CLOSE TO FAMOUS by Joan Bauer

Love 'Em Cupcakes.

Foster and her mom, Rayka, just moved from Memphis to Culpepper. It was more like a shoot-for-the-moon move since they are actually running away from someone. It was the kindness that got them settled in that place…and some very good cupcakes.

Foster can bake cupcakes like they were made from heaven. Everyone who nipped a bite never stops biting. Soon, Foster is making good cash and good friends. But Foster is keeping a secret from people because she doesn’t want to be called stupid or anything like that. She wants to have her own baking show, she wants to be famous. What she didn’t understand is that revealing her secret is the key to her success. She can run, but she cannot hide.

I'll tell you something about tough times.

They just about kill you, but if you decide to keep working at them,
you'll find your way through.

After reading Hope Was Here, I knew I’d be reading another book(s) by Joan Bauer. I love the issues she brings, and the possibilities they show. It’s no shame crying and laughing with her characters. It always gets at me when kids are given the chance to stand up for themselves when kids were able to cross their limits through help and compassion from others, and allow them to be extraordinary in spite of all the terrible circumstances.

There's nothing wrong with having a different way of learning.
What's wrong is when people blame you for it.

And, btw, you might want to try Foster's cupcake recipes.

Book details:

Title: Close to Famous

Author: Joan Bauer

Publication: Puffin (February 3, 2011)

Genre: Fiction / YA

Rating: ★★★★