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I Want to Be Spaghetti! by Kiera Wright-Ruiz

I Want to Be Spaghetti!

Hardcover – Picture Book, July 11, 2023

Kiera Wright-Ruiz

Penguin Young Readers Group · Hardcover · July 11, 2023

A funny debut picture book about how one little ramen packet finds self-love and belonging in a spaghetti-obsessed world.

Self-Esteem & ResilienceCooking & FoodUS: Asian American Stories
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Who it’s for
A playful, tender story about wanting to fit in and discovering you already do.
Themes
Self-acceptance, Identity, Community
Genres
Self-Esteem & Resilience, Cooking & Food, US: Asian American Stories

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For older readers: Family Style, Super Sushi Ramen Express, Arbitrary Stupid Goal

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About this book

A funny debut picture book about how one little ramen packet finds self-love and belonging in a spaghetti-obsessed world. Even from Ramen's small shelf in the supermarket, they see spaghetti propaganda everywhere. They want to be celebrated, too. Maybe, Ramen misguidedly thinks, I have to change to be loved like that. "I want to be spaghetti!" they proclaim to the dismay of the rest of the instant noodle section.

Continue reading

But when Ramen's brought home and placed in a warm bowl of broth alongside new friends like Chashu, Narutomaki, and Nori, they realize they've always been perfect exactly the way they are. Colorfully illustrated by Claudia Lam (@theforestmori), this heartwarming story about identity and community from food writer Kiera Wright-Ruiz (@kierawrr) celebrates the beauty of being yourself --and being recognized for who you are.

Noodle-Sized Belonging

A playful, tender story about wanting to fit in and discovering you already do.

Come here for

  • A funny food-world take on identity and belonging
  • A gentle celebration of being yourself

Expect

  • Playful ramen-and-spaghetti humor
  • Colorful illustrations and new noodle friends

Where it sits

Self-Esteem & Resilience66%
US: Asian American Stories64%
Cooking & Food42%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Stories Set in Asia
  • Self-Esteem & Resilience
  • Cooking & Food
Authors
Kiera Wright-Ruiz
Publisher
Penguin Young Readers Group
Published
July 11, 2023
Format
Hardcover
Theme
Self-acceptance · Identity · Community
Reading lane
Stories Set in Asia