Review by Booklist Review
In 1976, Ellis struggles with his parents' divorce, but salvation comes in the form of summer vacation. Alas, relaxation is put on hold after his dad announces he needs Ellis' help to bring his latest business enterprise to life: a shop devoted to selling his chocolate-chip confections. The proposed bakery space is dismal and remote, his dad hasn't finalized a recipe, and there are only six weeks to get things up and running. Can the family pull together and pull it off? The author, Amos, is the real-life son of Wally "Famous" Amos, cookie entrepreneur, and this ode to his upbringing is offbeat and enchanting. The humorous narration is breezy and conversational, though it's often punctuated by serious topics: divorce, racism, deep family wounds, and the experience of being a Black household in a predominantly white neighborhood. But there are also exquisite descriptions of musical transcendence, an uplifting community, and a gorgeous father-son relationship that evolves and deepens throughout. A sweet treat with a warm center.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Based on Amos's life with his father, Wally "Famous" Amos, this semi-autobiographical tale centers an endearing father-and-son relationship in 1976 Hollywood, Calif. Having graduated elementary school, 11-year-old Ellis Johnson hopes he's not the only Black kid in middle school next year. Though he longs to spend his summer playing his harmonica and hanging out with white best friend and vinyl record lover Alex, Ellis is instead begrudgingly helping his newly separated father open "the world's first chocolate chip cookie store" in a tattered building off Sunset Boulevard. Of all his father's "old dumb ideas"--such as peddling jewels made of stone fruits and designing footwear for dogs--this is, to Ellis, his worst. But as the summer unfolds and family secrets come to light, Ellis endeavors to repair fractured relationships while building new friendships within his bustling neighborhood. Accompanied by Paul's cozy illustrations, Amos's energetic prose encourages pride in one's culture. Championing interpersonal bonds, be they found family or blood relatives, the narrative also emphasizes unconditional love and one community's impact on a boy shaping his identity. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8--12. Agent: Penny Moore, Aevitas Creative Management. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3--6--Can you feel the funk, my friends? Ellis and his family invite you to Sunset Strip Cookies where you are served the most amazing cookies by a family who is strong, Black, and proud of it. Ellis's life has been a little upside down lately: his parents just divorced, his mom left him with his dad for the summer to "put herself first for a change," and his dad has this zany idea of opening a chocolate chip cookie shop on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. While getting the shop ready, Ellis will go through trials (it's not his fault he's the shortest kid in his grade), tribulations (his grandma says, "listening is tougher than talking," but it feels like his dad never listens), and triumphs (discovering kindness and good neighbors go a long way). Author Amos--and yes, the last name Amos should give readers an idea of how famous these cookies really are--sets a fantastic scene in the summer of 1976 on the Sunset Strip. Music, family dynamics, friends, and cookies are all delivered with imagery so strong that readers will taste those cookies while listening to Muddy Waters. Amos adds a nice touch by including a cookie recipe and a playlist at the end of the book. There are a few instances of period-typical racism and abuse (a "switch" is mentioned). VERDICT Best to read this with a glass of milk and all the ingredients to make Amos's recipe. Recommended as a solid historical fiction purchase.--Kerri L. Williams
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A boy improves his relationship with his father as they prepare to open a cookie store over summer break. Dad has had a lot of ridiculous ideas, but to 11-year-old Ellis, opening a store that only sells chocolate chip cookies--even if they are delicious--seems to be the worst. With his parents recently divorced and his mother visiting her best friend out of town, Ellis dreads spending the summer of 1976 with his father. It only gets worse when they arrive at a run-down storefront. The next six weeks are all about perfecting their recipe, fixing up the shop, and attracting customers--when all he really wants is to play his harmonica and hang out with his best friend. Through Ellis' first-person account, readers encounter several interesting characters on Sunset Boulevard as he explores his new neighborhood. One surprise is the existence of a mysterious paternal uncle that neither of his parents ever told him about, a discovery that sets Ellis on a course to reunite his family. Ellis learns not only the value of clear communication, but the importance of community as well. Readers will immediately love Ellis and his family as they learn to reconnect in this novel that is full of heart and humor. The easygoing pace and descriptive narration make it a suitable choice for reading aloud. Ellis and his family are Black. Final art not seen. A wholesome story that bridges generations. (author's note, recipe, playlist) (Historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
