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pucksandpaperbacks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Racism
Moderate: Grief
wends_nblw's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Ahhhhh!!!! This book was so, so cute! I found an ARC of it in a little free library and decided to read it. I'm so glad I did. I loved the main character and her journey. The way she and Miranda learned from each other was heartwarming! I hope to see more from this author <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
Moderate: Bullying
emily_mh's review
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I have so many good things to say. Firstly, the art style was lovely. I like the way that Xu draws people, and ADORE the way she draws food (seriously, don’t read this book hungry like I did!). I also appreciated that for a book about a cooking competition, we got to see so much of the PROCESS of cooking. The competition also provided excellent structure and pacing for the plot. Finally, I really enjoyed the themes that were explored in the book. During the story we see Cici coming to terms with her Taiwanese-American identity, cleverly symbolised in her A-Má and Julia Child influencing her cooking. The narrative stresses that to be accepted, to be American, you shouldn’t have to reject parts of yourself. Another theme in the book is figuring out what YOU want to do with your life, separate from your parents’ expectations. I appreciated that this was explored with the nuance of why these parental expectations exist in the first place in the case of parents of colour, who are also immigrants, living in a country such as the U.S.
In terms of negatives, there was just a little too much exposition. For example, sometimes there would be a text box describing what was clearly happening in the panel. As well as this, I thought that Cici’s white friends needed to acknowledge their racism and this wasn’t really done.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Xenophobia
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Ableism, and Death
Minor: climate change/global warmingtherainbowshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a delightful, feel-good middle grade graphic novel about a first generation Taiwanese-American girl who navigates making friends and fitting in in the US, and follows her cooking passion to try and win money to help her grandma visit. Great themes of friendship, passion, and family culture. Loved food illustrations and pop culture/book references throughout! Content warnings for racism.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
lilybear3's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I loved watching Cici grow into her own and finding friendship. I think it did a good job of showing what an Asian American immigrant family might function. I love her friend dynamic with her competitor because they show healthy competition and shows that people have a lot in common even if they have different cultural backgrounds.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Xenophobia
yuna's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cute story that felt geared more toward the younger-to-middle part of the MG age spectrum. Had lots of humorous moments/"kid things" that felt like what a 10-12yr old would do. A lot for kids to find relatable here, especially immigrant AsianAm kids with more traditional/conservative families. I liked how the story is as much about Cici learning to accept/embrace herself as a Taiwanese-American as it is her trying to "convince" her white American friends. Had a lot of examples where kids can see a similarity in custom even though the exact application or reasoning may be different.
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism and Bullying
booksnbeesofbea's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
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