Sincerely Sicily

by Tamika Burgess (Author)

Sincerely Sicily
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

From debut author Tamika Burgess comes the captivating and empowering story of Sicily Jordan--a Black Panamanian fashionista who rocks her braids with pride--who learns to use her voice and take pride in who she is while confronting prejudice in the most unexpected of places.

Sicily Jordan's worst nightmare has come true! She's been enrolled in a new school, with zero of her friends and stuck wearing a fashion catastrophe of a uniform. But however bad Sicily thought sixth grade was going to be, it only gets worse when she does her class presentation.

While all her classmates breezed through theirs, Sicily is bombarded with questions on how she can be both Black and Panamanian. She wants people to understand, but it doesn't feel like anyone is ready to listen--first at school and then at home. Because when her abuela starts talking mess about her braids, Sicily's the only one whose heart is being crumpled for a second time.

Staying quiet may no longer be an option, but that doesn't mean Sicily has the words to show the world just what it means to be a proud Black Panamanian either. Even though she hasn't written in her journal since her abuelo passed, it's time to pick up her pen again--but will it be enough to prove to herself and everyone else exactly who she is?

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review
Impressively models the ways an ordinary girl--consistently serving fab lip gloss looks--can be an extraordinary self-advocate even when she shouldn't have to be. Prejudice can show up anywhere; this smart, rich novel deserves to be read everywhere. 

Review quotes



Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780063159600
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
January 20, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience
JUV039120 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Prejudice & Racism
Library of Congress categories
Families
Schools
Self-esteem
Middle schools
Prejudices
Racially mixed people
Novels
Panamanian Americans

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