Sincerely Sicily

By: Tamika Burgess

Narrated by: Jade Wheeler

From debut author Tamika Burgess comes the captivating and empowering story of Sicily Jordan—a Black Panamanian fashionista who rocks her braids with pride—who learns to use her voice and take pride in who she is while confronting prejudice in the most unexpected of places.

Sicily Jordan’s worst nightmare has come true! She’s been enrolled in a new school, with zero of her friends and stuck wearing a fashion catastrophe of a uniform. But however bad Sicily thought sixth grade was going to be, it only gets worse when she does her class presentation.

While all her classmates breezed through theirs, Sicily is bombarded with questions on how she can be both Black and Panamanian. She wants people to understand, but it doesn’t feel like anyone is ready to listen—first at school and then at home. Because when her abuela starts talking mess about her braids, Sicily’s the only one whose heart is being crumpled for a second time.

Staying quiet may no longer be an option, but that doesn’t mean Sicily has the words to show the world just what it means to be a proud Black Panamanian either. Even though she hasn’t written in her journal since her abuelo passed, it’s time to pick up her pen again—but will it be enough to prove to herself and everyone else exactly who she is?

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

The narrator was superb!

I also found myself pausing in my driveway to hear the last moment of how a conversation would conclude, it was captivating!

I need more!

Loved it! This definitely needs to turn into a series. I can only imagine what is in store for Sicily! Great book! Captures a lot of unsaid issues that girls go through.

Wonderful Read!

I loved the relatability of this story regardless of whether you are Panamanian or not. I particularly enjoyed the acknowledgement of the challenges that come with being a multigenerational family. I was instantly pulled into this story. I felt all of the emotions conveyed by these characters. Excellent job!