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's My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich was her debut middle-grade novel, published in 2019.
- The book's title, My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich, was inspired by the protagonist's love for the unique imagery and flavor in her Harlem surroundings.

**Ebony-Grace Norfleet Freeman**  
Ebony-Grace is a young girl with a vivid imagination, deeply captivated by science fiction and outer space, which often leads her to act out her fantasies in unconventional ways. Throughout the story, she learns to balance her imaginative world with the realities around her.

**Granddaddy**  
Granddaddy, whose full name is Jeremiah Granville Norfleet, is Ebony-Grace’s grandfather and mentor, inspiring her love for outer space through the stories he shares. He is a former NASA engineer and provides guidance to help Ebony-Grace navigate her imagination and reality.

**Daddy**  
Daddy, or Julius Freeman, is Ebony-Grace’s father, portrayed as a hard-working man who owns a brownstone and an auto shop in Harlem. He’s supportive yet tries to help his daughter find a balance between her imagination and reality.

**Momma**  
Momma, or Gloria Norfleet, is Ebony-Grace's mother who is strict and concerned about her daughter’s future, urging her to be more realistic and behave in a more conventional manner.

**Bianca Luz**  
Bianca has been friends with Ebony-Grace since childhood and is part of the Nine Flavas Crew. She sometimes joins Ebony-Grace’s imaginative play, though their friendship faces challenges due to Bianca’s growing interest in other pursuits.

**The Nine Flavas Crew**  
A group that includes Bianca and other girls like Monique, known for enjoying activities like double-Dutch and rap. They attempt to include Ebony-Grace in their group despite differing interests.

**Diane**  
Diane is an older teen who babysits Ebony-Grace for a brief period, providing her insight into older youth culture in the area.

**Calvin and Pablo Jones**  
Calvin is a character who challenges the girls by asserting gender boundaries in activities like breaking and rap. Pablo Jones, on the other hand, shares an interest in space with Ebony-Grace and becomes her friend.

**Uncle Rich**  
Uncle Rich is Daddy’s younger brother, living in the same brownstone, and is characterized by his numerous relationships. He tends to humor Ebony-Grace’s imaginative activities.

**Lester**  
Lester is depicted as a person experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges, whom Ebony-Grace encounters in Harlem, reflecting the community's social issues.

Ibi Zoboi

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