Twenty-one children’s authors, representing a myriad of backgrounds, offer stories of their experiences growing up as someone who’s “different.” Then, in each case, they present a recipe—either from their country of origin or simply one that their parent or grandparent used to make. Each story includes a photo and bio of the author, several of whom wear traditional garb. As would be expected in a collection of writings from many different authors, the stories they tell range from funny to poetic to sad. But in each case, the story’s conclusion presents a positive outcome, often in a lesson to be shared. Just as there is variety to the stories, the recipes range from the very simple (fried bologna) to the more elaborate (Chinese dumplings). Inclusivity, resistance, and the importance of sharing radiate from the pages of this book.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Children with similar experiences could be upset by some accounts of racism.
Other End Matter: Glossary of terms, teacher’s guide
Images: Colour photographs, Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Heidi G., K-12 Educator, BC Books for Schools

NADIA L. HOHN is a writer and educator. Her first picture book, Malaika’s Costume, won the Helen Isobel Sissons Canadian Children’s Story Award and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Children’s Literature Award. She is also the author of Malaika’s Winter Carnival and Malaika’s Surprise, both illustrated by Irene Luxbacher; A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes; Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali; and two titles in the Sankofa series — Music and Media. Nadia’s writing is inspired by her childhood memories, Jamaican heritage, Black culture, world travels, and social issues. She lives in Toronto.

Nadia L. Hohn's profile page

Roza Nozari is a queer illustrator and writer of color. She is most known for her bold designs and diverse depictions of community and is a firm believer that we should all see ourselves meaningfully reflected in art. In her illustrations, she centers those often at the margins of the art world—BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ people, among others. Roza passionately illustrates on topics related to community, mental health and social justice. Through illustration, she envisions a world that is affirming, compassionate and uplifting to all. Roza lives in Tkaronto/Toronto with her partner, their quirky dog named Bones and their bonus kid, Ollie.

Roza Nozari's profile page

Ainara Alleyne is a 13-year-old elementary student from Hamilton, Ontario. Ainara curates the Instagram page @ainarasbookshelf, where she highlights books for young people whose authors and main characters are Black, Indigenous and People of Color, disabled and from other underrepresented communities. She believes that, by experiencing other cultures and perspectives through books, we can not only acknowledge our differences but also be able to understand and embrace them. Ainara was Hamilton Public Library's first Junior Librarian-in-eResidence. She speaks to student teachers at various universities and pedagogy symposiums, and she has been featured in the New York Times, as well as on CBC, CTV and numerous podcasts. Her TV show, also called Ainara’s Bookshelf, which she created, co-wrote and produced, aired on TVOkids and is currently available on YouTube.

Ainara Alleyne's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
• Commended, Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Award 6th - 8th Grade
• Commended, Children's Book Council Librarian Favorites Award 6th - 8th Grade
• Long-listed, BookPal Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Awards - Education: Middle School
• Commended, Loan Stars Canadian Juvenile top 10 pick
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets

“Guaranteed to begin discussions and build understanding…Whether readers plan and share meals, gain insight into diverse cultural experiences, discover new authors, or expand discussions about social justice, their lives will be enriched and feelings of tolerance and inclusion will be spread.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“A must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their culinary horizons, embrace cultural diversity, and engage in meaningful conversations about race and unity. It’s an invitation to transform our kitchens into spaces where differences are celebrated, conversations flourish, and delicious meals are shared with love and understanding.”

Canadian Cookbooks

“Nadia L. Hohn’s latest creation is a testament to her work as an artivist… Illustrator Roza Nozari brings a colourful boost to the collection with her bold and bright artwork.”

Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

★“A celebration of diversity in the form of a cookbook...Aspiring kid chefs will enjoy trying out these original recipes. The author asks, “What if talking about racism was as easy as baking a cake?” With this book, it could be. Recommended for all libraries.”

School Library Journal, starred review

“[Offers] teachable moments and memorable anecdotes.”

YAdudebooks

“Purchase it for your school library: teachers of nutrition can use it in their classrooms, and it will provide food for thought (and the table, lunch-bag, and home kitchen) for students who are interested in the culture of food. The diversity of ethnic food cultures is valued, and the book reminds readers that we are what we eat, and who we are is affirmed by what we eat…bold graphics underscore the message that we should all be at the table, whoever we are. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

★“Twenty-one kid-lit authors of color share a wide array of delicious recipes as well as personal experiences related to culture, race, and racism. Accompanied by vibrant illustrations, these story-recipe pairings demonstrate how intertwined food and identity are…The result is a thoughtful, beautifully designed work that fosters inclusivity and respect…A hearty meal that doles out both culinary delights and moving cultural insights.”

Kirkus Reviews, starred review