Review Detail

I love cupcakes! But then again, who doesn't? For those looking for a fun, cute tale, Lisa Schroeder's latest is sure to fit the bill.

Twelve-year-old Isabel wants nothing more than to get out of her boring little Oregon town. Then her mother gets an idea to open her own cupcake shop. Isabel moves with her family to the apartment above the shop. Then her friend Sophie mentions a baking contest. The finalist gets a chance to go to New York City. Isabel is excited. But her mother has her own plans for the 'winning' recipe, one that Isabel doesn't exactly like. Add to that worries of competing again Sophie, who nevers loses at anything. What's Isabel to do?

This is a sweet, fun tale of a young girl who wants nothing more than to travel outside her little town of Willow. What I liked about this story was Isabel. She fun, strong willed but also likeable. When the grand opening of the cupcake shop draws near, her mother suffers from depression. This is where Schroeder shines with showing how it's up to Isabel to help get her mother to see the bright side of things.

One big bonus of this story is some cupcake recipes at the back! I've been tempted to try the s'more one myself.

This sweet tale is sure to be a winner for Schroeder fans. Elementary as well as middle schoolers will be sure to love Isabel's persistence and spunkiness. I know I did! Now off to get some graham crackers, jar of marshmallow cream, and Hershey Kisses. Hmmm, that recipe looks too good to resist! Just like this story!