Author: Anna Mainwaring
Publisher: KCP Loft
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: April 3rd 2018
Rating:
Jesobel Jones is bold and brash, the daughter of a hand model and a washed-up rock star. Jess sees no need to apologize for her rambling house, her imperfect family, her single status … or her weight. Jess is who she is. She makes her own cupcakes and she eats them, too. No regrets.
That is, until Own Clothes Day rolls around at school. Jess and her friends dedicate the requisite hours of planning to their outfits, their hair and their makeup for the one day they are free from school uniforms. But a wardrobe malfunction leaves Jess with a pair of leggings split open at the worst spot, and a mean girl calling her the one thing that’s never bothered her before: fat.
The encounter shakes Jess’s formerly iron-clad confidence, and she starts to wonder if she’s been just a little too comfortable in her own skin. When the boy of her dreams invites her to a party, she must decide whether to try to fit in for the first time in her life, or remain true to herself — whoever that really is.
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Review: Rebel With a Cupcake by Anna Mainwaring
Rebel with a Cupcake by Anna Mainwaring is an uplifting story about a girl’s struggle with body image. The message is empowering, and the main character is so snarky. The story kept my attention, but I would have also liked to see more action plot-wise.
❀ Tackles Bullying
This book tells the story of a girl who bullied because of her weight after a wardrobe malfunction at school. Jess is normally a confident girl, but she starts to question herself after the accident. I enjoyed the humour throughout the story and the casual writing style. There are some themes of family and friendship, and I loved how the book is all about loving yourself. Rebel with a Cupcake is an entertaining story with a positive message, and it is the perfect book to kick back with this spring.
❀ Sassy Main Character
I absolutely adored Jesobel’s character. She is sassy and unapologetic, and she is so positive. Her voice is humorous and really makes the story more empowering. Jess is strong and relatable, and I loved seeing her stand up to bullies in the cheekiest way possible. She does have some immature moments, but overall, Jesobel is a dynamic character.
❀ Pointless Drama
Plot-wise, I don’t think this story has a lot going on. I feel like a lot of the story is pointless drama that just appears out of nowhere. A lot of it doesn’t really fit, and I would have liked to read more about Jesobel’s family and her journey to self-confidence. However, the message is still prominent, and the book is an entertaining read.
Rebel with a Cupcake by Anna Mainwaring is an inspiring read about embracing yourself. I loved the main character and her wit, and she has a great voice. I did enjoy the story, but I would have liked to see a bit more plot rather than random drama.
About Anna Mainwaring
Anna Mainwaring studied English Literature, which led to a career in banking. She left to travel and then to train as a teacher. Anna took part in NaNoWriMo in 2012, and after endless drafts, Rebel with a Cupcake was born. When not writing, Anna can be found walking up hills or in cafés. She lives in Cheshire, England, with her family, including a murderous gold fish called Moriarty.
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