Hayley's classmate, Kyle, is visually impaired he can see a little - "large shapes, some colors" - and he recognizes voices instantly. One of Hayley's best friends, Marco, is fiercely protective of his older sister, Sarah, who is autistic. Hayley's proper British grandmother is courted by Mr. The book's supporting characters come in all shapes and sizes, with diverse backgrounds, interests, accents, and abilities. She occasionally offers "Confessions" between chapters, quick considerations or flashbacks that reveal the truth behind what she's doing or what she's done, things that have happened with or to her family or her friends. Hayley tells her story in first person narrative.
Hayley is mature to a degree, and she's very observant of those around her, but she is sometimes reluctant to made bold moves, especially if she thinks it will shake things up even more.
With Hayley, Lisa Papademetriou has created a protagonist that's likeable, kind, and realistic. In book #1, Save the Cupcake!, she whips up gluten-free chocolate cupcakes for a classmate. She is happy to try out new recipes for people with different tastes and food sensitivities. In an effort to create unique and memorable cupcakes, Hayley also experiments with different ingredients, even those traditionally included in breakfast meals. Hayley makes traditional favorites as well as special treats, and recipes are sprinkled throughout the books. There are both serious and fun things going on at school, too, when they try to ban bake sales and cupcakes, when they decide to change their school mascot, when crushes are crushing.īakers and foodies will definitely want to take a bite out of these books. Meanwhile, Hayley's dad has a new girlfriend, Annie, who is ten years younger than him, and Hayley's not comfortable around her at first. Money is tight, and Hayley's mom goes on the hunt for a new job. Serious matters are treated with compassion and truth: After her parents divorce, Hayley, her younger sister, Chloe, and her mom move in with her grandmother. This series has just the right mix of ingredients for tween readers: a thoughtful, considerate protagonist, distinct characters, each with their own flavor, fun times, steady pacing, and a pinch of secrets. When working in the kitchen, Hayley feels like she's in control, and things seem more manageable. With so many things in Hayley's life changing, she finds solace in baking and in being in her grandmother's café, The Tea Room. She'd rather be stirring up a new batch of cupcakes. Hungry for a sweet series of books? Order up the Confectionately Yours series by Lisa Papademetriou and meet Hayley, a seventh-grade girl whose life just got shaken up by her parents' divorce.
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