Back of Book:
Fry bread is food.
It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.
Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories. Fry bread is nation .It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.
My Review:
I was thrilled to receive a copy of this picture book in a giveaway from author Kathy Ellen Davis. It is a perfect book to share with my class right before the Thanksgiving season. Debut picture book author Kevin Noble Maillard has beautifully captured the culture and tradition of making Fry Bread. Every part of this story affirms the impact that Native Americans have had throughout the years. The text is broken into sections that each celebrate a part of the Fry Bread making process. The use of figurative language enhances the story and draws readers into the experience. The story reads like a nonfiction text and opens readers’ eyes to many new aspects of Native American culture. The illustrations by Juana Martinez- Neal are a perfect complement to the story. I loved the connection that Juana made between the older generations teaching the younger generations. The different stages of Fry Bread cooking are also beautifully illustrated. Kevin wrote extensive authors note that gives readers a look at more of Native American history. I could tell that he put his entire heart in creating this book. Fry Bread is not just a book that focuses on food, it is an own voice look at how the Native American have people fought to keep a tradition alive.
Ages 5 and up
48 Pages