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 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. ( )

Digital audiobook narrated by Jesse Vilinsky

This is the first in the Cupcake Diaries series for middle-school children. Katie Brown is entering middle-school, and she’s understandably nervous. She’ll have to learn the layout of a new and bigger building, and instead of staying in one classroom all day, she’ll be moving from classroom to lab to gym. And it seems her best friend, Callie, is no longer her best friend. Callie’s been invited to sit at the Popular Girls table and Katie is definitely NOT invited to join the group.

This is a delightful read that deals with some of the harsh realities of growing up. Katie does find new friends: Emma, Alexis and Mia, and they form The Cupcake Club, pouring their energies into baking.

I can certainly see the popularity of the series. The situations are relatable for most kids, and Simon gives each of these girls a unique talent to bring to the mix. She shows them working well together and supporting one another. And she includes a delicious cupcake recipe, because who doesn’t love a cupcake?

Jesse Vilinsky does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She set a good pace and was believable as a young girl or as a teacher. ( )

This is a realistic fiction book. It is about a girl named Katie. Her best friend,Callie, is now a member of a new club with a mean girl named Sydney. Katie finds new friends and they start a cupcake club. Katie might not have a lot in common with her new friends but they do have one big thing in common, cupcakes! ( )

This book is about a bunch of girls in school who are having problems with their friendships. Soon the main character Katie finds new friends and then they create a cupcake club.

A sweet story about a sweet subject...Cupcakes!. Katie is just entering middle school, but she isn't worried...her best friend, Callie will be there just like forever. Only, the thing that Katie doesn't realize is that Callie's made new friends at sleepaway camp and doesn't have much time for her. Callie joined the PGC (Popular Girls Club) with Sydney, Maggie, and Bella. Callie's new friends are mean and bullies.

Fortunately, the first day of school holds some welcome surprises for Katie, too. She meets Mia, transferred from Manhattan, Alexis and Emma. The girls bond quickly with a lot of interests in common, but especially cupcakes! As the school dance and fundraiser approaches, The Cupcake Club decides to sell their delicious, one-of-a-kind sweet treats at the fair. The girls make the most money and win the contest...must to the chagrin of the PGC.

Katie and the Cupcake Cure: Cupcake Diaries #1 is full of middle school angst, friendship woes, and finding your place...but, of course, everything is sweeter with a cupcake to help make everything alright. ( )