Dodging Cupcakes Reviews:
"In this classic middle-grade school novel, readers will meet a heroine who is equal parts insecure teen and STEM genius—a compelling combination that makes Mindy instantly likable. Throughout the story, readers will see her overcome her anxieties about communication and assumptions about other people to grow into a resilient character who better understands what it means to be part of a community. ...Alongside the story of Mindy’s search for acceptance, the novel paints a realistic picture of a depressed mid-Western rural town desperately working towards better times. From the makeshift parking lot playground and boarded-up historic buildings to how everyone knows everyone else, the depiction of Oglesby will be familiar to thousands of readers across the US—making the hope-filled ending incredibly satisfying. ...Dodging Cupcakes is an enjoyable, heartwarming, inspiring middle grade novel, perfect for feel-good Fall reading." — The Children's Book Review, Editor's Pick
"Dodging Cupcakes by Laura Pashley is a charming, entertaining, and heartwarming children’s book. Mindy is a good girl whose intentions are not bad but are slightly misdirected. Like any young person, she must learn to smooth out the rough edges of her personality and interactions with others. These are flaws that every child displays in their life as they learn to know themselves discovering it along the way. This book has a lovely message for young readers." — Readers's Favorite
"Many young readers will identify with Mindy’s feelings of isolation and desperation for friendship, as well as her difficulty expressing herself. The author also explores profound themes such as the pain of grieving lost loved ones and the sense of neglect felt by children of hard-working, single parents. Pashley uses humorous anecdotes to demonstrate how the lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. ...Most importantly, the book provides a clear depiction of the main character’s personal growth. Initially, Mindy is slightly condescending and self-centered, looking down on her rundown new school and solely focused on her goal of becoming popular. But as the story unfolds, Mindy comes to appreciate Korn Wotel’s sense of community and learns that teamwork and loyalty (not popularity) are the foundation of true friendship." — US Review of Books
"The new kid brings a bright new spark to an old town in Pashley’s middle-grade novel. ...The narrative is evenly paced with pleasant surprises, such as Mindy’s classmates’ friendliness and the appearances of quirky characters like Ms. Caster and Locker Boy. Pashley seamlessly integrates Mindy’s STEM projects so that they appear as part of the overall fabric of her life, making for easy inspiration for scientific-minded readers. ...A well-rounded novel about the importance of home that will have young readers excited about STEM." — Kirkus Reviews Featured in the Kirkus Reviews Magazine, Aug. 1, '24.
"In this classic middle-grade school novel, readers will meet a heroine who is equal parts insecure teen and STEM genius—a compelling combination that makes Mindy instantly likable. Throughout the story, readers will see her overcome her anxieties about communication and assumptions about other people to grow into a resilient character who better understands what it means to be part of a community. ...Alongside the story of Mindy’s search for acceptance, the novel paints a realistic picture of a depressed mid-Western rural town desperately working towards better times. From the makeshift parking lot playground and boarded-up historic buildings to how everyone knows everyone else, the depiction of Oglesby will be familiar to thousands of readers across the US—making the hope-filled ending incredibly satisfying. ...Dodging Cupcakes is an enjoyable, heartwarming, inspiring middle grade novel, perfect for feel-good Fall reading." — The Children's Book Review, Editor's Pick
"Original, deftly crafted, and a fun read from start to finish, "Dodging Cupcakes: A STEM Adventure" offers young readers valuable lessons about building school friendships and finding their place in the world, self-esteem and navigating the ups and downs of fitting in, as well as discovering the power of teamwork and discovering the true meaning of friendship. Additionally, "Dodging Cupcakes: A STEM Adventure" by author/storyteller Laura Pashley will inspires young readers to explore and apply STEM to achieve their goals. Exceptionally engaging, entertaining, thought-provoking, and inspiring, "Dodging Cupcakes: A STEM Adventure" is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, middle school, and community library collections for children ages 8-12." — Midwest Book Reviews, Reviewers Choice.
"Dodging Cupcakes by Laura Pashley is a charming, entertaining, and heartwarming children’s book. Mindy is a good girl whose intentions are not bad but are slightly misdirected. Like any young person, she must learn to smooth out the rough edges of her personality and interactions with others. These are flaws that every child displays in their life as they learn to know themselves discovering it along the way. This book has a lovely message for young readers." — Readers's Favorite
"The setting is unique with the school having relocated to an abandoned hotel which creates a quirky backdrop for the story to occur. This is a creative way to incorporate imagination into the story as it pairs well with Mindy to come up with elaborate game ideas for the carnival. The library is a key element, as the first place Mindy sees and is at the core of the fundraiser. It’s the place that sets the tone and whimsical qualities of the story through the principal and her Pirate Day language. This is also a clever way of falling in love with the school so that you care about the fundraiser succeeding, as this immediately shows you the heart the story has. An entertaining read for older children, Dodging Cupcakes is a humorous tale of friendship that touches on realistic themes regarding fitting in, moving, and friendship with heart and charm." —Pacific Book Review
"Many young readers will identify with Mindy’s feelings of isolation and desperation for friendship, as well as her difficulty expressing herself. The author also explores profound themes such as the pain of grieving lost loved ones and the sense of neglect felt by children of hard-working, single parents. Pashley uses humorous anecdotes to demonstrate how the lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. ...Most importantly, the book provides a clear depiction of the main character’s personal growth. Initially, Mindy is slightly condescending and self-centered, looking down on her rundown new school and solely focused on her goal of becoming popular. But as the story unfolds, Mindy comes to appreciate Korn Wotel’s sense of community and learns that teamwork and loyalty (not popularity) are the foundation of true friendship." — US Review of Books
REAL STORIES ~
Celebrating Women in STEM
Jordan Dabney ~ Space Systems Engineer
Michaela Luebbers ~ Material Science PhD Candidate @Penn State
Kathryn Rohlfing ~ Software Engineer
Alejandra Chaparro - Industrial Engineer/Aerospace Industry
Mikaela De Gracia - Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer, PhD Student @Purdue
Maaike Priest - Technical Solutions Engineer
Eliza Sullivan - FPGA Design Engineer
Andy de Fonseca - Flight Test Engineer
Nicole Lee - Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer + Econ. + Business + Management @Caltech
Kryn Ambs - Payload Mission Manager
Clair O'Malley - Research Ass./Grad Student at PU
Jordan Fuse - Aero. and Astro. Structures Engineer
Julie - Environmental Management
Zoe Brand - Mechanical/Aero. Engineer
Audrey Brand - Optical Engineer