Emma Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice [Paperback]

Emma puts her big sister skills—and her bravery—to the test when her brother has to stay in the hospital.

Emma’s younger brother Jake has been getting sore throats for quite a while. When her parents take him to the doctor, their suspicions are confirmed: Jake needs to get his tonsils out. The Cupcake Club rallies around Jake, and even bakes him a special batch of cupcakes to make him feel better. Emma feels bad for him, but wants to stay as far away from hospitals as possible—she’s a bit squeamish and gets woozy at the sight of blood. But Jake throws a fit the day of his operation and says he only wants “Emmy” to stay with him. Emma’s mom tells her she doesn’t have to stay, but Emma realizes Jake isn’t faking; he’s really scared. Can Emma get over her own fears in order to help her little brother?Emma Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

CHAPTER 1

Poor Jake

Please, Emmy! Just one more lick!”

My younger brother, Jake, was whining at me, which always drives me crazy. I sighed in exasperation.

“Come on, Em, don’t be such a tough guy,” said my best friend Alexis. Though Jake’s the only person I’ve allowed to call me “Emmy,” lately everyone’s been calling me “Em,” though my full first name is “Emma.”

“Great, now you’re on his side?” I complained.

“I’m always on his side,” said Alexis, winking at my little brother.

The Cupcake Club—my best friends Alexis,Mia, and Katie, plus me—were having a baking session in my kitchen. Whenever we bake at my house, mylittle brother, Jake, always comes scrounging around for tastes al3*