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The Baking Life of Amelie Day
Amelie Day loves to bake - cupcakes, biscuits, bread, tarts and muffins - so she's thrilled when she's invited to compete in Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year. But Amelie has Cystic Fibrosis and some days she can barely breathe. Determined not to let her condition or her mum stop her, Amelie musters all her flour power, but will it be enough to get her there?
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2014
About the author
Vanessa Curtis
19 books96 followersI'm a children's author whose first book 'Zelah Green: Queen of Clean' is published by Egmont UK and won the Manchester Children's Book Awards 2010. It was also shortlisted for the 2010 Young Minds, the 2009 Waterstones Children's Book Prize, the NASEN awards and the 2010 Bolton Children's Book Awards. I now write historical novels for young adults, including the Carnegie-longlisted 'The Earth is Singing' which also won the Young Quills Award and is published by Usborne. Usborne are to publish 'The One Who Knows My Name', my story of a girl who finds out that she's been stolen by the Nazis as part of Himmler's 'Lebensborn' programme, in February 2019 when they will also republish 'The Earth is Singing' as an Usborne Modern Classic.
I have also published two biographies of Virginia Woolf and work as a literary consultant. I'm married to fellow author Tim Bowler and live in Devon.
I have also published two biographies of Virginia Woolf and work as a literary consultant. I'm married to fellow author Tim Bowler and live in Devon.
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March 17, 2025
Before I begin my actual review, I should point out that if you are indeed interested in reading Vanessa Curtis' 2014 middle grade novel The Baking Life of Amelie Day I would most strongly and indeed only recommend the original and taking place in the United Kingdom edition, since for some moronically ridiculous reason, the American edition has switched locales from England to the United States and that Amelie is supposed to be competing in New York City and not in London. And honestly, why do this, why make the American edition of The Baking Life of Amelie Day set in the USA, as there is absolutely nothing thematically and contents wise to be encountered in The Baking Life of Amelie Day (in the original set in Great Britain text) with which American middle grade readers would or should have any kind of issues (and yes, this is as similarly frustrating and annoying to and for me as how the American editions of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels have so many unnecessary changes, but at least, with the American editions of the HP tales, the stories themselves still take place in England and in Scotland and which is certainly and sadly not the case for The Baking Life of Amelie Day).
Now The Baking Life of Amelie Day has Curtis showing that the delightfully personable and also totally kindred spirit first person narrator and main protagonist, that British teenager Amelie Day not only loves but in many ways really lives to bake (and thus the wording of the book title), with baking being pretty much always on Amelie's mind and with her constantly trying new recipes or coming up with novel and fun twists on old ones (and yes, I really do appreciate that each chapter of The Baking Life of Amelie Day has baking recipes featured). So when Amelie Day gets into the quarter finals of Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year reality television show, she is of course absolutely thrilled (for if she were to win, this might help towards the career in baking she wants and craves).
However, Amelie also has Cystic Fibrosis and because she often has trouble breathing, is prone to serious lung infections as well as major intestinal issues and that her symptoms are currently getting worse, her mother (although proud of Amelie being chosen for the Best Teen Baker of the Year show) is adamant that her daughter is far too ill to travel to London to take part in the competition. And with Amelie's mother (rather obstinately in my opinion) basically brooking no questioning of her injunction either by Amelie or by her ex husband who thinks that even though his daughter's CF is serious and the trip to London could be hard and might worsen her symptoms, Amelie should equally since Cystic Fibrosis is incurable make the most of her life, create memories and have as many meaningfully important experiences as possible, much of The Baking Life of Amelie Day therefore presents a disappointed and also furious Amelie taking off by herself to London (on the sly) to take part in the baking competition (against her mother), with major dramatics resulting and ensuing, causing a near tragedy and a hopeful ending that still though and as such realistically has many unresolved questions remaining and which is certainly much more to my reading tastes than a totally saccharine and happily ever after conclusion for and to The Baking Life of Amelie Day would be.
But yes, in particular my inner middle grade reader definitely does still at least a wee bit think that there should be from Vanessa Curtis' pen a bit of actual textual criticism in The Baking Life of Amelie Day of the mother's pigheadedness and obstinance and without any room for even some compromise totally (and without allowing much if any argument either) categorically refusing Amelie going to London for the Best Teen Baker of the Year show (but that my adult reading self certainly also at least partially understands why Amelie's mother does not want her daughter to got to London and is worried that the pollution in London would be bad for Amelie's CF, although I cannot and will not actually fault Amelie Day for defying her mother in The Baking Life of Amelie Day as I do think she was being way too dictatorial and could have handled this all with a lot more compassion and understanding, and I majorly poo poo poo on those reviewers of The Baking Life of Amelie Day who have been calling Amelie Day a spoiled brat and a little shit, as to and for me, Amelie had and has every right to be upset, annoyed and disappointed and that her mother handled this all really badly and with an annoying lack of empathy and also not much emotional understanding either).
Finally, with regard to the baking and the Cystic Fibrosis contents and thematics for The Baking Life of Amelie Day, this is (in my opinion) handled wonderfully realistically and nicely descriptively by Vanessa Curtis and that I hugely enjoy and equally appreciate how both baking and CF share equal textual value in The Baking Life of Amelie Day, since baking is indeed so so so massively important and essential for Amelie but that Cystic Fibrosis also of course majorly affects every aspect of Amelie Day's existence as well, that CF often makes her miss school, makes her need to take all kinds of medications, often have debilitating coughing fits, prolonged hospital stays and that Cystic Fibrosis is bien sûr also what is threatening to scuttle Amelie's appearance in Best Teen Baker of the Year (and to be honest, I found the reviews that rant against the food and baking focus of The Baking Life of Amelie Day ABSOLUTELY ignorant and hugely ridiculous, because come on, if you decide to read a novel titled The Baking Life of Amelie Day you should of course expect there to be very much about baking being featured, and well, if Amelie Day has CF, this should of course also be specifically covered with and in detail by the author and not jut be mentioned without much textual coverage).
A totally lovely and five star story is The Baking Life of Amelie Day (and while I read this on Open Library, I am now very much interested in obtaining a copy of The Baking Life of Amelie Day, but I of course will need to make sure that I get the British and not the American edition).
Now The Baking Life of Amelie Day has Curtis showing that the delightfully personable and also totally kindred spirit first person narrator and main protagonist, that British teenager Amelie Day not only loves but in many ways really lives to bake (and thus the wording of the book title), with baking being pretty much always on Amelie's mind and with her constantly trying new recipes or coming up with novel and fun twists on old ones (and yes, I really do appreciate that each chapter of The Baking Life of Amelie Day has baking recipes featured). So when Amelie Day gets into the quarter finals of Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year reality television show, she is of course absolutely thrilled (for if she were to win, this might help towards the career in baking she wants and craves).
However, Amelie also has Cystic Fibrosis and because she often has trouble breathing, is prone to serious lung infections as well as major intestinal issues and that her symptoms are currently getting worse, her mother (although proud of Amelie being chosen for the Best Teen Baker of the Year show) is adamant that her daughter is far too ill to travel to London to take part in the competition. And with Amelie's mother (rather obstinately in my opinion) basically brooking no questioning of her injunction either by Amelie or by her ex husband who thinks that even though his daughter's CF is serious and the trip to London could be hard and might worsen her symptoms, Amelie should equally since Cystic Fibrosis is incurable make the most of her life, create memories and have as many meaningfully important experiences as possible, much of The Baking Life of Amelie Day therefore presents a disappointed and also furious Amelie taking off by herself to London (on the sly) to take part in the baking competition (against her mother), with major dramatics resulting and ensuing, causing a near tragedy and a hopeful ending that still though and as such realistically has many unresolved questions remaining and which is certainly much more to my reading tastes than a totally saccharine and happily ever after conclusion for and to The Baking Life of Amelie Day would be.
But yes, in particular my inner middle grade reader definitely does still at least a wee bit think that there should be from Vanessa Curtis' pen a bit of actual textual criticism in The Baking Life of Amelie Day of the mother's pigheadedness and obstinance and without any room for even some compromise totally (and without allowing much if any argument either) categorically refusing Amelie going to London for the Best Teen Baker of the Year show (but that my adult reading self certainly also at least partially understands why Amelie's mother does not want her daughter to got to London and is worried that the pollution in London would be bad for Amelie's CF, although I cannot and will not actually fault Amelie Day for defying her mother in The Baking Life of Amelie Day as I do think she was being way too dictatorial and could have handled this all with a lot more compassion and understanding, and I majorly poo poo poo on those reviewers of The Baking Life of Amelie Day who have been calling Amelie Day a spoiled brat and a little shit, as to and for me, Amelie had and has every right to be upset, annoyed and disappointed and that her mother handled this all really badly and with an annoying lack of empathy and also not much emotional understanding either).
Finally, with regard to the baking and the Cystic Fibrosis contents and thematics for The Baking Life of Amelie Day, this is (in my opinion) handled wonderfully realistically and nicely descriptively by Vanessa Curtis and that I hugely enjoy and equally appreciate how both baking and CF share equal textual value in The Baking Life of Amelie Day, since baking is indeed so so so massively important and essential for Amelie but that Cystic Fibrosis also of course majorly affects every aspect of Amelie Day's existence as well, that CF often makes her miss school, makes her need to take all kinds of medications, often have debilitating coughing fits, prolonged hospital stays and that Cystic Fibrosis is bien sûr also what is threatening to scuttle Amelie's appearance in Best Teen Baker of the Year (and to be honest, I found the reviews that rant against the food and baking focus of The Baking Life of Amelie Day ABSOLUTELY ignorant and hugely ridiculous, because come on, if you decide to read a novel titled The Baking Life of Amelie Day you should of course expect there to be very much about baking being featured, and well, if Amelie Day has CF, this should of course also be specifically covered with and in detail by the author and not jut be mentioned without much textual coverage).
A totally lovely and five star story is The Baking Life of Amelie Day (and while I read this on Open Library, I am now very much interested in obtaining a copy of The Baking Life of Amelie Day, but I of course will need to make sure that I get the British and not the American edition).
September 20, 2014
'The Baking Life of Amelie Day' is a delectable read! Be prepared for this book to give you an insane craving for cupcakes and a desire to rush out to your kitchen and make lots of other scrumptious home-baked goodies.
This is a middle-grade book but it's one that I think just about everyone will adore, even older readers. Although the story is about a girl with cystic fibrosis, this isn't revealed until a few chapters in and even then Amelie informs the reader in a very matter of fact way. She doesn't let herself be defined by her illness and indeed I'd say that the book is much more about her love of all things baked rather than about the illness which she tries not to allow to control her life. When she is chosen to take part in the Teen Baker of the Year competition, she desperately wants the opportunity to go but she has a lot more hurdles than the other competitors to contend with first.
I thought that Amelie was a wonderful character and this was a truly fantastic read. I was hooked from the very beginning as Amelie struggles to lead a normal life and embrace her all-consuming passion for baking. She is never more happy than when she's in the kitchen dreaming up a new recipe and that is something that I can definitely identify with!
What I really loved about this book was the inclusion of some of Amelie's recipes which I will definitely be having a go at making. I especially want to try her orange polenta muffins and chocolate cupcakes which both sound delicious.
I have all my fingers and toes crossed that Vanessa Curtis is planning a follow-up book because I would absolutely love to read more about Amelie and find out what happens to her next. If this book was a cake it would be the best one you'd ever tasted!
This is a middle-grade book but it's one that I think just about everyone will adore, even older readers. Although the story is about a girl with cystic fibrosis, this isn't revealed until a few chapters in and even then Amelie informs the reader in a very matter of fact way. She doesn't let herself be defined by her illness and indeed I'd say that the book is much more about her love of all things baked rather than about the illness which she tries not to allow to control her life. When she is chosen to take part in the Teen Baker of the Year competition, she desperately wants the opportunity to go but she has a lot more hurdles than the other competitors to contend with first.
I thought that Amelie was a wonderful character and this was a truly fantastic read. I was hooked from the very beginning as Amelie struggles to lead a normal life and embrace her all-consuming passion for baking. She is never more happy than when she's in the kitchen dreaming up a new recipe and that is something that I can definitely identify with!
What I really loved about this book was the inclusion of some of Amelie's recipes which I will definitely be having a go at making. I especially want to try her orange polenta muffins and chocolate cupcakes which both sound delicious.
I have all my fingers and toes crossed that Vanessa Curtis is planning a follow-up book because I would absolutely love to read more about Amelie and find out what happens to her next. If this book was a cake it would be the best one you'd ever tasted!
June 14, 2015
Wow so this was an emotional rollercoaster!
Seeing as I just finished this, I can't help but start with the way it ended. It was a nice way to finish the story, but there is so much more that I want to know, and the story overall seemed a bit incomplete.
Amelie is a lovely character, unique, and realistic, and her being a CF sufferer is something I haven't seen/read before in MG or YA. While it is obviously a major part of her life and this story, there is still a really lighthearted tone, and I found it very refreshing.
Even with the book being quite short, the relationships were wonderful and well built, particularly her mother, best friend and boyfriend who were each such positive characters, and who help and support the protagonist in such a lovely way, especially in a book with some difficult themes.
Really enjoyable and different to anything else I've read. The recipes dotted throughout were a nice touch as well!
Seeing as I just finished this, I can't help but start with the way it ended. It was a nice way to finish the story, but there is so much more that I want to know, and the story overall seemed a bit incomplete.
Amelie is a lovely character, unique, and realistic, and her being a CF sufferer is something I haven't seen/read before in MG or YA. While it is obviously a major part of her life and this story, there is still a really lighthearted tone, and I found it very refreshing.
Even with the book being quite short, the relationships were wonderful and well built, particularly her mother, best friend and boyfriend who were each such positive characters, and who help and support the protagonist in such a lovely way, especially in a book with some difficult themes.
Really enjoyable and different to anything else I've read. The recipes dotted throughout were a nice touch as well!
August 29, 2014
I found The Baking Life of Amelie Day by Vanessa Curtis to be an utterly charming middle grade book and I was in such a dilemma when reading it. On the one hand, I wanted to devour this book whole and not stop reading for anything. And on the other hand, I was quite desperate to stop reading and rush immediately to my kitchen and whip up a storm baking something, anything (though preferably using Amelie's own recipes that are included within the book!) The reading won out and all the way through I found this book to be so sweet and just that little bit heart-breaking.
Amelie Day is no ordinary teen girl. She is a baking wiz and spends her entire waking life thinking up new recipes and combinations of flavours to make her baking creations the absolute best that she can make them. Her passion and enthusiasm for baking made me really smile and I love how generous she is with her baking. Giving someone homemade treats is the best and Amelie seems to know it. She really brightens up everyone around her with her baking. And she's good at it.
She's made it into the finals of the Teen Baker of the Year award and is hard at work coming up with her three dishes to put forward. Unfortunately, her mother isn't keen to let Amelie travel to London for the award. Because the other thing about Amelie is that she has cystic fibrosis that means quite a few medical complications. I can't say that I knew very much about cystic fibrosis before I started reading this book but I liked that Vanessa Curtis wrote quite a bit about what it would be like for a teenage girl to have CF in a very honest but compassionate way. We see Amelie at her best and at her worst but at no point do we pity or feel sorry for Amelie because of it. Nor is having CF her most redeeming feature.
This book is quite short but I feel like that it really packed in an emotional punch. I found myself really sympathising with Amelie's situation and could understand how she felt about wanting to take part in something so important to her as the Teen Baker award. But at the same time, I felt really bad for Amelie's mother for being protective of her daughter's health and taking a stand for what she believes will be really harmful. Also, total bonus points for including blogging into Amelie's narrative.
I loved The Baking Life of Amelie Day. I thought it was sweet and fun and made my mouth water at the same time as shining a bit of light on cystic fibrosis in a way that I might not have otherwise come across.
Amelie Day is no ordinary teen girl. She is a baking wiz and spends her entire waking life thinking up new recipes and combinations of flavours to make her baking creations the absolute best that she can make them. Her passion and enthusiasm for baking made me really smile and I love how generous she is with her baking. Giving someone homemade treats is the best and Amelie seems to know it. She really brightens up everyone around her with her baking. And she's good at it.
She's made it into the finals of the Teen Baker of the Year award and is hard at work coming up with her three dishes to put forward. Unfortunately, her mother isn't keen to let Amelie travel to London for the award. Because the other thing about Amelie is that she has cystic fibrosis that means quite a few medical complications. I can't say that I knew very much about cystic fibrosis before I started reading this book but I liked that Vanessa Curtis wrote quite a bit about what it would be like for a teenage girl to have CF in a very honest but compassionate way. We see Amelie at her best and at her worst but at no point do we pity or feel sorry for Amelie because of it. Nor is having CF her most redeeming feature.
This book is quite short but I feel like that it really packed in an emotional punch. I found myself really sympathising with Amelie's situation and could understand how she felt about wanting to take part in something so important to her as the Teen Baker award. But at the same time, I felt really bad for Amelie's mother for being protective of her daughter's health and taking a stand for what she believes will be really harmful. Also, total bonus points for including blogging into Amelie's narrative.
I loved The Baking Life of Amelie Day. I thought it was sweet and fun and made my mouth water at the same time as shining a bit of light on cystic fibrosis in a way that I might not have otherwise come across.
March 1, 2025
Amalie Day lives to bake. She might possibly literally be made of "sugar and spice", and her motto is Flour Power! When she enters the Best Teen Baking Contest, she and her mom are thrilled that she's been chosen as a contestant. One serious drawback, however, is that the contest is in New York on the same day Amalie is scheduled for surgery. Amalie has Cystic Fibrosis, and lately it's been getting harder and harder for her to simply breathe and keep to a healthy weight. When her parents insist that she is too ill to travel, Amalie begins to devise a plan of her own. If she stops baking, she's afraid she might just stop living. Or, as her friend Harry teases, "We all have to die sometime, right?"
May 26, 2019
A book about a young girl with a life-shortening disease who loves to bake. A small snap shot into the life a teenager with a constant dark cloud hanging over her head and how she tries to overcome it by following her passion. And there are recipes littered throughout the book! Reading this book was not good for my waistline because I felt that I needed a supply of yummy treats every time Amelia went into her kitchen. I didn’t score it any higher because I felt that it lacked some depth but maybe I’ll change the rating a little later after I digest the story a little more.
July 25, 2017
This book was so good! I wish it was a series!
February 4, 2024
Having recently finished the previously published ‘The Baking Life of Amelie Day’ by Vanessa Curtis, I am happy to have had the chance to read the Advanced Reader’s Edition e-copy; thank you NetGalley and Capstone Young Readers!
This book was filled with the heart of a talented and creative baker and the lungs of a girl struggling with Cystic Fibrosis. The constant search for new recipes filled Amelie’s soul with sweetness and her body with the calories that she needed to stay healthy as she battled this chronic disease. Learning about the complications of CF throughout this story, was an entertaining and also heart-breaking way to become informed about a condition that is challenging for so many.
"I love our house, but most of all I love the kitchen. That's where my heart belongs. That's where I truly feel at home."
This book was filled with the heart of a talented and creative baker and the lungs of a girl struggling with Cystic Fibrosis. The constant search for new recipes filled Amelie’s soul with sweetness and her body with the calories that she needed to stay healthy as she battled this chronic disease. Learning about the complications of CF throughout this story, was an entertaining and also heart-breaking way to become informed about a condition that is challenging for so many.
"I love our house, but most of all I love the kitchen. That's where my heart belongs. That's where I truly feel at home."
March 29, 2020
I really hated this book. The main character was such a little shit. She was condescending, self-obsessed, and entitled. At some points she was just nasty to her mom and her “sarcasm” was just rudeness. I hated that she got what she wanted at the end of the book even though she lied to her mom and caused her boyfriend to be in a situation that almost cost him his life. I hated the obsession with weight that seemed to touch all of the characters subtly. I had absolutely no emotional connection to the characters, and no emotional reaction to either Amelie’s plight or Harry’s accident. The only thing I liked about this book was that it was less than 200 pages. Thank God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2019
It’s not bad but probably aimed at like ages 10-12 and also I’ve read it like 5 times yeeeet
(Also I read this because I needed something to read while I try to find my library card/find another book to read yeehaw)
(Also I read this because I needed something to read while I try to find my library card/find another book to read yeehaw)
December 6, 2021
The holidays (from Halloween through Christmas) are my favorite time to watch baking competitions on the food channels. I envy the artistic ability and magnificent creations. I tried to decorate a cake and build a gingerbread house, and both were an epic fail. Because I enjoy these shows and reading, I decided to look up “baking novels”, and “The Baking Life of Amelie Day” was one of the first listed. Once I read the summary and discovered the main character has cystic fibrosis, I knew I had to read this one. My niece has CF.
Amelie is a young teenager with a passion for baking. She is constantly experimenting with new recipes and her friends and family are her guinea pigs. She has been selected to appear on a teen baking show, but the side effects from her disease are preventing her from attending.
After reading the end of the book about why the author wrote about CF, I was surprised that she did not have a family member with CF. Her details about the disease, medications, and other treatments were very accurate for someone who does experience CF on a daily basis. I am impressed by the author’s research and dedication to the cause. This would be an excellent book for anyone who knows someone with CF. It provides the thoughts and feelings from the point of view of someone with the disease.
As a mom with a child with epilepsy, I could really relate to Amelie’s mom. I am constantly reminding my teenage son to take his medication, wear his medical ID, and bring his emergency meds. I am the epilepsy PD in this house. After reading this book, I understand more about why he gets angry with me with all of the reminders and checks on how much he has slept or how he is feeling. It is so hard not to be the police when following certain protocol is so important for his health. The book also reminded me that he needs to be allowed to do things he really enjoys (like hanging out with his friends alone, riding his bike, going on roller coasters). His mental health is just as important as his physical health.
I love how the author incorporated some of Amelie’s recipes in the book. I really appreciate how the ingredients are listed first on the page. There is nothing more annoying than finding a recipe online and having to scroll through pages and pages to find the ingredient list.
Amelie is a young teenager with a passion for baking. She is constantly experimenting with new recipes and her friends and family are her guinea pigs. She has been selected to appear on a teen baking show, but the side effects from her disease are preventing her from attending.
After reading the end of the book about why the author wrote about CF, I was surprised that she did not have a family member with CF. Her details about the disease, medications, and other treatments were very accurate for someone who does experience CF on a daily basis. I am impressed by the author’s research and dedication to the cause. This would be an excellent book for anyone who knows someone with CF. It provides the thoughts and feelings from the point of view of someone with the disease.
As a mom with a child with epilepsy, I could really relate to Amelie’s mom. I am constantly reminding my teenage son to take his medication, wear his medical ID, and bring his emergency meds. I am the epilepsy PD in this house. After reading this book, I understand more about why he gets angry with me with all of the reminders and checks on how much he has slept or how he is feeling. It is so hard not to be the police when following certain protocol is so important for his health. The book also reminded me that he needs to be allowed to do things he really enjoys (like hanging out with his friends alone, riding his bike, going on roller coasters). His mental health is just as important as his physical health.
I love how the author incorporated some of Amelie’s recipes in the book. I really appreciate how the ingredients are listed first on the page. There is nothing more annoying than finding a recipe online and having to scroll through pages and pages to find the ingredient list.
June 7, 2024
This book was just overall dark, and bad thing after bad thing, so rounded up from 1.5 stars.
January 6, 2024
I got this book at Dollarama, but I didn’t actually expect dollar store quality…
Amelie’s a total pick me bitch
Amelie’s a total pick me bitch
June 29, 2015
This review was first posted on Northern Plunder, if you want to see more reviews please click here.
The Baking Life of Amelie Day was one of the first books I finished off this year, and I ended up devouring it over the space of two days.
Middle grade books aren't something I read very often but after reading Zelah Green by this author and enjoying it so much, I couldn't refuse seeing how another of hers was.
The Baking Life of Amelie Day is a quick and easy read, with interesting characters and a great story line - which makes it a perfect read to get out of a reading slump.
Amelie is the first character I've read about who has Cystic Fibrosis, and I think its important that this book is from Amelie's point of view because she doesn't let her illness define her and it is not the first thing that is mentioned. Her love of baking is.
She is aware how others worry and care about her, but she also knows what she wants out of life. Baking is something that makes her happy and she loves experimenting with recipes and allowing her best friend and family try them out.
When she is accepted to take part in Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year competition television show she knows she has to attend and bake the best cake possible to win.
I really loved Amelie as a character and her determination to do what she wanted, I like her growth throughout the book, and the experiences she goes through to make her dreams come true.
Another great thing is that her recipes are also featured in the book, I'm not a baker myself but maybe sometime the boyfriend and I can attempt to make something. I look forward to read more of Vanessa Curtis' books as they always seem to impress.
The Baking Life of Amelie Day was one of the first books I finished off this year, and I ended up devouring it over the space of two days.
Middle grade books aren't something I read very often but after reading Zelah Green by this author and enjoying it so much, I couldn't refuse seeing how another of hers was.
The Baking Life of Amelie Day is a quick and easy read, with interesting characters and a great story line - which makes it a perfect read to get out of a reading slump.
Amelie is the first character I've read about who has Cystic Fibrosis, and I think its important that this book is from Amelie's point of view because she doesn't let her illness define her and it is not the first thing that is mentioned. Her love of baking is.
She is aware how others worry and care about her, but she also knows what she wants out of life. Baking is something that makes her happy and she loves experimenting with recipes and allowing her best friend and family try them out.
When she is accepted to take part in Britain's Best Teen Baker of the Year competition television show she knows she has to attend and bake the best cake possible to win.
I really loved Amelie as a character and her determination to do what she wanted, I like her growth throughout the book, and the experiences she goes through to make her dreams come true.
Another great thing is that her recipes are also featured in the book, I'm not a baker myself but maybe sometime the boyfriend and I can attempt to make something. I look forward to read more of Vanessa Curtis' books as they always seem to impress.
October 12, 2015
From the start, you know there is something different about Amelie. Her best friend and parents have concerns for her health, but she's only worried about baking - cakes, cookies, biscuits, sausage rolls. 'Flour power' is her motto, and it comes as a shock (if the reader doesn't know) that she actually has a debilitating condition - cystic fibrosis.
This turns the book into something slightly different, it's not just a story about a wannabe baker trying to get a place in a competition, it's the story of someone's struggle to lie a normal life and pursue their dreams while coping with health problems every day. I've not read a book concerned with the sufferer of CF before, it was illuminating - watching Amelie do (or forget to do) her exercises, take her SEVENTY-FIVE tablets each day, struggle to regain her breath after coughing fits.
Amelie is a character, determined to bake on despite everything, especially when she wins a place at the London heats of the Teen Baker of the Year competition. Will she get there, even with deteriorating health?
I really enjoyed the story, Amelie, her mum and best friend, though he seemed very young to exhibit such a mature attitude towards Amelie's health. Young fans of the Great British Bake Off may take a liking to this, it would be good for those between 10 and 14. There is nothing unsuitable for this age range.
I personally liked the open nature of the ending, there is room for a further story, but it ends realistically and with a lot to think about. I also liked the recipes that Amelie includes for items she bakes in the chapters - planning on trying some of them out!
This turns the book into something slightly different, it's not just a story about a wannabe baker trying to get a place in a competition, it's the story of someone's struggle to lie a normal life and pursue their dreams while coping with health problems every day. I've not read a book concerned with the sufferer of CF before, it was illuminating - watching Amelie do (or forget to do) her exercises, take her SEVENTY-FIVE tablets each day, struggle to regain her breath after coughing fits.
Amelie is a character, determined to bake on despite everything, especially when she wins a place at the London heats of the Teen Baker of the Year competition. Will she get there, even with deteriorating health?
I really enjoyed the story, Amelie, her mum and best friend, though he seemed very young to exhibit such a mature attitude towards Amelie's health. Young fans of the Great British Bake Off may take a liking to this, it would be good for those between 10 and 14. There is nothing unsuitable for this age range.
I personally liked the open nature of the ending, there is room for a further story, but it ends realistically and with a lot to think about. I also liked the recipes that Amelie includes for items she bakes in the chapters - planning on trying some of them out!
January 29, 2017
It is about a girl who loves baking just like me.it was a really nice book but I felt sorry for Amelie. She was really lucky to have a chance to go to the quarter finals of the Britain’s best teen baker contest. The book had its ups and downs, but overall, it was a great book. When I got to the part where Amelie’s mom got the phone call from the judges of the Britain’s best teen baker contest saying that Amelie was qualified for the semifinals, I was happy that everything ended well for Amelie.
I really loved the book , cause it teaches people not to give up on your dreams. but I felt really sorry for Amelie when she lost her medical bag.
P.s: I think the recipes were a nice touch. They helped me bake new cupcakes and muffins.
I really loved the book , cause it teaches people not to give up on your dreams. but I felt really sorry for Amelie when she lost her medical bag.
P.s: I think the recipes were a nice touch. They helped me bake new cupcakes and muffins.
August 20, 2018
I read the book "The Baking Life of Amelia Day" by Vanessa Curtis. I really enjoyed this book because it was exciting and each chapter kept me on the edge of my seat. Amelia put her her health at risk and worried her family all for the love of baking. She suffers from Cystic Fibrosis but doesn't let that hold her back when she is invited to the Teen Best Baker Competition in New York. I really like the part where Amelia started a blog all about her baking experiences. She asked the readers for recipe ideas to help her broaden her knowledge with new ideas. The readers even wrote in with support and advice for entering the baking competition. I liked that the book was a short and easy read. I would recommend this book to any who is interested in adventures and baking.
January 13, 2019
Her story is kinda sad but at the same time she braves it all through when she doesn’t want to get a lung transplant because of her diease and someone steals her pills and she’s so foucused on going to her baking competition her parents and boyfriend are worried and then her boyfriend gets sick she learns to know that she isn’t the only one with a medical issue. And the author should of wrote @ sequel to this book
October 4, 2020
I must say having Cystic Fibrosis wasn't that easy I can feel Amelie the struggle to her everyday life and the only thing that keeps her spirit alive aside from her family and loved one Harry was through baking which I love, inspire by her and also pursuing her ambition and reaching her dreams when she has illness that has no cure for it was truly admiring. I really like the recipes that is also been indicated in the book I'm definitely gonna try those.
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December 20, 2016I loved this book! The protagonist is a female teenager who channels all of her extra energy (and anxiety) into baking. Her confidence in herself and her abilities allows her to face a huge challenge and make a life changing decision.
As a teacher, I would recommend this book to any and all of my students- although I think the girls would be more interested in it than the boys. :)
As a teacher, I would recommend this book to any and all of my students- although I think the girls would be more interested in it than the boys. :)
March 25, 2016
A cute little YA novel that includes the heavy topic of a girl living with cf and the not so heavy topic of her love of baking, complete with recipes.
December 31, 2017
Best book I’ve ever read! If you haven’t read it you are missing out massively.
July 6, 2018
It was a great book, however very dramatic. There’s lots of things you probably wouldn’t do in real life.
February 16, 2020
Omg read this book!
It was so beautifully written and full of delicious cakes.
It was so beautifully written and full of delicious cakes.
January 27, 2015
Sweet little read on the whole despite some quirks that irritated me beyond belief.
April 13, 2018
Amelie Day is a keen baker who lives for it, she works in her part time shop job to be paid only in ingredients and isn't a typical thirteen year old by any means.
Amelie is in the running for Best Teen Baker Of The Year, her friend Gemma and boyfriend Harry as well as her Mum get why, they do love her baking too after all!
Only the trouble is that Amelie has cystic fibrosis, needing a possible lung transplant as she's worsening in her lung health, she faces a tough decision whether to partake in the competition or have the operation.
So, acting alone she heads to London leaving a note behind for her mum, only things don't go to plan as her medication gets stolen and She weakens more. As she reaches out to Harry for help, things make a huge turn for the worse and her love for baking starts to fade as what really matters in life to her comes into trouble...
A truly passion filled book, her ambition and determination for a young girl who's so ill is inspired and will help others in real life grasp how her illness could hold her back but she doesn't want to give in to it but learns she might need to let it sometimes. The love between her and Harry compared to her love for baking comes through as realises she can't lose one without losing the other because he appreciates it all so much and it's a shared passion.
Amelie is in the running for Best Teen Baker Of The Year, her friend Gemma and boyfriend Harry as well as her Mum get why, they do love her baking too after all!
Only the trouble is that Amelie has cystic fibrosis, needing a possible lung transplant as she's worsening in her lung health, she faces a tough decision whether to partake in the competition or have the operation.
So, acting alone she heads to London leaving a note behind for her mum, only things don't go to plan as her medication gets stolen and She weakens more. As she reaches out to Harry for help, things make a huge turn for the worse and her love for baking starts to fade as what really matters in life to her comes into trouble...
A truly passion filled book, her ambition and determination for a young girl who's so ill is inspired and will help others in real life grasp how her illness could hold her back but she doesn't want to give in to it but learns she might need to let it sometimes. The love between her and Harry compared to her love for baking comes through as realises she can't lose one without losing the other because he appreciates it all so much and it's a shared passion.
August 12, 2018
This book tells the story of thirteen-year-old Amelie, who lives with cystic fibrosis and loves to bake more than anything else in the world. Amelie`s voice in the first-person narrative really drew me in, and I had huge sympathy for her throughout the book, even though I thought a lot of her decisions were quite selfish. I thought this book dealt with Amelie`s condition well and I found it very educational as I hadn’t really known a lot about cystic fibrosis or how it affects the lives of young people before I started this. Another thing I enjoyed about this book was that it contained recipes throughout. However, as a blogger myself, I found Amelie`s pretty much overnight blogging success quite unrealistic, and I would have preferred a more concrete ending as the book was quite short and the ending was very abrupt. 3.5/5
February 17, 2025
Really strong middle grade writing, with a main character you root on and empathize for as she wants to bake and live life to the fullest but also struggles with how exhausting (and painful) it is to live with constantly-worsening Cystic Fibrosis every day. Her characterization is realistic; she makes lots of rather realistic decisions for a 13-year-old, some of which put her health at risk and cause other things in her life to go wrong - all because she wants to be “normal” and get to attend a baking competition. This story paints an honest and eye-opening portrayal of life with CF, and it was very well done - though I felt so confused by abruptly it seemed to end.
And a bonus: the recipes after each chapter are drool-worthy, and I am totally craving a cupcake now!
And a bonus: the recipes after each chapter are drool-worthy, and I am totally craving a cupcake now!
May 31, 2023
Lief verhaal, over bakken en ziek zijn, waarbij er op een of andere mysterieuze manier een evenwicht gevonden werd tussen die twee zodat het toch niet té zwaar voelt.
Ik ergerde me soms wat aan het hoofdpersonage (te veel stiekemigheid), fronste even toen ik las dat een dertienjarige al twee jaar samen was met haar lief (als mama van een 11 en 13 jarige voelt dat absurd) en vond het eindstuk dramatischer dan nodig.
Maar tegelijkertijd kun je niet anders dan het hoofdpersonage bewonderen om haar positieve ingesteldheid en haar passie. En je afvragen of je er even goed mee om zou kunnen als haar ouders en vrienden.
Ik ergerde me soms wat aan het hoofdpersonage (te veel stiekemigheid), fronste even toen ik las dat een dertienjarige al twee jaar samen was met haar lief (als mama van een 11 en 13 jarige voelt dat absurd) en vond het eindstuk dramatischer dan nodig.
Maar tegelijkertijd kun je niet anders dan het hoofdpersonage bewonderen om haar positieve ingesteldheid en haar passie. En je afvragen of je er even goed mee om zou kunnen als haar ouders en vrienden.
October 20, 2017
This book is about a girl named Amelie and she has a disease called cystic fibrosis . She is an amazing backer. So she got asked to go to this competition in New York. Her didn't let her go because her cystic fibrosis is too bad. But she really wants to go so she sneaks herself to New York. She went to the competition and when she was done baking her mom and dad rushed her back to a hospital because her best friend got in a crash but they ended out all good she won the battle and that it. I kinda liked the book. The ending was the best because you dont see it coming.
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