyes to the struggles of fitting in, friendships, and finding one's place.

Inspired by her involvement in mentoring young students through FIRST Robotics—an exciting program that promotes STEM education by building and competing with robots—Laura noticed a gap. Girls in her community lacked the opportunity and confidence to learn basic tools. She decided to change the narrative.

Her upcoming book is more than just pages—it's a celebration. It is a celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration. Laura wants girls of all ages to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to—whether it's building robots, fixing a bike, or inventing a carnival game. In Dodging Cupcakes, Laura encourages young girls to embrace their potential and explore the world with confidence and determination.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband and their adorable lap dog, Patty.

For more information, visit my website at LauraPashley.com

Editorial Reviews

Mindy's life is upended when she moves to her father's Illinois hometown and attends a new school in an abandoned hotel. The story, set against the backdrop of a quirky school, explores themes of feeling out of place and trying too hard. Mindy's partnership with Charlie for a carnival fundraiser and their task to create something awesome illustrates the value of teamwork. The narrative offers lessons on taking risks, accountability, and making amends, all while maintaining levity through humor.

Pacific Book Review - Liz Knokel

...a wholesome work of middle-grade fiction...explores profound themes such as the pain of grieving lost loved ones and the sense of neglect felt by children of hard working, single parents. Pashley uses humorous anecdotes to demonstrate how the lack of communication can lead to misunderstanding and missed opportunities. But as the story unfolds, Mindy comes to appreciate Korn Wotel's sense of community and learns that teamwork and loyalty (not popularity) are the foundation of true friendship.

US Review of Books - Joslyn Vann

Dodging Cupcakes by Laura Pashley is a charming, entertaining, and heartwarming children's book. Mindy is a good girl whose intentions are not bad but are slightly misdirected. Like any young person, she must learn to smooth out the rough edges of her personality and interactions with others. Dodging Cupcakes teaches children an important life lesson about friendship and collaboration. The story is well-written and easy to read and follow. This book has a lovely message for young readers.

Readers' Favorite Book Review - Jennie More