My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi is praised for its vivid portrayal of Harlem in the 1980s and its nuanced exploration of a young girl's imagination and struggle with identity. The protagonist's sci-fi escapism is both creative and relatable. However, some reviewers found pacing issues and wished for deeper character development. Overall, it's a unique and engaging middle-grade read.

Readers who would enjoy My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich by Ibi Zoboi are likely fans of contemplative young adult novels that blend historical and personal growth themes. Comparable to Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson and The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis, this book appeals to those who appreciate rich, reflective narratives on identity and heritage.

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich, published in 2019 by Ibi Zoboi, follows 12-year-old Ebony-Grace, an imaginative Black girl from Alabama, who loves outer space and superheroes. She spends a summer with her dad in Harlem, struggling to fit in and grappling with her vibrant imagination in a new environment. The story explores her journey toward finding self-expression and identity. The book features racism, refers to drug addiction, and arguably alludes to sexual misconduct.

Nostalgic / Emotional / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Humorous

Ibi Zoboi

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Summary and Study Guide

Background

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-17

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-25

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Chapters 18-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-32

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Chapters 26-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-39

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Chapters 33-39 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Character Analysis

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Themes

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Themes

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My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich Essay Topics

My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich

Before You Read

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Who Should Read My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich?

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