Back of Book:
Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the new year by eating a special soup, a tradition dating back to the Haitian Revolution. This year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup — Freedom Soup — just like she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, they dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast, and Ti Gran tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle’s family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle’s family is from. In this celebration of cultural traditions passed from one generation to the next,
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review.
Tami Charles began the year with her amazing book Fearless Mary: The True Adventures of Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver By Tami Charles and is now ending the year with Freedom Soup. Her ability to write stories with such beauty and depth is truly a gift. The story follows a young girl named Bella, and the lessons she learns from her grandmother as they work together and make Freedom Soup. I loved the way Tami tied in history, culture, and preserving traditions. The text is written with strong figurative language that draws readers into the story. The first person narrative made me feel like I was in the kitchen with Bella cooking to the beat of the Haitian music. The illustrations by Jacqueline Alcantara capture the essence of the strength pride and determination of the Haitian people. The back matter includes the author’s story about how she learned to make Freedom Soup. She shares with readers that she continues the tradition of making soup every year with her son. Tami also shares the recipe so that readers can make the soup themselves. Freedom Soup is an ode to the strength resilience, and passion of the Haitian people. It is also a beautiful tribute the how important it is to pass on the traditions from long ago.
Ages 5 and up
32 Pages
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