Ren's One-Of-A-Kind Cupcakes
(Cupcake Diaries: The New Batch #3)

Gr 2-4--Simon and Lopez offer a character-driven, endearing read. Ren Lu is new in town and is looking for ways to express herself and make friends. When the school announces Kindness Week, Ren has the great idea to make mini cupcakes. When she presents her idea to her Mini Cupcake Club friends--Natalie, Emily, Alana, and Ethan--everyone is onboard. As they execute their idea, however, the club butts heads about how they should do it, and friendships become strained. Can Ren learn to ask for help and welcome other people's suggestions? The plot is well written and engaging. The characters are a little underdeveloped but likable and relatable. Scenes with family and friends are authentic to kids and help to draw readers into the story. Illustrations feature detailed, well-drawn sketches using different shades of gray, black, and white. The eye-catching art spans anywhere from one- to two-page spreads. The book's characters form a diverse cast: Alana and Ethan are Black, and Ren and her family are Chinese. VERDICT Readers who like friendship stories, food novels, and new-kid books will want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where friendship stories are popular.--Kira Moody