The Cupcake Queen

by Heather Hepler

After being forced to leave Manhattan and spend the summer in her mother's hometown, a seaside community, Penny didn't think it could get worse. But it does! Her mother decides to permanently relocate to Hog's Hollow and open up a cupcake shop. Penny spends the remaining part of the summer working in her mother's shop, and after enrolling in the local high school, Penny uses the shop as an excuse to not make friends.

However, a chance meeting on the beach provides Penny with new friends and a possible romance.

Personal Thoughts: Penny's frustrations surrounding the new move and friendships are believable. I loved discovering more about Penny as the book continued. You will love Penny's honesty and humor!

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks

by Lauren Myracle

Peace, Love & Baby Ducks tells the story of two sisters. Upon returning from a summer wilderness camp, Carly must accept her family's wealth along with her sister's grown-up appearance. Myracle's novel examines the relationship between Carly and Anna with truth.

Personal Thoughts: Having a younger sister of my own, I related to Carly and her struggles with her younger sister. Carly is open and honest with her feelings, making her a believable character. She is confused between who she wants to be and who she is.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jacqueline Kelly

Eleven-year-old Calpurnia is the middle child of seven siblings. In fact, Callie Vee, as she prefers to be called, is the only girl. Kelly's novel takes place in the summertime, 1889, in Fentress, Texas. Calpurnia's mother believe that Calpurnia's life will be fulfilled if she learns how to cook and sew, as well as make a formal debut into society. Callie Vee, on the other hand, finds fulfillment in spending time with Darwin and her grandfather, an interesting man who studies plants, bugs, and the uses of pecans.

Will Calpurnia learn to balance her life, or will she turn to what society expects of her?

Personal Thoughts: As a character, Calpurnia is humorous and believeable. Watching her struggle between two worlds - what she wants and what society expects - proves humorous and amazing!

Impossible

by Nancy Werlin

At the age of seventeen, Lucy becomes pregnant. At the age of seventeen, Lucy also discovers a curse that plagues the women in her family. If Lucy does not complete three impossible tasks and break the curse, she is destined to fall into madness upon the birth of her child. Her child will then suffer the same fate as all of the other women in the family.

Although the tasks seem impossible, Lucy fails to give up. With the help of her foster parents and childhood friends, Lucy works diligently to break the curse. Will she be successful?

Personal Thoughts: Nancy Werlin's novel is full of suspense and romance. I loved watching Lucy discover family secrets, as well as research ways to break the curse. Zach, Lucy's childhood friend, and foster parents teach Lucy the importance of love and family.

Artichoke's Heart

by Suzanne Supplee

After dealing with the rude comments and remarks of schoolmates and family members, Rosemary finally decides she wants to lose weight. Supplee's novel follows Rosemary's journey, a journey where she slowly comes to terms with her weight and her mother's cancer. Rosemary soon discovers the importance of friendships and relationships, as well as the harsh truth about those around her.

Personal Thoughts: I loved this book! Rosie's voice is full of humor and wit, and many readers relate to the problems she faces.