"Dodging Cupcakes is an enjoyable, heartwarming, inspiring middle-grade novel...." —The Children's Book Review

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." — Kirkus Reviews
 

"Many young readers will identify with Mindy's feelings of isolation and desperation for friendship." — US Review of Books


Mindy moves from the city to her grandmother's farmhouse in a small Midwestern town, coping with her grandmother's recent passing. At her new school, located in an abandoned hotel, she faces a quirky principal/librarian who is a little too gung-ho about Pirate Book Day and befriends a mysterious boy in a locker who gives her advice. Mindy sees a chance to make friends during the school's carnival fundraiser when she partners with Charlie, the most popular boy in school. Charlie wants a booth selling cupcakes, but Mindy, eager to fit it, builds epic games to show off her inventive ideas and skill.

However, her games backfire dramatically, causing the other kids to stop talking to her. Where did she go wrong? Would she ever feel like she belonged? Could she ever call this place home? Drawing from her grandmother's memories, she works her way back into the carnival. But when the carnival donkeys run loose, the games are overturned, and the crowd starts screaming, it is up to Mindy to save the carnival and keep the school from shutting down—permanently.

Dodging Cupcakes is a humorous, middle-grade fiction where a spirited 12-year-old girl embarks on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, friendship, and self-discovery. The story is set against the backdrop of a quirky school in an old motel. Themes of feeling out of place and trying too hard unfold as she partners with Charlie for the school's carnival fundraiser, she aims to impress her classmates with more than just a cupcake booth. Their budding friendship and Mindy's trials of STEM-inspired carnival games offer relatable lessons on risk-taking, accountability, and the power of teamwork. The story delves into deeper issues such as dealing with grief and the loneliness of single-parent children while maintaining a tone of humor and hope.​​​​​​

Mindy learns valuable lessons about building friendships in her new school and finding her place in the world. From navigating the ups and downs of fitting into discovering the power of teamwork, Mindy discovers the true meaning of friendship with her infectious humor, indomitable spirit, and creativity. Mindy will capture your heart and inspire you to embrace your sense of curiosity and imagination.

Join Mindy on a heartwarming adventure of laughter, friendship, and growth. As she learns from her mistakes, she discovers the value of teamwork and the joy of belonging. Her story, “Dodging Cupcakes,” is a STEM journey that champions creativity, resilience, and cooperation, inspiring young readers to embrace challenges and the spirit of discovery in STEM fields. Through Mindy’s experiences, readers are encouraged to see failure as a stepping stone to success and to appreciate the power of working together to overcome obstacles.
Read an Excerpt of DODGING CUPCAKES HERE