Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

This is a remarkable book that I discovered in our local library and just had to bring home. This heartfelt story beautifully represents the rich diversity of Native American culture. What truly stands out is the inclusivity of the illustrations, which help convey to my son that Native Americans come from all backgrounds. The vibrant and engaging artwork not only captures attention but also sparks conversations about the importance of embracing our differences. The heart of this book lies in the exploration of fry bread, not only as a delicious treat but also as a cultural symbol that connects Native American families. The accompanying recipes and different ways to dress and enjoy fry bread are a delightful discovery. They invite readers to learn and appreciate the significance of this food in Native American communities. One aspect that I truly appreciate is the list of recognized North American tribes featured on the inside covers. It serves as a valuable educational tool, highlighting the multitude of distinct Native American cultures across the continent. Overall, this book is a treasure that not only educates and entertains but also fosters inclusivity and understanding. It's a must-have for families seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Native American heritage.

This is the most adorable book. I bought it to donate it to the Fort at No. 4, which is a living history site in Charlestown NH that often has fourth graders coming in to learn about life during the 1750s. The story of fry bread is laid out beautifully, gently explaining the negatives without erasing them.

I love this book! The illustrations, the great ordeal of food bringing loved ones together, and the recipe included in the book! My son will love it!

Award Winner! True about Fry Bread.... for all Native Americans and all Americans ! Illustrations are breathtaking.

Creative and imaginative story about a historical Native American staple.

Fry bread was a staple for many Native American people groups. The US government gave them flour as part of their food allotment and they invented this way to make bread. If you’ve never had fry bread made by a native you are missing out. Fry Bread has many uses in a classroom situation. When teaching categories, the book could be used to describe the many categories fry bread could fit into - shape, sound, food, and more. Author Kevin Maillard is a member of the Seminole Nation and understands the Native culture. He chose poetry as his means to tell the categories of fry bread. He closes the book with a recipe, directions for making fry bread, and an author’s note which gives further details about each category in the book. Illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal used acrylics, colored pencils, and graphite to illustrate the text. They are beautiful and include people of many colors. They complement the text well. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story received Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award for most distinguished informational book for children. It was also a Picture Book Honor choice for the American Indian Youth Literature award. I will be adding Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story to my K-12 Christian School library. It will be a great addition to a unit about Native Americans. I borrowed a copy from my local public library. This is my honest review.

Super cute book love the recipe in it and the storyline

We love this book! So simple and profound- help kids appreciate the “little things”

The book is beautiful. The illustrations are inclusive. The story is simple and sweet. There's a recipe for fry bread in it. There's even further detail about fry bread at the end of the book, even the beginning and end pages have listed countless Aboriginal tribal names. Excellent story to read together and then evolve into making the recipe for fry bread together. 10/10.

I loved this story and its history lesson for young children. We made the fry bread recipe and it was delicious. A great book for any children's library.

Nice story. Makes you warm and fuzzy. Love all the little extras, like the historical/cultural info at the back. This makes the book so multi-layered. The artistry is phenomenal. The illustrator really knows how to use the page texture to her advantage to create vivid pictures. Sadly, though, I did not like the fry bread recipe. I’m an advanced home cook, so bannock is no sweat for me. I tried several times, but each time it tasted the same, just like cooking oil, because the bread just sucked it up like a sponge while cooking. The bannock would also either be raw in the middle or crisp through, as I tried adjusting the oil temperature during cooking, as well, to see if I could make the bread turn out. I still recommend the book, though. Just don’t get your hopes up about the recipe. Check out Allrecipes for some good bannock recipes.

Nice book. But I’m in Canada and it’s an American story.