A review by angiew23
Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan

5.0

Cilla Lee-Jenkins Future Author Extraordinaire written by Susan Tan and illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte is definitely making its way onto my read alouds list for this year. The story is narrated by an 8 year old named Pricilla (who goes by Cilla) and tells of her life with her parents, classmates, friends and grandparents as she navigates elementary school. Cilla is especially disappointed by the fact that a blob she saw in a grainy ultrasound picture is about to become her new baby sibling. Light hearted and fun, while also tackling issues young people face like disagreements with a best friend, being teased for enjoying a cultural delicacy uncommon to other preschoolers and learning how to be a big sister. I think that kids will connect with Cilla while also finding her versions of what is going on around her silly and funny. I am looking forward to sharing it with my Grade 3 students later this year!

This novel also reminds me a bit of Stella Diaz Has Something to Say by Angela Dominguez and Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson, in that it is about a young girl's unique perspective as she navigates the world, including difficulties she faces related to her race because microaggressions happen even to second graders! I would definitely recommend this book to parents and teachers looking for books with diverse and spunky main characters for children in the range of ages 6-10.