Scan barcode
A review by mariahistryingtoread
Measuring Up by Lily Lamotte
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.