Cici loves cooking with her A-ma (grandmother) in Taiwan; it makes her feel like she belongs. But when Cici’s family moves to America and away from A-ma, Cici suddenly feels out of place. She misses Taiwan, but especially misses her A-ma. Cici wants A-ma to visit, but A-ma cannot afford the plane ticket to America. When Cici sees a cooking contest for kids offered at a local store for a cash prize, she enters right away. But will the judges be interested in her Taiwanese cooking?

Measuring Up is a delightful graphic novel about family, friendship, and identity. The story is fast paced and compelling. There are so many beautiful and delicious looking foods prepared throughout the book – expect your tummy to grumble! This book is recommended for ages 9-12.

Measuring Up is perfect for fans of stories of realistic immigrant experiences like Kelly Yang’s Front Desk and Meg Medina’s Merci Suarez Changes Gears. If you’re looking for more books about friends who bond over cooking, check out A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan.

Reviewed by Kim B., Community Engagement Librarian