Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous

Cookies & Milk, #2

by

Shawn Amos

"Middle school is not for the weak," and don't you know it! Delightful follow-up to last year's COOKIES & MILK!

Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous, the much-anticipated follow-up to Shawn Amos's debut novel, Cookies & Milk, is finally here and does not disappoint. Ellis Johnson and his friends return, this time in the middle of their first semester of middle school, and they have already noticed a change in the climate from the earlier grades. Everyone had to do some quick growing up, especially Ellis, who is encountering change at home and at Sunset Cookies. 

Ellis is such a likable kid, full of self-confidence and plans for the future, constantly daydreaming about how he's going to make things happen. He loves his dad, whom he helped build his cookie store into a success, and dreams and schemes about improving business while maintaining the status quo in his family. The new woman in his dad's life really throws him for a loop. Young readers, especially, will relate to Ellis's feelings toward Sam but will easily pick up on the fact that he doesn't treat her well or handle the situation correctly. All readers can probably relate to Ellis's trepidation about returning to school after the fiasco at the Thanksgiving parade. As the man says, "Middle school is not for the weak." Ellis undergoes a great deal during this short time frame, but grows from the experience in positive ways. 

I love the mid-1970s Hollywood setting and enjoyed the musical trip down memory lane with Uncle Wishbone. But we all know he was correct, right? 

With its fast-paced, lively plot and its cast of engaging characters, I recommend ELLIS JOHNSON MIGHT BE FAMOUS to middle-grade readers and fans of the previous book. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through TBR and Beyond Book Tours.