Mindy's life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to her dad's quaint hometown in Illinois. Starting at a new school without any friends is challenging enough, but the real surprise is that the school is housed in an abandoned motel. On her first day, Mindy encounters an overly enthusiastic principal celebrating Pirate Day and befriends a mysterious boy who offers her advice from inside a locker. Her opportunity to connect with others arises during the library's carnival fundraiser, where she partners with Charlie, one of the most popular boys in school. While Charlie suggests a simple cupcake booth, Mindy dreams bigger. She's determined to create an epic game for the school carnival, even if it means taking a few risks. Will her ambitious plan win her new friends or push her into taking things too far? Mindy, a spirited 12-year-old, embarks on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, friendship, and self-discovery. The story is set against the backdrop of a quirky school in an old motel. Themes of feeling out of place and trying too hard unfold as she partners with Charlie for the school's carnival fundraiser, aiming to impress with more than just cupcakes. Their budding friendship and Mindy's trials of STEM-inspired carnival games offer relatable lessons on risk-taking, accountability, and the power of teamwork. The story delves into deeper issues such as dealing with grief and the loneliness of single-parent children while maintaining a tone of humor and hope. Mindy learns valuable lessons about building friendships in her new school and finding her place in the world. From navigating the ups and downs of fitting into discovering the power of teamwork, Mindy discovers the true meaning of friendship with her infectious humor, indomitable spirit, and creativity. Mindy will capture your heart and inspire you to embrace your sense of curiosity and imagination. Additionally, Dodging Cupcakes inspires young readers to explore the world of STEM. The book follows Mindy, step by step, as she builds one game idea after another to impress her teammate Charlie for their game booth at the school carnival. By embracing failure as a learning opportunity, kids develop resilience and confidence. Elements of STEM emphasize collaboration and teamwork, as in Dodging Cupcakes where Mindy and her classmates learn how to work together to find solutions. In conclusion, Dodging Cupcakes is an engaging book that inspires young readers to explore the world of STEM and its many advantages.