Cookies & Milk - by Shawn Amos

Book Synopsis

WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LITERARY WORK--YOUTH/TEENS!

It's a summer of family, friendship, and fun fiascos in this acclaimed novel that's as irresistible as a fresh-baked cookie.

Ellis Bailey Johnson has the summertime blues. Instead of hanging out with friends, listening to music, and playing his harmonica, Ellis has to help bring his dad's latest farfetched, sure-to-fail idea to life: open the world's first chocolate chip cookie store.

They have six weeks to perfect their recipe, get a run-down A-frame storefront on Hollywood's Sunset Boulevard into tip-top shape, and bring in customers. But nothing goes according to plan, especially when family secrets start to surface. Can Ellis bake up a happy ending?

Partially based on Shawn Amos's own experiences growing up the son of Wally "Famous" Amos, and packed with humor, heart, and fun illustrations, this debut novel sings with the joy of self-discovery, unconditional love, and community.

"Shawn Amos has written a beautiful story of family and music, of growing up and having adventures, of business building and character building, that is at once very specific and universal. I love Cookies and Milk as much as I love cookies and milk." -Lisa See, New York Times bestselling and award winning author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls

**Don't miss Ellis's next adventure: Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous

Review Quotes

A Junior Library Guild Selection
An NAACP Image Award winner for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens

"Shawn Amos has written a beautiful story of family and music, of growing up and having adventures, of business building and character building, that is at once very specific and universal. I love Cookies and Milk as much as I love cookies and milk."--Lisa See, New York Times bestselling and award winning author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls

"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."--Publishers Weekly

"Full of heart and humor....A wholesome story that bridges generations."--Kirkus

"Offbeat and enchanting. The humorous narration is breezy and conversational ...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."--Booklist

"Sets a fantastic scene.... Music, family dynamics, friends, and cookies are all delivered with imagery so strong that readers will taste those cookies."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Shawn Amos is a world-renowned Blues musician who grew up the son of Wally Amos, aka Famous Amos: a pop culture icon, cookie mogul, and household name to this day. When Shawn's not touring or recording as The Reverend Shawn Amos, he works as a partner at NYC communications firm Hudson Cutler. He is also a divorced father of three children, with whom he enjoys baking. This is his first novel.