Eat, Read, and Be Mommy

Man, the time change is killing me this year…which is why I missed my last post. By the time I remembered (and had time), it was late enough that I didn’t have it in me to put off going to bed. And while that was a little unfortunate, since I’m now up to three finished books waiting for reviews again, it was still the better choice!

Anyway. This morning–while parked at the school, waiting to pick up my kindergartener–I finished Measuring Up, a fairly new graphic novel by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu. I can’t remember how it came onto my radar, but I’m glad it did; it’s not always easy to find solidly appropriate graphic novels that aren’t starting to trend a little young for my sixth grader. Not that this will be in any way challenging for her, you understand, but its themes of moving, missing a loved family member, and trying to simultaneously assimilate to a new culture while honoring your cultural identity aren’t little kid themes. (Seeing them come together in a cooking contest, moreover, was especially fun; I watched a LOT of the Food Network when I was nursing/feeding babies.) Cici’s American journey is definitely not as difficult as some I’ve read about, but moving to a new country is never easy. This is a fun and thought-provoking addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection!

Also, I’m sorry to end two paragraphs in a row with exclamation points. For some reasons they both felt warranted, but I know the combination is awkward. Some days, you know?