Measuring Up

For fans of American Born Chinese and Roller Girl, Measuring Up is an own voices graphic novel debut from Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu

"A beautiful story about food, family, and finding your place in the world." —Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese and Dragon Hoops

"A delicious and heartwarming exploration of identity by a young immigrant trying to find her place in multiple cultures." —Remy Lai, author of Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall

Twelve-year-old Cici has just moved from Taiwan to Seattle, and the only thing she wants more than to fit in at her new school is to celebrate her grandmother, A-m 's, seventieth birthday together.

Since she can't go to A-m , Cici cooks up a plan to bring A-m to her by winning the grand prize in a kids' cooking contest to pay for A-m 's plane ticket There's just one problem: Cici only knows how to cook Taiwanese food.

And after her pickled cucumber debacle at lunch, she's determined to channel her inner Julia Child. Can Cici find a winning recipe to reunite with A-m , a way to fit in with her new friends, and somehow find herself too?

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Fall 2020 Kids Indie Next List

Featured in Parents Magazine Book Nook October issue

A CBC Hot off the Press October Selection

"This is a lively graphic novel about a girl finding her way in a new country where her identity is persistently misunderstood....[A]n important reminder of connection between loved ones in cooking as in life." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This sweet, family-oriented graphic novel celebrates cultural traditions and new beginnings in equal measure....Xu's manga-influenced full-color illustrations set a gentle tone to this highly appealing story of new beginnings." Booklist

"Bright, full-color illustrations....Clean and expressive line drawings on simply colored backgrounds leave lots of room for the story's big emotions, while also allowing for the delightful level of finer detail." School Library Journal

"LaMotte's accessible writing resonates...and Xu's simple, inviting illustrations will charm young readers....[T]he result is heartwarming fare that will appeal to all." Publishers Weekly

"Debut author Lily LaMotte draws on her immigrant experiences — as well as her cooking show obsession — for a toothsome #OwnVoices graphic feast vibrantly illustrated by the Ignatz-nominated Ann Xu." Shelf Awareness

"Hints of superhero identity lurk throughout this textured graphic novel filled with heart and humor....Bold and nuanced, this intercultural 'cook book' dishes up hearty morsels well worth savoring." Kirkus Reviews

"Measuring Up...can be a useful tool for parents and guardians to teach their tweens to honor their cultural heritage and to find the courage to be unique." Mochi Magazine

Lily LaMotte graduated from Hamline's Writing for Children and Young Adults program with an MFA. When she isn't writing, she's cooking up new recipes and supporting her library system as a KCLS Foundation board member. Measuring Up is her debut graphic novel. Visit her at www.lilylamotte.com.

Ann Xu is an Ignatz-nominated cartoonist and illustrator. She graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a BFA in illustration. Visit Ann at www.annixu.com.