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joyceisbooked's review
3.5
I enjoyed learning some stories about the names i typically see on Chinese menus. Sometimes the story felt repetitive because the author gives a "short" explanation of the story before telling it, but sometimes its the whole plot! I didn't mind it at first but, once we got to the chef's special section, it was pretty tedious. other than that, the authors interpretations of these Chinese stories gave necessary imagery descriptors without doing too much.
libraryjen's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Warning: this book will make you constantly hungry.
I enjoyed both the history lessons and the origin stories for each dish. Just a delight!
I enjoyed both the history lessons and the origin stories for each dish. Just a delight!
christiana's review
5.0
Unexpectedly loved this! It’s giving mythology/traditional literature but in this beautiful way of telling stories about heritage, culture, history, and most importantly, food. 15 pages of bibliography (Grace did the work) and a beautiful endnote about how Chinese food IS American heritage and food. I keep telling everyone the stories because they’re so cool! Also, will make you hungry.
mbohan's review
Read for RCLS Mock Newbery awards...
I don't think this book will have a wide audience or that every chapter will appeal to readers. But is Chinese Menu Newbery-worthy? Based on the criteria, YES!
It is certainly a distinguished contribution to American children's literature in the elements of development of a theme/concept, clear/accurate presentation of information, and appropriateness of style. The theme/concept is in the subtitle of the book--"The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods"--and ran with it for hundreds of pages with a short myth on each. Before each story, she offered a well researched introduction about the dish and the origin of the myth. And in terms of appropriateness of style, she's one of the foremost authors of folktale adaptation in children's literature today, so she delivered on that front.
I don't think this book will have a wide audience or that every chapter will appeal to readers. But is Chinese Menu Newbery-worthy? Based on the criteria, YES!
It is certainly a distinguished contribution to American children's literature in the elements of development of a theme/concept, clear/accurate presentation of information, and appropriateness of style. The theme/concept is in the subtitle of the book--"The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods"--and ran with it for hundreds of pages with a short myth on each. Before each story, she offered a well researched introduction about the dish and the origin of the myth. And in terms of appropriateness of style, she's one of the foremost authors of folktale adaptation in children's literature today, so she delivered on that front.
sparklelys's review
5.0
This book will make you hungry!
Caldecott & Newbery honoree Grace Lin, a Bookmarks favorite & a repeat Authors in Schools visitor, pairs up origin stories of your favorite Chinese eats with some instructions, some archeology, and some family stories. A delight for the senses. Best read with some nibbles. And practice up! Get good so if you eat with chopsticks as you read, your fingers and pages stay clean, and it nourishes both body and soul.
Caldecott & Newbery honoree Grace Lin, a Bookmarks favorite & a repeat Authors in Schools visitor, pairs up origin stories of your favorite Chinese eats with some instructions, some archeology, and some family stories. A delight for the senses. Best read with some nibbles. And practice up! Get good so if you eat with chopsticks as you read, your fingers and pages stay clean, and it nourishes both body and soul.
jessicachung13's review
funny
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Every story made my stomach grumble! With wit and concision, Grace Lin's book gave fun historical background and folklore for American Chinese food!