Save the Cupcake!

Confectionately Yours #1

by Lisa Papademetriou

This delicious new series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Papademetriou is a real treat -- full of humor and heart and cupcakes!

Confession: My life is soooo not sprinkles and sunshine . . .

Hayley's world is far from perfect: her parents have divorced, her mom has lost her job, and she and her sister Chloe are stuck sharing a bedroom in their grandmother's apartment. Luckily, Hayley has a knack for baking cupcakes -- and cupcakes always make life just a little sweeter! But when she and her best friend Artie start drifting apart, she realizes that it's going to take more than sugar and spice to make things nice.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens, Contemporary, Friendship, Romance

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Bestselling author Lisa Papademetriou is the author of the 'Confectionately Yours' series, 'Middle School: Big, Fat Liar' and 'Homeroom Diaries' (both with James Patterson), and many other novels for middle grade and young adult readers. Her books have appeared on the Bank Street Best Books of the Year list, the NYPL Books for the Teen Age, and the Texas Lone Star Reading List, among others. A former editor, Lisa has worked for Scholastic, HarperCollins, and DisneyPress, and holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. HarperCollins will publish her next novel, 'A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic', in October 2015.

Reviews

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, this book was totally awesome! It was about a girl named Hayley Hicks. Her parents got divorced. Her hobby is making up new recipes of cupcakes. She is very independent. Though later on her life takes a turn and her friend Artemis and Marco start ignoring her

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** WARNING: This review contains spoilers!!! ***

I am surprised myself that I am giving this book 5 stars! There are so many cupcake-themed books that I honestly never stopped to consider that any one or other might really be a worthwhile read. I can't keep up with all the books Isabelle brings home from the library, but she found a recipe in this book that we tried - the Spicy Mexican Chocolate "Hotheads", sans the spices so that we actually made regular molten chocolate cupcakes - and they were amazing!! So, I figured I'd give the book a shot.

First, let me commend the author on her commitment to diversity! Not only is the protagonist's grandmother British, but her sister has an African-American friend, her father has a Thai girlfriend, they have a Pakistani neighbor, a Jewish friend with a gluten allergy has a crush on a Muslim, another friend has a sister with autism, and a classmate is BLIND! Seems like that's a pretty impressive cast considering the main characters are Caucasian.

Second, I really liked the authenticity of Hayley's voice. I could totally appreciate her perspective. The "Confession" chapters strewn throughout the book were very effective in illustrating how kids growing up have to reconcile their past experiences and real emotions with new experiences that they aren't sure how to process. Hayley is entirely relatable in the way she has to put up a front with her friends and classmates, not because she is in any way "fake", but because life is complex, and she's still figuring things out.

I was surprised that this book dealt with real issues that many middle schoolers could probably identify with. While other books in the same genre may tend towards the over-the-top (the Mother-Daughter Book Club series comes to mind), this book seemed to keep it real. Hayley struggles with her parents' divorce, and she needs to come to terms with friendships that are evolving and devolving. Plus, when Hayley and Meghan fight to "save the cupcake", we actually got a realistic ending, not the fairy tale ending that I feared.

In fact, it was interesting that the story was set in Massachusetts. This book was published in 2012, and though many readers may not be aware, MA actually passed a law in 2011, in response to health concerns, to restrict the foods that can be distributed and sold in schools. While the plot of the story required a confrontation between those for and against the ban, it sort of seemed to me that the author didn't really want to take a side on the issue. The main arguments for each side were delineated, but not especially fleshed out. I think both sides had good points. I will say, though, that as the mother of a child with life-threatening food allergies, I have seen the look of disappointment when my son (still in elementary school) can't eat the birthday cake that everyone else is eating. He always gets his own safe special treat, but it's not the same as the birthday cake, and like Hayley said (on page 147 of my edition), "Not everyone can handle [being different]."

[Shazzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

So apparently cupcakes are huge right now. The Cupcake Diaries books are flying on my shelves, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to look into some of the other cupcake-y series out there. This was a fun, not-too-heavy but not-too-light middle grade read with what looks like some excellent recipes (I'm dying to try the french toast cupcakes). I know Lisa Papademetriou mostly through her Disney fairies books, which I've always enjoyed, so I'm looking forward to seeing where she takes this series. If nothing else, I'm glad to have something new to put in the hands of all my little cupcake fans!

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

J'hésite encore à arrondir à 4. Ce serait un bon 3,5/5 voire 3,7 mais je n'arrive pas à me décider, parce qu'il n'y a pas eu l'étincelle et que certaines choses auraient mérité d'être développées. À côté de ça, j'ai passé un très bon moment de lecture et je veux la suite ! ^^

[Talia Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Hayley Hicks is no ordinary girl. Her parents are divorced and she lives with her grandmother in her apartment. Her best friends, Marco and Artie, don't seem like best friends anymore. Her crush is in eighth grade and likes Artie. Her dad Has a new girlfriend that is not her mom. One of the only thing that makes her happy is baling cupcakes and coming up with recipes. She also works at her grandmother's cafe. But the school might ban any type of treat and Hayley has to come up with a way to save the cupcakes. In the end the cupcakes are banned but she overcame her fear of oral presentations. Her mom makes the cafe very popular and decides to turn down her job offer. And Hayley made some new friends, Megan and Kyle, and has fixed her friendship with Marco. The only thing she needs to fix is her friendship with Artie. One of the main reasons i like this book is because in between chapters she explains why something happened or what she hasn't told anyone.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is almost like Lisa's Ice Dreams & Sixth-Grade Glommers, Norks, and Me because in all 3, the girl's parents are divorced. Anyway, it's a great story, Hayley starts realizing the truths about almost everyone. Her crush seems to like her now ex-best friend, Artemis(Artie). Her friend, Marco, is a bit avoiding Hayley because of his maybe little crush on her. Her mom starts to run the Tea Room with her mother, Hayley's Gran, in the end of the book. Chloe finally gets a real friend, Rupert. Her dad? Well, she tries to get along with her dad's 'girlfriend', Annie. And she finally gets a new friend, Meghan, and can finally make one speech without barfing! xD Find out more & specifically in this book, worth recommending! :)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It didn't really have that "cant put the book down" factor, but it was still very good. I especially liked it because I can definately relate. I am a girl in middle school that loves to bake and has some serious friend problems. This story could relate to a lot of people because of all of the things that happen. I would definatley say that this book is worth buying even though it is a quick read. The only thing that disappointed me was that not every problem was resolved with her friends but I'm sure that all will be explained in the next book.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice little fluff book--quick read if you are looking for a no-brainer. slightly disappointing ending (just because the author doesn't really resolve all the threads), it was obviously left open for the next book Taking the Cake.

[Katie]

This was hilarious.

[Kaylee Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazijg

This was a great book. I recommend for any girls who like baking and/or are going through a tough time. Haley helps cheer them right up.

[Lillian Weigand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it was very good. This book is about a girl named Haley and her parents are divorced. Haley and her sister Chole, live with their mom at their grandma's small apartment and Haley and Chloe´s mom does not have a job. Haley loves to make cupcakes and her grandma even has a bakery. Haley is always coming up with new recipes and cupcake ideas. At school, Haley has two best friends, Artie and Marco. Later in the story, Artie and Haley start to drift apart and Marco tells Haley that they shouldn't hang out anymore. Also, Haley's dad has a new girlfriend who Haley is not that fond of. Also, later in the story, the school has said that they are going to band sweets and people are not allowed to bring treats in for many reasons. Haley is very upset because she is not allowed to bring her delicious cupcakes in. Then, Haley and one of her new friends help set up a petition to not let this rule pass. This was a very good book and I really enjoyed and right now, I am reading the second book in this series. I would definitely recommend this book series.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. Good for pre-teens and up that like fun dramas about baking and friendship.

Things I liked:
- The recipes every few chapters is fun.
- Fun, quick read.

Things I didn't like:
- Hayley's dad. And his new girlfriend. Annie seriously decides to wear high heels and a fancy dress to go apple picking? And why did he even bring her along? He's been divorced for not that long, and now he is already bringing a young girlfriend to hang out with his kids. How about work on your relationship with Hayley, which is clearly struggling.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A predictable story, but I found Hayley to be just an okay character. The ending left several things hanging, which probably get resolved in future books but I'm not sure if I care enough to read them.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book but it leaves you hanging.

Its about a girl called Hayley. She loves to bake cupcakes. She lives with her British grandmother in the teashop as her mum and dad are divorced. Her mum doesn't have a job as each time she messes up the interviews. Her dad has a new girlfriend, Annie. She has 2 BFFS Marco, and Artemis (known as Artie, who is actually a girl). She forces Artie to go for a part in a play. Devon, who Hayley has a crush on, is also in the play. Artie and Devon spend a lot of time together rehearsing the play and this makes Haley jealous. The 2 friends fall out and Marco doesn't want to hang around as much with her in case everyone gets the wrong idea. And worse of all The PTO is banning cupcakes and bake sales. Hayley and Megan are trying to stop the PTO. Will this work out or will it end badly?

I liked the fact that it has lots of recipes in it. However, I think it could have ended better. There are a lot of loose ends that leaving you wondering ... Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens!

[Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series is about a girl named Hayley who has hit a rough point in her life:her father, who is divorced, has an attractive new girlfriend, her mom has lost her job and has to mave her family into Hayley's grandmothers house, and her friends Artie and Marco are acting very differently. Luckily, Hayley sees one bright spot in her rapidly changing life: cupcakes! But will they be enough to sweeten her tough situation?

I really liked this book because it's about a girl with true to life problems and she deals with them almost the same as any other girl her age would. She doesn't mask her feelings behind a curtain of girly innocence and selflessness without being obnoxious. This story isn't all "oh, my life is woe" like other books similar to this.

[Shannon Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter (5th grade) was interested in this series, so I read it too, and I was very pleased with the first book. It was age-appropriate without being so innocent and perfect that it was no longer believable. No bad language, no inappropriate themes. My daughter told me (very adamantly) that she felt like she understood what the main character was going through - navigating through tough times with friends, trying to figure out when to ask for help and when to work things out on your own, facing things that make you afraid, and yes, the always-present "how to handle liking a boy." We'll be reading the next ones, for sure.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley has lost friends and gained friends, though out her journey she makes a new friend Megan Markenson. Hayley is a cupcake extraordinaire and lives to a high standard while baking. a commotion at the school gets Hayley and Megan interested in school politics. fighting for cupcakes will be hard but it will save Hayley's passion. This book will be an amazing read for 8-13-year-olds! The author filled the room with light every time I opened the book I hope you read this book, it is so joyful.

[Asinate Haunga]

Hayley is the main character. Hayley's parents are divorced and now shes living with her mom and her sister in her Grandma's apartment. And to top it of her best friend Artie might not be her best friend. I would recommend this book for girls who are in Elemantry and Middle school and also people who love baking.

[jueun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah-mazing!! XD Loved it. I HATE HATE HATE Artie and that Devon. HATE THEM!! Love Artie's name but hate her attitude now. Looks like Artie and Devon will start dating though, but I love Hayley and her attitude. :]

[Paypay · Rating 5 out of 5]

i thought this book was really good it is about a girl named haley who's parents are gETTING DIVORCED HER MOM HAS JUST LOST HER JOB AND NOW HER BEST FRIENDS ARE TURNING ON HER haleys world is far from perfect trust me

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book that my 11yr old daughter and I read together. I recommend it. It's also worth 5 A.R points if your school does the Accelerated Reader program. We plan on reading the 2nd book within the next couple weeks.

[Tswizzle.♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this book so much!! Its a light and quick read for everyone.. <3 The characters are so realistic in this book. I congratulate Lisa Papademetriou for this amazing book and I really want to read the 2nd and 3rd books for this series.. <3

[Eunice lopez]

Good book
I love this book is the best

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you think middle school is tough? Well the girl in this book is doing it with divorced pearents. She has an annoying little sister and grummpy dad just got a new girlfriend.

[Paigemcgov McGovern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a girl with a not so sweet life. She thinks life is sooo not sprinkles and sunshine.

[Kaylee Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I couldn't believe what happened! I wanted to read the next book in the series so bad after finishing it. I'm reading Taking The Cake now.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luv how they give some cupcake recipes

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! The characters seem so real, and seem so kind too!

[Lauren Pyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fast book I found a lot of recipes in it too

[Ciara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hayley Hicks loves making cupcakes. It helps her deal with all her struggles, like changing friendships, her parents' divorce, and her school threatening to ban cupcakes! But when things really start to unravel, Hayley is left feeling unsure about what to do. Will cupcakes really save her this time?

First off, I want to say that the family at the center of this story are lovely. I love Hayley, her mom, her sister, and her Gran, and I loved all the scenes where we get to see the cafe's customers because it's clear that it is a well loved place.

I also liked how the issue of Hayley's dad meeting someone new was handled. I liked how she and her mom were able to have an honest conversation.

I liked how the issue with the cupcakes went, because it teaches that even if things don't work out the way you think they should, you should still be proud of your accomplishments.

But there are a few issues here. First off, I want to say that as a blind person, I was very happy to see that a blind character, Kyle, was included. But the representation fell short in some very big ways. For one thing, I hated how everyone always pities Kyle and he just seems to be perfectly fine with it. I never understood why anything was done to change that. Also, why do we never see him carrying a cane? Most blind children learn to use a cane at a very young age, especially if they have little to no vision, so I found it weird that it was mentioned.

I also didn't like how the friendships were handled. Artie and Hayley's conflict goes unresolved, and so does the conflict with her and Marco, and it's all because they just put all the blame on her. I did like that she finds a new friend, Meghan, but I wish we would've gotten to see her getting closure. I know that not all friendship break-ups are a clean break; heck, I've been through a few of my own and they suck. But I just think there could have been a better way to handle that.

Overall, this was not my favorite, but there were lots of things that I liked, and any middle schooler with a passion for baking will enjoy Hayley and her fun cupcake recipes.