It's Raining Cupcakes (Cupcakes #1)

Reader reviewed by Reading Angel

I was really in the mood for something light and fun when I picked up this book, and these light and fluffy cupcakes really hit the spot! This book is set in one of those charming small towns that is full of quirky neighbors and a great atmostphere. Where you could ride your bike to the library, your friends house, or any of the little family businesses in no time. It makes me want to find a town like this of my very own and open up a used bookstore :-)

The book is full of great, quirky and engaging characters. Isabel, the main character, is a wistful girl who wishes to travel the world and feels stuck in her little hometown. Her mother is a woman with some anxiety issues. Flighty, yet fun, Isabel spends alot of her time catering to her mothers whims. Her dad, who reminded me alot of my own, is one of those men who have to always be working hard, time off is spent finding something else to work on, yet still finds time to be there for his daughter. Sophie, Isabel's best friend, is one of those girls who is charismatic and always seems to get whatever it is that she wants, but is loyal and friendly too. Her grandmother is a sweet, classy lady who is always there to give Isabel a kind word, a hug, and encouragment when she needs it. Plus, the new quirky, charming neighbors that only add to this books great line-up.

It's a great book that is written for middle school aged kids. Isabel learns that it's not all about where you want to go, but who you are with and how much you enjoy where you are. Alot of fun and with all the mention of yummy cupcakes I have a craving to make some cupcakes of my own :-)"

Reader reviewed by Sofia

It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroder is a great page-tuning book full of lesson's.  In It's Raining cupcakes Isabel struggles with her mom and her attitude.  Her mom has always not liked her job and finally she decides to open a cupcake shop.  She seems pretty excited untill...A very succesful brownie store moves in.  Her mom loses hope in their family shop and is giving up.  This makes Isabel cry alot and struggle with her mom.  Now Isabel knows that she has to find away to fix this problem.  It is all in Isabel's hands now. 
I read this book in three days so it was a great book.  I think it would be best for girls aroung the ages of 10 to 13.   I would say this because it has girl problems such as when she has an interveiw she stuggles getting dressed.  I also say 10 through 13 because the book is not very long but it has older things that happen.  For example when they start dating.  The author did a great job chosing what struggles she goes through such as getting fierd from a job.  I think the author could have used better word choice because it would have made it that much more interesting because the words were not selected for that age group.  One word I would have liked to see change was walk.  She could have used stroll,and pace.  Overall this book was a very real life book and had so many little adventures stored in it.  Tell me how you like it when you read it!!!!!!!!!  

Reader reviewed by Jill

This was a really cute and sweet book that is perfect for the tween set.  I really liked the main character Isabel.  Many times in middle grade lit I'm distracted from the story but an overly unrealistic main character.  I know kids that age, and sometimes the character doesn't ring true.  This didn't happen with Isabel! She was nice, determined and smart. She never came across as judgemental or mean towards everyone around her - even when she could've easily been. I liked how friendly and accepting she was of people around her. How could I now like her? What a great role model for readers of this book.

What I also really liked about her was how she delt with her mother.  Isabel's mom tends to be a bit emotional, and Isabel knew help her. Instead of just throwing up her hands and giving up on her mom, Isabel does everything she can to get her where she needs to be.  What's really cool is that by helping her mom Isabel learns a huge lesson about herself. A lesson she openly accepts and, by the end, grows from. And about the ending - I will say I was a bit suprised by it, in a good way, and I'm glad it ended that way.

Before I end I have to talk about the cupcakes.  Each chapter title is a type of cupcake!  By the end of the book I was soooooo  hungry for cupcakes that I found myself hanging out in the bakery area a little too long!

Final thought: Sweet story that can teach us all a lesson about believing in ourselves. Definately one I can recommend without worry.

Best stick-with-you image: Dr. Seuess Cupcakes!

Best for ages: 10-13 (or anyone who likes cupcakes!)