Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story~Book Review

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story By Kevin Noble Maillard, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal~Book Review

Thank you Cynthia with Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for a review copy of this book.  My opinion of this book is my own.  

Synopsis

Fry bread is food, very delicious food, but it is so much more. 

Fry Bread is

shape.

It is sound.

It is color.

It is time.

It is art.

It is history.

It is Nation.

It is us.

It is Everything!

My Thoughts

            I love fry bread and was first introduced to it in the form of tacos and loved it.  To read this book and to be able to learn and understand the significance of fry bread was a great experience.  I imagined myself as part of the family and sharing with my daughter.  Maillard did an amazing job with writing to pull you into the story and live through the words. Martinez-Neal’s illustrations beautifully depicted the family in the story and each element of fry bread.  One of my favorite parts of the book was the list of Native tribes listed inside as soon as you open up the book.  My other favorite part is that Maillard shares his recipe and family tradition with fry bread, and further discusses the elements of fry bread. I was excited to learn that the author was originally from Oklahoma.  This is definitely a must read!  Share this with your children to learn more about fry bread.

About the Author (from Book Cover)

Kevin Noble Maillard is a professor and journalist who lives with his family on the thirteenth floor of a 115-year-old bank in the heart of Manhattan.  He is a regular writer for the New York Times and has interviewed politicians, writers, tribal leaders, and even some movie stars.  When he was thirteen years old, he won a fishing derby for catching seventy-two fish in two hours.  Originally from Oklahoma, he is a member of the Seminole Nation, Mekusukey band.  You can check out his website at kevinmaillard.com.

About the Illustrator (From Book Cover)

Juana Martinez-Neal is an illustrator of books for children, including the Pura Belpré Award winner La Princesa and the Pea. She made her authorial debut in 2018 with Alma and How She Got Her Name, which was awarded the Caldecott Honor.  Juana was born in Lima, Peru, where she grew up surrounded by amazing meals prepared by her mom and amazing paintings made by her dad and granddad.  She now lives, eats, and paints in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her amazing children.  Her website is juanamartinezneal.com.