PG Content: (slavery discussed)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Frances is a 9yo African American girl helping her grandma prepare the family New Year's Day meal. As they prepare the traditional cuisine, her grandma tells her stories about her ancestors and how all the dishes became part of their culture. The book contains sidebars with vocabulary and historical facts that contribute to understanding the nuances of the text, and at the end the author's mother's recipe for Pralines is included.
I love the artist's portrayal of the characters. I felt like they must be based on actual people she knows because they are so individual. I love how easily the story flows between the present day cooking to the events of the past. I felt that this book gave me insight into the African American cuisine and culture that I was missing. Young students will enjoy seeing a young girl cook with her grandma and gain understanding about an important chapter in our nation's history.
J. Smith, Teacher Librarian
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