Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese: A Story of Food, Family, and Freedom by Glenda Armand, Steffi Walthall
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593486145
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

Young food historians will enjoy the description and history of nine year old Frances’ family’s New Year’s meal. Each dish is tied to the culinary contributions that Frances’ ancestors made to our country while enslaved and Frances’ grandparents explain how each recipe came to be. The pages are full of admiration and appreciation for the dishes that were created and have been passed down from generation to generation. The meal becomes a way to honor ancestors and tradition while enjoying family on New Year’s day.

This would be a good classroom or read aloud book and features sidebars about the Atlantic Slave Trade and some specific ingredients. It also has a lovely author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a recipe for pralines!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath