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Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous
This joyful and heartfelt sequel to the NAACP Image Award-winning Cookies & Milk is a story of fame, self-confidence, and second chances, based on author Shawn Amos’s memories of growing up the son of Wally “Famous” Amos.
After the overnight mega success of his dad's cookie store, twelve-year-old Ellis Johnson is on top of the world. He’s met celebrities, strangers stop “the Cookie Kid” on the street, and he’s even headed to NYC to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his dad. Ellis is ready for his star turn, playing harmonica on national television—until his big break turns into the most embarrassing moment of his life.
Ellis’s confidence bubble has officially burst, and he tries to keep a low profile at school. To make matters worse, Ellis's dad is going gaga for a new girlfriend, and DJ Wishbone is pushed out of his radio station—and takes over Ellis’s place in the store. Can Ellis help those he loves, carve out a place for himself in Dad's new life, and recover his confidence? This charming semi-autobiographic novel proves that anything is possible with good music, good friends, loving family, and great cookies.
Don't miss Ellis's first adventure in Cookies and Milk!
After the overnight mega success of his dad's cookie store, twelve-year-old Ellis Johnson is on top of the world. He’s met celebrities, strangers stop “the Cookie Kid” on the street, and he’s even headed to NYC to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his dad. Ellis is ready for his star turn, playing harmonica on national television—until his big break turns into the most embarrassing moment of his life.
Ellis’s confidence bubble has officially burst, and he tries to keep a low profile at school. To make matters worse, Ellis's dad is going gaga for a new girlfriend, and DJ Wishbone is pushed out of his radio station—and takes over Ellis’s place in the store. Can Ellis help those he loves, carve out a place for himself in Dad's new life, and recover his confidence? This charming semi-autobiographic novel proves that anything is possible with good music, good friends, loving family, and great cookies.
Don't miss Ellis's first adventure in Cookies and Milk!
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2023
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 5, 2023
What happens when an invite to Ellis and his father Wally Amos (of Famous Amos cookie fame) to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade turns into Ellis's most embarrassing moment ever? A moment that is broadcast to the millions who are watching the parade across the nation. Ellis also adjusts to seeing his Dad date Samantha (aka Sam) and tries to help his Uncle Wishbone find the disco groove before he becomes a funk relic. Is there room for both styles of music in Wishbone's life? Fans of the first book, Cookies & Milk will enjoy continuing to read about Ellis, his family, his friends and of course, the cookies.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title.
July 10, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Now that his father's cookie business has taken off in 1976, Ellis is enjoying working in the store, and hoping that a trip to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to ride on a float will help business pick up even more. Ellis hopes that his father will let him do more at the store, and also perhaps show case his harmonica playing. He's not as big a fan of his father's kazoo playing, but ever since blues great Muddy Waters gave him the nickname Howlin' Johnson, Ellis is determined to make harmonica playing his career when he grows up. The trip to New York goes fairly well, right up until Ellis is ready to play his harmonica on national television, but falls off the rocking kangaroo float! It will take a lot to live this down at school, but Ellis has other problems. His father is quite taken with the TWA pilot, Samantha, who was on their East coast flight, and the two have started dating. Sam has a daughter, Sarah, and she and Ellis conspire to get their parents to stop dating. His grandmother, who helps out a lot, has been very cranky with the customers. There's also the problem of his uncle, Wishbone, who has been let go by radio station KIRA for refusing to play disco music. Not only that, but Wishbone has taken over the shed that is Ellis and Alex's clubhouse, and has filled it up with his records. Ellis tries to think up strategies to get Wishbone his job back, even trying to bribe kids at school with cookies to call the radio station. This causes problems, as does his pact with Sarah. Sarah isn't bad to have around, even if she goes to school with his crush, Jada, but he still hopes a little bit that his parents will get back together. When Sarah causes a scene in the store, saying she doesn't like chocolate, this leads to a new butterscotch and coconut cookie, and there's already a nut free version in the works for people with allergies. As Ellis' father says, "You're either changing wit' it or going up against it". Will Ellis be able to hang on to his love of the harmonica, embrace the Bee Gees music, and cement his status in the cookie store?
Strengths: I was a little concerned that Ellis was going to diss the Bee Gees the way that Wishbone did, but he ending up embracing disco music. Whew. The BeeGees are one of my favorites, although iI'm a big fan of Parliament as well; it's great that there is a playlist at the end of the book. The author based this book on his own life, and since he grew up to be a blues musician, it's an interesting look at how he was able to work through his embarassment at the parade and rededicate himself to the harmonica. Of course, there's plenty of information about cookies, some friend and school drama, and just a generally sunny California vibe that was so much fun! Definitely purchasing this much anticipated sequel!
Weaknesses: The cover seems very generic; I liked the vague 1970s vibe of the first one more.
What I really think: I boung two copies of the first book, and they were constantly checked out. Middle school students love to read about food, and Ellis is just a charming and goofy character who is very relatable. It seems likely there could be one more book in this series, and I'll definitely look forward to reading it if there is one published!
Now that his father's cookie business has taken off in 1976, Ellis is enjoying working in the store, and hoping that a trip to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to ride on a float will help business pick up even more. Ellis hopes that his father will let him do more at the store, and also perhaps show case his harmonica playing. He's not as big a fan of his father's kazoo playing, but ever since blues great Muddy Waters gave him the nickname Howlin' Johnson, Ellis is determined to make harmonica playing his career when he grows up. The trip to New York goes fairly well, right up until Ellis is ready to play his harmonica on national television, but falls off the rocking kangaroo float! It will take a lot to live this down at school, but Ellis has other problems. His father is quite taken with the TWA pilot, Samantha, who was on their East coast flight, and the two have started dating. Sam has a daughter, Sarah, and she and Ellis conspire to get their parents to stop dating. His grandmother, who helps out a lot, has been very cranky with the customers. There's also the problem of his uncle, Wishbone, who has been let go by radio station KIRA for refusing to play disco music. Not only that, but Wishbone has taken over the shed that is Ellis and Alex's clubhouse, and has filled it up with his records. Ellis tries to think up strategies to get Wishbone his job back, even trying to bribe kids at school with cookies to call the radio station. This causes problems, as does his pact with Sarah. Sarah isn't bad to have around, even if she goes to school with his crush, Jada, but he still hopes a little bit that his parents will get back together. When Sarah causes a scene in the store, saying she doesn't like chocolate, this leads to a new butterscotch and coconut cookie, and there's already a nut free version in the works for people with allergies. As Ellis' father says, "You're either changing wit' it or going up against it". Will Ellis be able to hang on to his love of the harmonica, embrace the Bee Gees music, and cement his status in the cookie store?
Strengths: I was a little concerned that Ellis was going to diss the Bee Gees the way that Wishbone did, but he ending up embracing disco music. Whew. The BeeGees are one of my favorites, although iI'm a big fan of Parliament as well; it's great that there is a playlist at the end of the book. The author based this book on his own life, and since he grew up to be a blues musician, it's an interesting look at how he was able to work through his embarassment at the parade and rededicate himself to the harmonica. Of course, there's plenty of information about cookies, some friend and school drama, and just a generally sunny California vibe that was so much fun! Definitely purchasing this much anticipated sequel!
Weaknesses: The cover seems very generic; I liked the vague 1970s vibe of the first one more.
What I really think: I boung two copies of the first book, and they were constantly checked out. Middle school students love to read about food, and Ellis is just a charming and goofy character who is very relatable. It seems likely there could be one more book in this series, and I'll definitely look forward to reading it if there is one published!
January 9, 2024
The second in a series (which can be read as a stand alone) I love a kids book that centers work and shows kids and adults working to make a business and their dreams succeed. Written by the adult son of Famous Amos (cookie phenom), based on his own experiences and set in L.A.
Ellis wants to step out of his dad’s shadow, but his first attempt makes him more infamous than famous. Efforts to replace the embarrassment with glory through a scheme to get his uncle’s radio station job back go awry. Next Ellis tackles cooling off his divorced dad’s new relationship. Along the way there are lots of cookies, some crushes and plenty of life lessons.
This is an awesome read for any kid that wants some real life issues - jealousy, anxiety, making the wrong choice - but wants to have them set within a world full of possibility and positive interactions. No heavy messages, just some good advice.
Ellis wants to step out of his dad’s shadow, but his first attempt makes him more infamous than famous. Efforts to replace the embarrassment with glory through a scheme to get his uncle’s radio station job back go awry. Next Ellis tackles cooling off his divorced dad’s new relationship. Along the way there are lots of cookies, some crushes and plenty of life lessons.
This is an awesome read for any kid that wants some real life issues - jealousy, anxiety, making the wrong choice - but wants to have them set within a world full of possibility and positive interactions. No heavy messages, just some good advice.
October 13, 2023
With his dad’s cookie business success, Ellis enjoys working in the store and is looking forward to attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. All’s good until Ellis attempts to play his harmonica on national television but falls off the float instead! Facing ribbing at school and his dad’s new girlfriend has him on edge. Ellis and the girlfriend’s daughter set out to break their parents up. Add a healthy dose of hysterical drama and you have a great middle-grade read for all ages. I love our main character, Ellis, he’s funny and relatable. What a great follow-up to book one, Cookies and Milk.
September 8, 2023
A sequel to the novel, “Cookies and Milk” by Shawn Amos, so of Wally Amos, of Famous Amos Cookie fame, this is a fun middle grade read. Sunset Cookies, the store his father started in Hollywood has become an overnight success and Ellis basks in the fame. But disaster strikes at the Macy Thanksgiving parade. And instead of being famous for his harmonica playing he becomes infamous for the parade mishap. Based partly on memories of growing up in the shadow of his famous father, Shawn Amos has crafted a story of fame, change, middle school angst and becoming comfortable with self.
January 19, 2024
A fun follow up to Cookies and Milk, Ellis is really a cool cat learning from his dad and family/friends about music, being a celebrity, and cookies. An embarrassing situation at a parade throws off his game however he continues to be supportive of both of his parents who are divorced especially now that his dad is dating the pilot from their flight. And he's got a little love interest too.
Just like the first one, there's an enjoyable vivid set of side characters and the 1970s is really it's own character too from the music (disco or funk?!?!) to the clothes and cars and language.
Just like the first one, there's an enjoyable vivid set of side characters and the 1970s is really it's own character too from the music (disco or funk?!?!) to the clothes and cars and language.
December 10, 2023
I enjoyed this one much better than the first one. And readers will enjoy this one even if they haven’t read the first one. Family relationships are strong and supportive. I always want to love a grandparent in a book, but I didn’t in this one, unfortunately. The friendships were fun and depictions of a first crush were sweet.
February 20, 2024
I loved, loved, loved reading this book! I'd never heard of Shawn Amos (his dad, yes) until I walked into my public library. The book cover on this book jumped out at me. The rest is history. I will be reading his first book, Milk and Cookies just as soon as I make my next visit to the library (tomorrow morning).
July 24, 2024
This is a semi-autobiographical story about the inventor of Famous Amos cookies. Ellis is struggling because of his Dad’s infatuation with a new girlfriend AND Ellis’ devastating debacle riding on a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. He has to win back his chance to perform with his harmonica, whatever the cost!
October 11, 2023
This book was great! I enjoyed seeing all the characters grow, and learn to change with the world. I enjoyed seeing how they helped each other as well, it was really cool to see how they interact and really try to lift each other up. This was a really good, uplifting book.
October 21, 2023
I was so pleased that I got on the Blog Tour for Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous which was the sequel to Cookies & Milk which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ellis Johnson Might be Famous follows on where Cookies & Milk left off and here we find that Sunset Cookies is making a name for itself. We find all the past characters in the book which means that my fave character made an appearance and that character was Grandma. Boy her scenes made me LOL .
Even if there was so many happy scenes it was the sad ones where Ellis started being anxious that got me and boy did the tears come. This is down to Shawn's writing. I do hope there is another book as I would love to see what happens next.
Thank you Shawn for writing about your childhood.
For all the above reasons I am giving Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous 5 big fat stars
Ellis Johnson Might be Famous follows on where Cookies & Milk left off and here we find that Sunset Cookies is making a name for itself. We find all the past characters in the book which means that my fave character made an appearance and that character was Grandma. Boy her scenes made me LOL .
Even if there was so many happy scenes it was the sad ones where Ellis started being anxious that got me and boy did the tears come. This is down to Shawn's writing. I do hope there is another book as I would love to see what happens next.
Thank you Shawn for writing about your childhood.
For all the above reasons I am giving Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous 5 big fat stars
April 9, 2024
This was fine. My son said, "You know, not every book needs a sequel." That sums up his thoughts. We continued to enjoy the characters, but the first book would have been fine without this one.
July 13, 2025
3.75 stars
May 18, 2024
Shawn Amos is such an engaging writer (and audio book narrator). My kids and I LOVED listening to this one. Although it wasn't quite as compelling as the first book in the series, it was a lot of fun and had a lot of interesting topics for conversations between me and my kids.
May 28, 2024
My one major problem with Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous is how the conflict between Ellis and his father plays out. It completely ruined the book for me.
Ellis’ dad meets a flight attendant that he begins dating. He then begins to act like many a not-so-great dad with a new partner and neglect his son. The book ends with Ellis deciding that his fathers’ happiness should be taken into account, and he admits to scheming with the daughter of the flight attendant to break them up.
Ellis’ father's happiness absolutely matters, but that should only come into play if he's trying his best, and Ellis is just being contrary. This outcome does not work if his father is actively ignoring Ellis or forcing his new girlfriend on him instead of doing his best to ease the transition. His father is an adult. His happiness should be secondary to the well-being of his child.
Again, if Ellis is being a brat, then that's a different conversation. But even so, if Ellis reacts negatively to the change, that's totally understandable. I'm not going to be mad at a kid acting out when they have not yet developed the tools to regulate uncomfortable emotions or lack the guidance necessary to do so. His father never once having a conversation with Ellis where he reaffirms that he cares about him too and that he'll do better and that he's sorry for getting caught up in his relationship is a huge misstep.
It normalizes parents not taking accountability for their actions, parents disregarding the opinion of their child(ren), and kids being responsible for the emotional welfare of adults. A kid reading this should not come away thinking that only Ellis was in the wrong, but that's exactly how the plot point is executed. As if parents don't have an obligation to the happiness of their child - who did not ask to be born or become a child of divorce - too.
Overall, Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous is average middle grade fare. The plot plays out fairly standard, Ellis learns a lesson about chasing fame, and the cookie shop keeps on trucking. The tension is relatively low compared to the first book where his Dad could have gone bankrupt if the shop had not succeeded. Fans of DJ Wishbone (of which I am not) will be delighted to see him take a larger role.
It's not a bad book, but it's certainly not one I would recommend unless I'd exhausted several other options first.
Ellis’ dad meets a flight attendant that he begins dating. He then begins to act like many a not-so-great dad with a new partner and neglect his son. The book ends with Ellis deciding that his fathers’ happiness should be taken into account, and he admits to scheming with the daughter of the flight attendant to break them up.
Ellis’ father's happiness absolutely matters, but that should only come into play if he's trying his best, and Ellis is just being contrary. This outcome does not work if his father is actively ignoring Ellis or forcing his new girlfriend on him instead of doing his best to ease the transition. His father is an adult. His happiness should be secondary to the well-being of his child.
Again, if Ellis is being a brat, then that's a different conversation. But even so, if Ellis reacts negatively to the change, that's totally understandable. I'm not going to be mad at a kid acting out when they have not yet developed the tools to regulate uncomfortable emotions or lack the guidance necessary to do so. His father never once having a conversation with Ellis where he reaffirms that he cares about him too and that he'll do better and that he's sorry for getting caught up in his relationship is a huge misstep.
It normalizes parents not taking accountability for their actions, parents disregarding the opinion of their child(ren), and kids being responsible for the emotional welfare of adults. A kid reading this should not come away thinking that only Ellis was in the wrong, but that's exactly how the plot point is executed. As if parents don't have an obligation to the happiness of their child - who did not ask to be born or become a child of divorce - too.
Overall, Ellis Johnson Might Be Famous is average middle grade fare. The plot plays out fairly standard, Ellis learns a lesson about chasing fame, and the cookie shop keeps on trucking. The tension is relatively low compared to the first book where his Dad could have gone bankrupt if the shop had not succeeded. Fans of DJ Wishbone (of which I am not) will be delighted to see him take a larger role.
It's not a bad book, but it's certainly not one I would recommend unless I'd exhausted several other options first.
August 31, 2025
"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.
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