Sincerely Sicily

Sincerely Sicily by Tamika Burgess is a heartfelt middle-grade novel about Sicily Jordan, a sixth-grader navigating the challenges of a new school, cultural identity, and self-expression.

Sicily's school year starts off rough when she's forced to leave her friends behind and adjust to a strict uniform policy. However, the real difficulty begins during a class presentation where she's questioned about being both Black and Panamanian. Her peers' lack of understanding leaves Sicily feeling alienated.

The challenges extend to her family life, as her abuela's criticism of her braided hairstyle leaves her feeling unheard and disrespected at home. Sicily struggles to find her voice and reconcile her heritage and identity in a world that often refuses to see her for who she truly is.

Turning to journaling—a practice she abandoned after her beloved abuelo passed away—Sicily begins to rediscover her confidence. Through her writing, she learns to embrace her identity and advocate for herself, proving to everyone, and most importantly to herself, what it means to be unapologetically Sicily.

With themes of self-acceptance, cultural pride, and resilience, Sincerely Sicily is an inspiring story about finding your voice and standing tall in the face of challenges.