12 Dishes Inspired by a Year in Black History
Starred review from August 1, 2023
Grades 1-4 *Starred Review* This upbeat offering effectively combines African American culture, civil rights history, and simple recipes that honor Black cuisine. Each month celebrates an event, offering a brief but ultimately satisfying description accompanied by directions for preparing one dish. The rationales for choosing particular dishes are spot-on and offer insights that make historical figures and events relatable. January begins with the free breakfast program initiated by the Black Panthers in 1966 and tells how it grew from feeding kids in Oakland to serving over 20,000 breakfasts nationwide in one year, offering toast, eggs, bacon, and creamy grits. The grits recipe has six ingredients, involves four steps, and should be manageable for even novice cooks. Other pairings are equally inventive (February: the Greensboro Four ordered slices of cherry pie during their Woolworth sit-ins; May: chef Leah Chase famously served gumbo to the Freedom Riders who gathered at her restaurant in New Orleans; July recognizes Bakers Against Racism with a recipe for sweet potato pie). Back matter includes biographical information, a glossary, and a bibliography. Cheerful illustrations drive the narrative, and recipes are laid out in an easily accessible format. Equally attractive for home or school kitchens, this fresh take reinforces history lessons through the magic of food.
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