Measuring Up

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 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.

“This sweet, family-oriented graphic novel celebrates cultural traditions and new beginnings in equal measure...First-time author LaMotte brings an obvious love of food and cooking to a positive story that aspiring young chefs will devour. Xu’s manga-influenced full-color illustrations set a gentle tone to this highly appealing story of new beginnings.” — Booklist“LaMotte’s accessible writing resonates in sketching a diaspora experience and Xu’s simple, inviting illustrations will charm young readers… in LaMotte and Xu’s capable hands, the result is heartwarming fare that will appeal to all.” — Publishers Weekly“The increasingly suspenseful elimination rounds of the contest give this funny, fast-paced narrative its dramatic arc. And the graphic novel format, featuring Xu’s big-eyed characters, clean lines and simple, playful aesthetic, is a perfect vehicle, allowing readers to see for themselves what Cici’s creative rice dishes look like….The happy ending, meanwhile, is as satisfying as a juicy dumpling.” — New York Times Book Review"An aspiring young chef discovers her innate resourcefulness and the courage of her convictions…Hints of superhero identity lurk throughout this textured graphic novel filled with heart and humor, centering girls with budding ambitions, subverting tropes, and celebrating everyday heroes…Word to the wise: Readers should not pick up this book while hungry unless they have treats nearby such as Taiwanese minced pork over rice, or at least a bubble tea to go with that pineapple cake and zucchini chocolate cookie…Bold and nuanced, this intercultural 'cook book' dishes up hearty morsels well worth savoring." — Kirkus Reviews“This is a lively graphic novel about a girl finding her way in a new country where her identity is persistently misunderstood…an important reminder of connection between loved ones in cooking as in life…" — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“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"Cici is a plucky, bighearted protagonist, tackling head-on the many challenges her new circumstances throw at her, such as coping with a steady barrage of microaggressions, trying to fit in, and finding a way to reconcile the demands of American kid-hood with her parents’ hopes and expectations. Bright, full-color illustrations bring the story to life...Purchase wherever feel-good family stories are in demand, and recommend especially to readers who love cooking-filled comics." — School Library Journal