The Cupcake Queen Review

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The Cupcake Queen ReviewTackling issues of separation, divorce, being the new kid at school, and teen love, Heather Hepler's novel seems to have a little bit of everything. We see the mean girl scenario play out in Penny's experiences at school, but on the other hand, we also see young love blossom before our eyes. This small little young adult novel seems to have a little bit of everything in a teen's life.
Although the cover is what initially drew me to pick up this small book, the cupcakes and bakery make up a very small part of the story. Hepler draws on real-life situations that teens face to flesh out the story in the book. For instance, the first day of school scene and encounter with the school secretary are really well done. (In fact, I shared that chapter with the students in my Popular Fiction course.) The way the author depicts how Penny feels, and what she sees, are really smart. To say that Penny is uncomfortable and feeling out of place on that first day, is an understatement.
Not all the scenes in the book pop out as much as that first day of school, but there are many other memorable moments that feel close to what teenagers feel and consider important. Penny worries about her family, about her position at school, and about the boy she finds herself crushing over. She isn't one of those characters that gushes, ad nauseum about how she feels about her crush, but you can sense how much she wants to be noticed. In short, you really feel for her and want her to be happy.
While simple in its themes and ideas, The Cupcake Queen was a sweet, simple read. The issues hit on in the book are familiar, yet vital to most teens, and I can see many readers connecting to Penny. Overall, I found the story to be an easy read, but one I would recommend to many of my own students.The Cupcake Queen Overview

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Starstruck Review

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Starstruck ReviewCyn Balog is one of my favorite young adult authors. Her stories always have the perfect blend of magical realism/supernatural, romance, and wit. The unique spin she puts on paranormal stereotypes and expectations constantly amazes me. I adored FAIRY TALE and swooned at SLEEPLESS, so while I didn't know what to expect with STARSTRUCK, I knew that I was in great hands.
In STARSTRUCK, Ms. Balog has an unexpected protagonist. Gwendolyn is an overweight (230 pounds) teenage girl with unfortunate hair, an even more unfortunate wardrobe, and a truly mind-blowing nickname. She's invisible at her own school--well, when she isn't the butt of their jokes, that is. But she has an amazing best friend who also happens to be her boyfriend. The only problem is that for their entire relationship he's lived on the other side of the country. When Dough discovers he is moving back, she is nothing short of shocked. And thanks to Ms. Balog's superb writing and knack for nailing the teenage voice, I felt every single fear along with her.
I have to admit that when I first started reading I was nervous. Even the skinniest girl in school had body issues in high school at some point, so living in someone's head with so much against her instantly had my stomach in knots. I wanted to drop kick a few characters at first, and even secretly hoped something would happen that would transform her into the school's Ms. Thang. But that's why it's a very good thing that I did not write this story. It is absolutely perfect the way it is. Gwen's weight does not define her and her relationship with Wish was so sweet. I loved having him come back, all gorgeous and popular, and having him still loving her. I loved being able to live vicariously through Gwen's eyes and watching all those people who made fun of her before now have to see her with new eyes. I loved witnessing her finding herself, gaining confidence naturally, and in the end realizing how beautiful she truly is and always was. It made my heart happy.
As for Wish, he was a great love interest! The fact that he saw Gwen for who she really was and didn't even blink when he met her again after so many years actually brought tears to my eyes. Then again, I am a sap. But still, he supported her and truly cared for her, and I only wish there had been a Philip Wishman back when I was in school. And the ending with him was pure perfection.
My only complaint is not getting to know new guy Christian even better. He was hot, sweet, and the perfect amount of bad boy. The glimpses into his past and heart were awesome and I would LOVE to see him get his own story somehow in the future. (Please, Cyn? Just a thought?? ) The other characters were great, too. The relationship with her sister Evie was realistic, as was the crowd that populated the high school.
The magical realism/supernatural spin was unique (at least to me) and a concept that is fun to explore. That is the gift of Ms. Balog. All three of her books now have left me wanting more of that story world. To see other characters with similar issues, explore more with the main characters we already know. All three have left room for many other books to spin off if she so chose and I would be the first in line to snag them up. Keep them coming!!Starstruck Overview

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