An Interview with Laura Pashley, Author of ‘Dodging Cupcakes’

An interview about Dodging Cupcakes sponsored by Laura Pashley, presented by The Children’s Book Review.

Today, we sit down with Laura Pashley, the author behind Dodging Cupcakes, an inspiring middle-grade novel that blends creativity, community, and STEM innovation.

Drawing from her experience as a FIRST Robotics mentor, author Laura Pashley seamlessly incorporates STEM elements into Dodging Cupcakes to inspire young readers—particularly girls—to tap into their full potential.

Set against the backdrop of a struggling town in northern Illinois, the novel emphasizes the power of community—it showcases how even the smallest actions, like Mindy’s inventive creations, can lead to meaningful change. In our conversation, we delve into Mindy’s personal growth, evolving communication skills, and the broader themes of creativity, resilience, and the impact of contributing to one’s community.

Tell us a little bit about the inspiration for the book. Have you personally had negative experiences with cupcake baking in the past?

Laura Pashley (LP): I developed Mindy’s partner, Charlie, because I have a genuine love for cupcakes—they’re fun, creative, and a great way to bring people together. Perfect for a booth at the Carnival. While we often see male chefs or bakers in the spotlight, women are still underrepresented in many STEM-related fields. I wanted to create a story where STEM activities are woven into a girl’s everyday life. In Dodging Cupcakes, Mindy showcases her ingenuity and creativity in a relatable and engaging way.

One of the best things about this book is how quirky, richly detailed, and specific the setting is. Is there a real-life Oglesby and Korn Wotel that you used as inspiration for Mindy’s new home and school?

LP: Oglesby is a real town in northern Illinois, but I’ve portrayed it as smaller, and more run-down in the story. Many small towns in the Midwest have inspired this depiction, as they often face challenges like fewer job opportunities, the decline of family-owned farms, and the rise of large corporate farms. This setting reflects the struggles and resilience of communities adapting to change.

In the story, Mindy is often a bit dismissive of the school’s library and enthusiastic librarian-principal. What message do you want readers to take away from the story about the relationship between STEM and humanities?

LP: Mindy, being a city girl, initially struggles to see beyond the rundown school building and the stacks of books in the principal’s office, which serves as a temporary library. She’s thrown off by the principal’s enthusiasm for books and her deep commitment to the school. It’s only through the carnival and her growing understanding of the school’s financial struggles that Mindy begins to recognize the community spirit and the principal’s passion for creating a better future for the students.

Communication is central to the story, and I love that we see Mindy getting better at it as the story progresses. What advice do you have for readers who struggle to “use their words”?

LP: Communication is definitely at the heart of Mindy’s journey, and it’s something many of us can relate to. For readers who struggle to “use their words,” my advice is to start small. Practice expressing how you feel in situations where you’re comfortable, like with a close friend or in a journal. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes—Mindy certainly does! What’s important is learning from those moments and being open to understanding others. Take a deep breath, and don’t be afraid to speak up. You might be surprised at how people respond when you do.

Community is another key theme throughout the novel, especially considering the story’s setting in a depressed and struggling area. Many teens can’t wait to leave their hometowns and go to exciting new places when they grow up. Do you think there is a role young people can play in reviving such communities in today’s world, and do you think they can be convinced to take on that role?

LP: Absolutely; I believe young people can play a powerful role in reviving struggling communities, and stories like Mindy’s highlight how creativity, teamwork, and fresh ideas can make a difference. Teens often bring energy, innovation, and a new perspective that can spark change, especially when paired with the experience and wisdom of older generations. The key is showing them the value of their contributions—how they can shape the future of their hometowns in meaningful ways. By providing opportunities to lead, build, and create, we can inspire them to see their communities not as places to escape but as places worth investing in. It’s all about fostering pride and giving them a reason to care.

The games Mindy invents are so fun. Tell us a little about the research that went into writing about Mindy’s inventions.

LP: As a mentor for FIRST Robotics, a competition and community outreach program, I had the opportunity to work on STEM projects designed to inspire the next generation. These experiences greatly influenced Mindy’s inventive spirit. I also drew inspiration during long walks, where I let my imagination wander and allowed ideas for her creations to take shape and grow. It was a blend of hands-on experience and daydreaming that brought her inventions to life.

What advice do you have for readers struggling to fit into a new community or environment?

LP: Fitting into a new community or environment can be tough, but my advice is to be patient with yourself and open to the people around you. Start by finding small ways to connect, whether it’s through shared interests, helping out, or simply being kind. Don’t be afraid to be yourself—sometimes the things that make you feel different are what make you stand out in the best way. It’s okay to take your time, and remember, building relationships and feeling at home doesn’t happen overnight. Keep trying, and you’ll find your place.

What other favorite teen coming-of-age stories would you recommend to readers who have enjoyed Dodging Cupcakes?

LP: There are so many wonderful coming-of-age stories for teens! A few favorites I’d recommend are Front Desk by Kelly Yang, which follows a resourceful girl balancing school and managing a motel with her family, and Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson, a graphic novel about friendship, perseverance, and finding your passion. I also love The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez, a story about creativity, self-expression, and staying true to yourself. These books are full of heart, humor, and relatable challenges that readers of all ages can enjoy.

What comes next—do you have any new middle-grade novels in the pipeline?

LP: Yes, I’m currently working on Mindy and her classmates’ next adventure at Korn Wotel School, continuing to integrate STEM themes to inspire and empower girls along the way.

About the Book

Dodging Cupcakes

Written by Laura Pashley

Ages 8-12 | 277 Pages

Publisher: STEMpire Press (2024) | ISBN: 9798218961749

Publisher’s Summary: Mindy moves from the city to her grandmother’s farmhouse in a small Midwestern town as she copes with her Grandmother’s recent passing. Starting at a new school is challenging, but the real surprise is that it’s located in an abandoned hotel. On her first day, Mindy encounters an overly enthusiastic principal/librarian who is a little too gung-ho about Pirate Book Day and befriends a mysterious boy who offers her advice from inside a locker.

Mindy sees a chance to make friends during the school’s carnival fundraiser when she partners with Charlie, one of the most popular boys in school. While Charlie suggests a cupcake booth, Mindy, eager to fit in, builds epic games to show off her inventive ideas and skills.

However, her games backfire dramatically, causing the other kids to stop talking to her. Where did she go wrong? Will she ever feel like she belonged? Could she ever call this place home? Drawing from grandmother’s memory, Mindy works her way back into the carnival. But when the carnival donkeys run loose, the games are overturned, and the crowd starts screaming, Mindy must find a way to save the carnival and keep the school from shutting down—permanently.

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 hotel. 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 her classmates with more than just cupcakes. Their budding friendship and Mindy’s trials of STEM-inspired games offer relatable lessons on risk-taking and accountability. Mindy’s story delves into deeper issues such as dealing with grief and the loneliness of children from single-parent families, all 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 in, to 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.

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About the Author

Laura Pashley wears many hats—she’s a writer, an artist, and an advocate for empowering young minds. As a mother of three, she’s no stranger to life’s challenges, having moved across the country 12 times. These experiences opened her eyes to the struggles of fitting in and finding one’s place.

Inspired by her work mentoring young students through FIRST Robotics—an exciting program that promotes STEM education by building and competing with robots—Laura noticed girls in her community lacked the opportunity and confidence to learn basic tools. She decided to change that narrative in her recently published book, Dodging Cupcakes.

Dodging Cupcakes is more than just pages—it celebrates creativity, curiosity, and courage. Laura wants girls of all ages to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to—whether it’s building a robot, fixing a bike, or inventing a carnival game. In Dodging Cupcakes, Laura encourages young girls to embrace their potential and explore the world with confidence and determination.

For more information, visit https://laurapashley.com/.

This interview—An Interview with Laura Pashley, Creator of ‘Dodging Cupcakes’—was conducted between Laura Pashley and Bianca Schulze.