Reviews

Measuring Up by Lily Lamotte

erine's review against another edition

4.0

Cici moves to the U.S. with her family from Taiwan, but they have to leave her grandmother behind. Besides navigating a new school, Cici wants to find a way to bring her grandmother over for a visit. Her opportunity arrives in the form of a cooking contest with a cash prize for the winner. Everything ends up fairly neat and tidy, but the conflicts along the way save the entire book from being too, too sweet. Cici loves cooking, but has a hard time persuading her parents that it's a worthwhile pursuit. She frankly addresses various microaggressions from friends and strangers, the loneliness of moving to a new country, and the joys and struggles of new friendships.

ballerinawhoreads11's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I thought this book was a fun, quick read! If you like cooking shows or Master Chef, I would recommend:)

msorto's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring 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? N/A

5.0

Loved this heartwarming story! It was so fun getting to see Cici grow as a cook and use her identities to influence her cooking

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. 

kirstenrose22's review against another edition

4.0

This is pretty good.... and now I’m hungry! :)

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

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.

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!)

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