The Truth about Twinkie Pie by Kat Yeh

I listened to the audio version of this book.  I loved the voice and southern accent of the woman who read it - perfect for the story!  Twelve year old Gi Gi, who has decided to change her name to Leia when she and her sister move to a new town so she can go to a new, swanky private school has decided to remake herself  because she is tired of always studying and having no friends.  Her older sister Di Di, an 8th grade dropout who is a hairstylist, and has raised her since their mother died, wants GiGi, aka Leia, to study hard and become a scientist, but Gi Gi wants to make friends and remake her entire life.  Her first friend, Tripp, who she literally trips over when she enters the school, becomes her best friend, but as she navigates middle school and her life, she learns there are secrets in everyone's families, including hers.  I really enjoyed the story , and the recipes included too, and I think that middle school kids will enjoy it as well.