Coco Simon

Steering through the world of friendship drama, this up-beat bunch of girls takes everything on with cupcakes and heart.

This 2nd book in the series takes off where the last one ended. So this isn't meant to be read as a stand-alone but is better to start at the beginning of the series.

Now that the Cupcake Club has won the contest, everything is looking up...except for Mia. She loves her new friends in the Cupcake Club but is a little disappointed that none of them share her interest for show more shopping and fashion. That fits better with the Popular Girl Club, which isn't on good terms with the Cupcake Club members...for good reason. While Mia knows of the rivalries between some of the girls and sympathizes with their problems, she hasn't personally had any difficulties with any of the girls. When she accidentally runs into the Popular Girl Club at the mall, she really enjoys spending time discussing fashion with them. She'd love to be friends with both sides, but that may not be possible.

This is a lovely series for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The text is easy to read, the situations are relatable, and the illustrations are cute, rounded and sweet. The story flows by quickly with something happening on every page. Plus, these girls come across so naturally, that they could be a reader's own friends at school.

There are several issues addressed in this book. First, the problem of balancing friendships, which seems to become especially problematic for girls when they hit middle school. Then, there's the issue of changing schools, finding new friends, and leaving old ones behind. Even family troubles come on board as Mia glides between her divorced parents and tries to come to terms with her father's new girlfriend. All of these are handled in a very appropriate manner for the age group and flow right into the tale without feeling preachy or weighing down. The friendship between the girls in the Cupcake Club stays golden, offers tons of cheerful vibes, and is as sweet as any cupcake could be.
I received an ARC and found this to be as much fun as the first book in the series. show less

Sweetness cures so many ills in this fun tale about friendship, determination, and...for all things...cupcakes.

Katie has no clue what's going on with her best friend, but ever since she returned from her summer camp right before the first day of middle school, she's been giving Katie the cold shoulder. Instead, the girl has joined the 'mean' girls to form a Popular Girls Club. They make it more than clear that Katie does not belong. But soon, Katie meets several new girls, and the four of show more them decide to start their own club, the Cupcake Club. What starts out as a cupcake every Friday soon turns into much, much more.

This is a graphic novel for the lower end of the middle grade audience and swirls around everyday school life and friendship's ups and downs. Katie is a nice girl, who simply hasn't turned her interests to boys and fashion like some of those around her. The situation is one that many readers will relate with, especially when Katie's troubles concerning her once best friend arise. There is some bullying and taunting, which readers will also recognize and sympathize with. Even the forming of new friendships is nothing new and soon overshadows the more negative sides.

The graphics are done with a bubbly sweetness, which gives them a cuter atmosphere than those for older readers. They fit the friendship and cupcake atmosphere wonderfully. Each scene does a nice job at letting the story flow, balancing out well with the text. It's easy to read, draws in, and comes across very naturally.

It's a wonderful read about girls, friendship, and middle school and is sure to delight graphic novel fans. show less

The fourth entry in the popular Cupcake Diaries series for middle-school-age children, shines the spotlight on Alexis Becker, who is the business champion of the four friends who make up the Cupcake Club.

Alexis likes math and feels comfortable doing research and analyzing data before making decisions. She usually handles the finances for the club, but right now she can’t think straight because she is in a fog with a major crush on Matt Taylor, Emma’s older brother.

Ah, the drama of show more first love! The flutters and stomach aches. The chance for a dance and the embarrassment of not being able to control a blush. But the middle-school years are full of more than just crushes. There are other issues including an older sister who is demanding all the attention lately, a fight with a best friend, a rival for the crush’s attention, a cupcake business to run, and math homework.

I’m glad I had the chance to read these first four books, which introduce each of the Cupcake Club members. They’re delightful books with relatable characters and scenarios. I’d have no hesitation recommending them to middle-school students. show less

Book two in the popular Cupcake Diary series for middle-school children. This time the focus is on Mia Velaz-Cruz, who is the fashionista in the Cupcake Club. She’s dealing with divided loyalties as she share an interest in fashion with the girls in the Popular Girls Club, but doesn’t want to alienate her friends in the Cupcake Club. She’s also dealing with her parents’ divorce and having moved from Manhattan to the suburbs and her mom’s new boyfriend.

What I like about the books show more is that Simon writes believable tweens. Their concerns, likes, family issues and school dynamics are all completely believable and relatable. Simon soft peddles positive messages of kindness, loyalty, honesty, hard work and trust. And I like the relationships the girls have with their parents as well.

And the cupcake recipes at the end of each novel are a definite plus! Had I known about them when there were first published, I would definitely have given them to my youngest niece.. She’d have been the target age, and she loves to bake! show less