I just reviewed the first book in this new graphic novel version of the Cupcake Diaries...and now, I got my hands on the latest book, which will be releasing tomorrow! Yes, this was a surprise for me and perfect, since I had some schedule juggling going on, anyway. If you want to see my review on the first book, head over here.
MIA IN THE MIX
Cupcake Diaries, The Graphic Novel, Book 2
by Coco Simon
Simon Spotlight
Middle Grade Contemporary / Graphic Novel
ages 8 to 12
COMING...
TOMORROW!!!
The bestselling Cupcake Diaries series is now available in graphic novel format! In this adaptation of the second book, new girl Mia tries to find her place at the Cupcake Club’s school.
When Mia arrives at her new school, her goal is to be open to and friendly with everyone, but everyone at Park Street School fits into a clique. When the Popular Girls Club takes an interest in Mia’s awesome fashion style and wants to recruit her, Mia must decide between them and her great new Cupcake Club friends. It’s like choosing between her divorced mom and dad and her old house and new house. Is it always going to be Mia in the middle, or can she mix it up?
Fun, bright, full-color graphic panels tell the story with the same humor and heart as the original novel.
GOODREADS / B&N / BOOK DEPOSITORY / AMAZON
MY TIDBITS
Steering through the world of friendship drama, this up-beat bunch of girls takes everything on with cupcakes and heart.
This 2nd book in the series takes off where the last one ended. So this isn't meant to be read as a stand-alone but is better to start at the beginning of the series.
Now that the Cupcake Club has won the contest, everything is looking up...except for Mia. She loves her new friends in the Cupcake Club but is a little disappointed that none of them share her interest for shopping and fashion. That fits better with the Popular Girl Club, which isn't on good terms with the Cupcake Club members...for good reason. While Mia knows of the rivalries between some of the girls and sympathizes with their problems, she hasn't personally had any difficulties with any of the girls. When she accidentally runs into the Popular Girl Club at the mall, she really enjoys spending time discussing fashion with them. She'd love to be friends with both sides, but that may not be possible.
This is a lovely series for the younger end of the middle grade audience. The text is easy to read, the situations are relatable, and the illustrations are cute, rounded and sweet. The story flows by quickly with something happening on every page. Plus, these girls come across so naturally, that they could be a reader's own friends at school.
There are several issues addressed in this book. First, the problem of balancing friendships, which seems to become especially problematic for girls when they hit middle school. Then, there's the issue of changing schools, finding new friends, and leaving old ones behind. Even family troubles come on board as Mia glides between her divorced parents and tries to come to terms with her father's new girlfriend. All of these are handled in a very appropriate manner for the age group and flow right into the tale without feeling preachy or weighing down. The friendship between the girls in the Cupcake Club stays golden, offers tons of cheerful vibes, and is as sweet as any cupcake could be.
And here she is...
Coco Simon always dreamed of opening a cupcake bakery, but she’s afraid she would eat all the profits. When she’s not daydreaming about cupcakes, Coco edits children’s books and has written close to 100 books for children, tweens, and young adults, which is a lot less than the number of cupcakes she’s eaten. Cupcake Diaries is the first time Coco has mixed her love of cupcakes with writing.
