Scan barcode
lookmairead's review against another edition
4.0
I love how food education was weaved through this plot.
juniper_reads_things's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Mmm this book makes me feel full, like eating a good meal. I really love cooking challenge books, and this author is one of my new favorites! Totally would recommend this book.
aramintapdf's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This is such a sweet graphic novel depicting a young girl's desire to win a cooking competition to bring her grandmother overseas in order to cheer up her father. Not only that, but CiCi must also adjust to living in the United States and deal with both overt racism and the genuine fumbling of her new friends.
The illustration style is fun and the revolving food imagery was just fantastic. LaMotte handled her story both delicately and with humor, easing the tension of the more difficult subjects.
The illustration style is fun and the revolving food imagery was just fantastic. LaMotte handled her story both delicately and with humor, easing the tension of the more difficult subjects.
mfrisk's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A good read about life as an immigrant having new experiences and learning to blend your home culture and that of your new home. Very cute.
happylilkt's review against another edition
4.0
4 delicious stars!
Battle of the Books 2022-2023
My 3rd grader is doing Battle of the Books, so I am reading along. I really liked this one! Cici loves her Ama (grandmother) and is distraught at leaving her behind in Taiwan when she and her parents relocate to Seattle. This book has such a lovely focus on staying close to family, making new friends, and developing "confidence and conviction!" (Thanks, Julia Child!)
Full List of 2022-23 OBOB selections 3-5 Grades
[b:Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio|226425|Small Steps The Year I Got Polio|Peg Kehret|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348218290l/226425._SX50_.jpg|1137137] ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[b:A Wish in the Dark|38465017|A Wish in the Dark|Christina Soontornvat|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574778992l/38465017._SX50_.jpg|60091760] ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[b:Measuring Up|50997628|Measuring Up|Lily LaMotte|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589287147l/50997628._SX50_.jpg|75312255] ⭐⭐⭐⭐
[b:Ten|6921851|Ten|Shamini Flint|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1254202315l/6921851._SX50_.jpg|7150198] ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (dropped from regional / state because not widely available)
[b:Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring|35849452|Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring|Angela Cervantes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503754189l/35849452._SY75_.jpg|53356130] ⭐⭐⭐
[b:Life of Zarf: The Trouble with Weasels|20821235|Life of Zarf The Trouble with Weasels|Rob Harrell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393223087l/20821235._SY75_.jpg|27685688] ⭐⭐⭐
[b:The Best of Iggy|44678029|The Best of Iggy (Iggy, #1)|Annie Barrows|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598542813l/44678029._SY75_.jpg|69337559] ⭐⭐⭐
[b:Snapdragon|44280844|Snapdragon|Kat Leyh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562010523l/44280844._SX50_.jpg|68794400] ⭐⭐
[b:Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer|48635847|Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer|Gillian Goerz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575341190l/48635847._SY75_.jpg|73975791] ⭐⭐
[b:The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart|26869762|The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart (Tales from the Chocolate Heart, #1)|Stephanie Burgis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1472822247l/26869762._SY75_.jpg|46913191]
[b:Rescue on the Oregon Trail|22323698|Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time, #1)|Kate Messner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403394841l/22323698._SX50_.jpg|41718309]
[b:From the Desk of Zoe Washington|45169415|From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington, #1)|Janae Marks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560957404l/45169415._SY75_.jpg|60426059]
[b:Harbor Me|37584983|Harbor Me|Jacqueline Woodson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1526574263l/37584983._SY75_.jpg|62648355]
[b:Spark|40796150|Spark|Sarah Beth Durst|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1534663700l/40796150._SX50_.jpg|56893606]
[b:Kinda Like Brothers|20578939|Kinda Like Brothers|Coe Booth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1391615283l/20578939._SX50_.jpg|39847343]
[b:Letters from Cuba|49189485|Letters from Cuba|Ruth Behar|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580795058l/49189485._SY75_.jpg|74637313]
Battle of the Books 2022-2023
My 3rd grader is doing Battle of the Books, so I am reading along. I really liked this one! Cici loves her Ama (grandmother) and is distraught at leaving her behind in Taiwan when she and her parents relocate to Seattle. This book has such a lovely focus on staying close to family, making new friends, and developing "confidence and conviction!" (Thanks, Julia Child!)
Full List of 2022-23 OBOB selections 3-5 Grades
[b:Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio|226425|Small Steps The Year I Got Polio|Peg Kehret|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348218290l/226425._SX50_.jpg|1137137] ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[b:A Wish in the Dark|38465017|A Wish in the Dark|Christina Soontornvat|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574778992l/38465017._SX50_.jpg|60091760] ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[b:Measuring Up|50997628|Measuring Up|Lily LaMotte|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589287147l/50997628._SX50_.jpg|75312255] ⭐⭐⭐⭐
[b:Ten|6921851|Ten|Shamini Flint|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1254202315l/6921851._SX50_.jpg|7150198] ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (dropped from regional / state because not widely available)
[b:Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring|35849452|Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring|Angela Cervantes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503754189l/35849452._SY75_.jpg|53356130] ⭐⭐⭐
[b:Life of Zarf: The Trouble with Weasels|20821235|Life of Zarf The Trouble with Weasels|Rob Harrell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393223087l/20821235._SY75_.jpg|27685688] ⭐⭐⭐
[b:The Best of Iggy|44678029|The Best of Iggy (Iggy, #1)|Annie Barrows|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598542813l/44678029._SY75_.jpg|69337559] ⭐⭐⭐
[b:Snapdragon|44280844|Snapdragon|Kat Leyh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562010523l/44280844._SX50_.jpg|68794400] ⭐⭐
[b:Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer|48635847|Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer|Gillian Goerz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1575341190l/48635847._SY75_.jpg|73975791] ⭐⭐
[b:The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart|26869762|The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart (Tales from the Chocolate Heart, #1)|Stephanie Burgis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1472822247l/26869762._SY75_.jpg|46913191]
[b:Rescue on the Oregon Trail|22323698|Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time, #1)|Kate Messner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403394841l/22323698._SX50_.jpg|41718309]
[b:From the Desk of Zoe Washington|45169415|From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington, #1)|Janae Marks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560957404l/45169415._SY75_.jpg|60426059]
[b:Harbor Me|37584983|Harbor Me|Jacqueline Woodson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1526574263l/37584983._SY75_.jpg|62648355]
[b:Spark|40796150|Spark|Sarah Beth Durst|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1534663700l/40796150._SX50_.jpg|56893606]
[b:Kinda Like Brothers|20578939|Kinda Like Brothers|Coe Booth|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1391615283l/20578939._SX50_.jpg|39847343]
[b:Letters from Cuba|49189485|Letters from Cuba|Ruth Behar|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1580795058l/49189485._SY75_.jpg|74637313]
kb_hg's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
I don’t think I have read a book with someone who has lived in Taiwan. Makes me want to try their food
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
4.0
*I am reading all of the books on the 2022 SSYRA Grades 3 to 5 list. As of 7/31/22 this is book #1 out 15 in terms of quality. If you want to see a complete list altogether in one place in order of best to worst check out my ko-fi*.
I don't read many graphic novels any more - not from dislike, it's simply my normal reading patterns diverging - and when I picked this up I was looking forward to the easy enjoyment they often bring. It's rare that I have a problem with a middle grade graphic novel that's so big I actively dislike it.
As expected, Measuring Up was a delight.
I always enjoy reading about other cultures and Measuring Up used food as a wonderful way to bridge the gap. Food is important in general, but the passing of recipes and history of dishes and the act of creation has unique significance to collectivist identities compared to the individualism above all else prevailing in the West, namely the United States where Cici suddenly finds herself after her big move from Taiwan. Cici entering the contest becomes a way to share her heritage with those around her in-story and out.
Like most kids Cici's worried about fitting into her school and making new friends. Over the course of the book she comes to realize that she doesn't just want to be Taiwanese passively, she's proud to be Taiwanese and if other people can't accept it then they're not worth her time.
What kept it from being a 5 star read which is the abrupt end to a few different key plot points.
For instance, Cici initially wants to keep her entrance into the contest a secret from her father because if she wins she wants her grandmother's arrival to be a surprise for him since he misses her so much. Almost immediately she is 'forced' to tell him about her plan which ended up undermining the long term conflict between the two. It would have added some fun tension watching her juggle two lives and ultimately created a more satisfying confrontation when the two finally had their heart to heart.
Similarly, when she does have the confrontation with her father he immediately capitulates which was unrealistic given the attitude he had previously. It almost felt like Lily LaMotte was scared to see certain elements through so she smothered the potential conflict before it had time to catch fire.
The story was still good, but it did often feel a little too simplistic when it came to the emotional beats. It kind of makes sense given the age grouping this is part of, still I think some parts didn’t need to be quite as easily rectified as they were. Kids can handle complexity.
Nevertheless, it's a comfortable recommend. I think kids will connect with its themes and outside of that it's a pleasant, enjoyable read all on its own.
I don't read many graphic novels any more - not from dislike, it's simply my normal reading patterns diverging - and when I picked this up I was looking forward to the easy enjoyment they often bring. It's rare that I have a problem with a middle grade graphic novel that's so big I actively dislike it.
As expected, Measuring Up was a delight.
I always enjoy reading about other cultures and Measuring Up used food as a wonderful way to bridge the gap. Food is important in general, but the passing of recipes and history of dishes and the act of creation has unique significance to collectivist identities compared to the individualism above all else prevailing in the West, namely the United States where Cici suddenly finds herself after her big move from Taiwan. Cici entering the contest becomes a way to share her heritage with those around her in-story and out.
Like most kids Cici's worried about fitting into her school and making new friends. Over the course of the book she comes to realize that she doesn't just want to be Taiwanese passively, she's proud to be Taiwanese and if other people can't accept it then they're not worth her time.
What kept it from being a 5 star read which is the abrupt end to a few different key plot points.
For instance, Cici initially wants to keep her entrance into the contest a secret from her father because if she wins she wants her grandmother's arrival to be a surprise for him since he misses her so much. Almost immediately she is 'forced' to tell him about her plan which ended up undermining the long term conflict between the two. It would have added some fun tension watching her juggle two lives and ultimately created a more satisfying confrontation when the two finally had their heart to heart.
Similarly, when she does have the confrontation with her father he immediately capitulates which was unrealistic given the attitude he had previously. It almost felt like Lily LaMotte was scared to see certain elements through so she smothered the potential conflict before it had time to catch fire.
The story was still good, but it did often feel a little too simplistic when it came to the emotional beats. It kind of makes sense given the age grouping this is part of, still I think some parts didn’t need to be quite as easily rectified as they were. Kids can handle complexity.
Nevertheless, it's a comfortable recommend. I think kids will connect with its themes and outside of that it's a pleasant, enjoyable read all on its own.
bookph1le's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
This book made me sooo hungry! Aside from the drool-worthy food, there was so much packed into it, all of it done in such a natural way. It raises challenging questions about cultural expectations and biases in an extremely thoughtful way. It also works so well as a narrative about an immigrant trying to feel her way in an environment that's so different from her own, while also dealing with typical adolescent issues around being accepted and finding your place. I also just loved the beautiful relationship between Cici and her grandmother, and the way the book handles her misunderstandings with her parents, as well as how Cici, her mother, and her father all grow and learn to understand one another in new ways. Now I just need to do some field research on all the yummy Taiwanese food the book highlights!
This book made me sooo hungry! Aside from the drool-worthy food, there was so much packed into it, all of it done in such a natural way. It raises challenging questions about cultural expectations and biases in an extremely thoughtful way. It also works so well as a narrative about an immigrant trying to feel her way in an environment that's so different from her own, while also dealing with typical adolescent issues around being accepted and finding your place. I also just loved the beautiful relationship between Cici and her grandmother, and the way the book handles her misunderstandings with her parents, as well as how Cici, her mother, and her father all grow and learn to understand one another in new ways. Now I just need to do some field research on all the yummy Taiwanese food the book highlights!