About this ebook
Mindy moves from the city to her grandmother's farmhouse in a small Midwestern town as she copes with her grandmother's recent loss. 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 her chance to make friends during the school's carnival fundraiser when she partners with Charlie, the most popular boy in school.
While Charlie suggests having a cupcake booth, Mindy, eager to fit in, builds epic to show off her inventive ideas and skills. 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, Mindy must find a way to save the carnival and keep the school from shutting down—permanently.
"A well-rounded novel about the importance of home that will have young readers excited about STEM." — Kirkus Reviews
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About the author
Laura Pashley wears many hats—she’s a writer, an artist, and an advocate for empowering young minds. As a mother of three, she’s no stranger to life’s challenges, having moved 12 times across the country multiple times. These experiences opened her eyes to the struggles of fitting in and finding one’s place.
Inspired by her involvement in mentoring young students through FIRST Robotics—an exciting program that promotes STEM education by building and competing with robots—Laura noticed a gap. Girls in her community lacked the opportunity and confidence to learn basic tools. She decided to change that narrative.
Her upcoming book is more than just pages—it’s a celebration. It is a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and courage. Laura wants girls of all ages to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to—whether it’s building a robot, fixing a bike, or inventing a carnival game. In Dodging Cupcakes, Laura encourages young girls to embrace their potential and explore the world with confidence and determination.
"The story is well written and easy to read and follow." — Readers Favorite Book Review.
