About This Book
Reach for this book when your child has made a significant mistake and is feeling paralyzed by the consequences or the fear of coming clean. It is perfect for the pre-teen who is struggling with the weight of a secret and trying to solve a problem with logic that is, frankly, a bit flawed. The story follows Jeremy Bender, a sixth-grader who accidentally damages his father's boat and, in a desperate bid to win repair money, goes undercover as a girl in the Cupcake Cadets. While the premise is hilariously high-stakes, the underlying themes deal with the heavy burden of shame, the value of true friendship, and the realization that the truth is usually less scary than the lie. It is an ideal bridge for parents to discuss accountability in a way that feels lighthearted rather than accusatory. Middle grade readers will appreciate the slapstick humor and the relatable social anxiety of trying to fit in where you clearly do not belong.
