Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous

September 1, 2023
Ellis Johnson returns in this follow-up to Cookies & Milk (2022): This time he's struggling to accept changes. In this sequel by the son of the Famous Amos cookies founder, it's time for Ellis to get serious--as his dad's right-hand man at the cookie shop and as a harmonica player. The 12-year-old Black boy growing up in 1970s Hollywood plans to be famous someday. Ellis has a plan to show everyone just how serious he can be--and put family business Sunset Cookies on the map. It all begins with their highly anticipated appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. On the way to New York, Dad has an instant connection with the pilot, Capt. Samantha Golden, which annoys Ellis. And after disaster strikes during the parade, Ellis gives up on his blues music dreams. Life gets worse when he returns--his uncle Wishbone has taken over Ellis' clubhouse, he has to share Dad with blond pilot Sam, and he can't escape the humiliation of the parade incident. Ellis has plans, but how much is he willing to risk to get things back to how they were? Simple sentences, clear first-person narration, and a relaxed pace allow readers to immerse themselves in Ellis' colorful world. The theme of change resonates throughout, reinforcing the idea that it's normal to be anxious about it, but that shouldn't stop you from pushing forward. Final art not seen. A heartwarming story of resilience. (author's note, recipe, how to play harmonica, playlist) (Historical fiction. 8-12)

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October 15, 2023
Grades 4-7 After the events of 2022's Cookies & Milk, Ellis feels like his life in 1970s California is in a great place. The family cookie shop is a roaring success, he has fantastic friends and a burgeoning crush, and he's growing in confidence as a blues harmonica player. He's even booked to be part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his famous father! But after the parade turns into an embarrassing nightmare, Ellis bids adieu to his musical aspirations and returns home to a host of other changes: his divorced dad is dating again, and his DJ uncle has taken over his clubhouse. As Ellis schemes to undo these developments, complications arise that have him rethinking his resistance to change. It's a pleasure to return to Ellis' cozy, cookie-scented world and watch him navigate new, relatable challenges. The familial bonds are deep and affectionate, and the confiding, casual narrative style will easily draw in young readers. An eminently entertaining reminder that change should be embraced instead of feared--and that cookies always make life sweeter.

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December 22, 2023

Gr 4-6-Ellis Johnson, aka the Cookie Kid, is back in this series based on the author's experiences growing up the son of Wally "Famous" Amos. It's 1976, and with warm cookies keeping customers satisfied, the kitchen isn't the only place where things are heating up. Being in middle school and having divorced parents is proving more challenging than he bargained for. While Dad and Ellis, who are Black, are on a trip to New York, a new woman named Sam comes into Dad's life and Ellis isn't one bit happy about it. Ellis gets the opportunity to show off his harmonica skills in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but his confidence takes a hit when it doesn't go as planned. On top of that, Ellis has a girl he's pretty interested in, but Uncle Wishbone has quit his job at the radio station and continues to invade Ellis's space. Ellis is ready to pull out all the stops to get DJ Wishbone back on the radio, and to break up Dad and his new girlfriend. This is a sweet sequel about a young boy navigating all the changes in his life and trying to forge his own identity with the help of a strong community. VERDICT An enjoyable read that is nicely paced and very relatable to anyone who's ever experienced love, frustration, and middle school. Recommended for all tween shelves.-Tracy Cronce

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