"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
"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
¡°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
¡°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