ELLIS JOHNSON MIGHT BE FAMOUS

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.