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4saradouglas's review
3.0
There's something about Joan Bauer books that just make you feel good. She once again covers some heavy subjects such as domestic abuse, poverty, and illiteracy, yet the book leaves you with a warm feeling (and quite a yearning for cupcakes). This one seems to be geared towards a younger audience than her other books (the main character is a 6th grader), but I still enjoyed it quite a bit. If you're not a fan of things being wrapped up in a perfect bow at the end of a story you might be bored by the book, but it's a good story with great characters. Sonny Kroll in particular seemed so real I had to do a quick Google to make sure he wasn't a real tv chef.
hayleybeale's review
3.0
An easy read though somewhat insubstantial. The main character (and one of the main hooks of the plot) bakes cupcakes and muffins, so this might appeal to someone who has an interest in baking.
sducharme's review
4.0
Wonderful realistic fiction novel about a girl and her mom trying to find their way out of a difficult past: a father/husband who has died in the Iraq war, and an ex-boyfriend who has been abusive. We meet them when they're on the run and quickly become drawn into their problems. Colorful characters such as a has-been movie star and a small southern town setting make a good backdrop for their story, which is interspersed with baking tips and recipes. Can the perfect cupcake make dreams come true?
brandypainter's review
3.0
2.5 stars really
It was a little too precious for my own personal reading tastes. It is perfect for 4-6 grade girls and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those who fall into that group. There is a lot about the kids being the wise heroic ones (several times over) and overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable with a good attitude and cupcakes. A lot of the characters in the town are stereotypes and respond to the heroine predictably (ie she wins them all over in the end). There are some incidents in the book involving dangerous or abusive men but nothing that touches on dark or scary. There is a certain amount of removal from the situations that take the edge off of them. Overall, my cynical jaded heart just couldn't adjust to its sugary sweetness at times.
It was a little too precious for my own personal reading tastes. It is perfect for 4-6 grade girls and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to those who fall into that group. There is a lot about the kids being the wise heroic ones (several times over) and overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable with a good attitude and cupcakes. A lot of the characters in the town are stereotypes and respond to the heroine predictably (ie she wins them all over in the end). There are some incidents in the book involving dangerous or abusive men but nothing that touches on dark or scary. There is a certain amount of removal from the situations that take the edge off of them. Overall, my cynical jaded heart just couldn't adjust to its sugary sweetness at times.
goodbetterbetsy's review
5.0
I love Joan Bauer. Another fine addition to her already fantastic bibliography.
minty's review
2.0
Overall, a very young book. Not as engaging as the other Bauer I've read, and definitely a more preposterous denouement.