Book Review #20

 Fry Bread: A Native American 

Family Story

Author: Kevin Noble Maillard

Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal 

ISBN: 978-1626727465

Reading Level: 4 – 9 years

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2019

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Non-fiction. Indigenous people. Simple verse and beautiful art work. 

Topic: Native American Culture

 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Critical Analysis:

The book emphasises the deep connection between culture and food. 

Accuracy:

The author is a member of the Seminole Nation.

 “Fry Bread celebrates the thing itself and much, much more . . . Maillard and Martinez-Neal bring depth, detail, and whimsy to this Native American food story, with text and illustrations depicting the diversity of indigenous peoples, the role of continuity between generations, and the adaptation over time of people, place, and tradition.” ~~Booklist

Organization:

The Author's Note found in the back of the book is a nice addition. The back also includes a Reference section and Notes. 

“This warm and charming book shows and affirms Native lives. The informational text and expressive drawings give it broad appeal.” ~~ School Library Journal 

Design:  The design is simple but allows for easy access to information. The only real regret is that the book does not include a recipe for Fry Bread. That would have been a nice touch for readers to try at home.  

Why 5 Roars? It is a lovely book that gives the reader a feeling of family and shared culture. 

Awards: Winner of ALA's Sibert Award for Nonfiction 2020

Connections:

This recipe and photo for a traditional Native-American fry bread is provided by Chef Freddie Bitsoie from PBS Food's Lidia Celebrates America. https://www.pbs.org/food/recipes/fry-bread

Native-American Fry Bread

Recipe provided by Navajo Chef, Freddie Bitsoie 

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons baking powder

2 teaspoons salt

2-4 cups warm to very warm water

4 cups canola oil

Directions:

Combine all dry ingredients in medium mixing bowl and mix well.

Add about 3 cups of water and knead very well using hands or stand mixer. (The amount of water depends on local humidity, so if the dough needs more water, add accordingly.)

Make sure the dough is smooth and soft. Cover, set aside, and allow the dough to rest.

Heat the oil to about 375° F in wide heavy-bottom pan.

Roll the dough out into four balls, and pat out flat (can use a rolling pin).

Carefully place one piece of dough into the hot oil. Once the edges of the dough are golden, turn the bread over and let it finish cooking.

Remove the bread to drain on paper towels.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

*Tips/Techniques - All “fry bread” recipes vary in Native America, and no single recipe is the right one. Enjoy this very simple recipe!