Cooking Up Change by Michael Platt

 I'm heading into a different reading direction today and taking a peek at an upcoming cookbook for the middle grade audience. Well, it's not just a cookbook. It's also a celebration of Black history. I'm very curious to see how this one flows and what recipes it holds. I'm hoping that it inspires kids to hit the kitchen and try some recipes themselves...and maybe, inspire along the way.

Grab those aprons and spoons because it's off to the world of food and more today!

COOKING UP CHANGE

by Michael Platt

Illustrated by Alleanna Harris

Magic Cat

Middle Grade Nonfiction

40 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING MAY 27th!!!

In Cooking Up Change—the eagerly awaited sequel to teen chef and food justice advocate Michael Platt’s Recipes for Change—Platt journeys through a year in Black history with a little help from his beloved grandmother as he retells 12 important historic events and shares a recipe inspired by each one

Cooking Up Change is both a celebration of Black history and an invitation to experience it through the lens of food. With biographies of figures who shaped important events and mouthwatering recipes that carry their essence, this book will inspire future leaders with real stories of trailblazers who helped to change the world.

One event per month is highlighted. After sharing the story of a person related to each event—such as Dorothy Height for International Women’s Day in March—Platt pairs each moment with a delectable recipe that carries the essence of the occasion. All the stories and recipes featured are inspired by his grandmother; the person who guided him in unearthing his Black heritage and moved him to fall in love with cooking.

Each page features engaging color illustrations from Alleanna Harris.

Recipes Macaroni and cheese for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Key lime pie for Black History Month Deep dish peach cobbler for International Women’s Day Grilled fish for Jackie Robinson Day Molasses cookies for Memorial Day Red hibiscus drink for Juneteenth Apple pie for Independence Day Potato salad for the Great Migration Sweet potato pie for Labor Day Pork chops for Black Poetry Day Green gumbo for Election Day Coconut cake for Kwanzaa Praise for Recipes for Change:
“Beautifully weaves together important Black history with delicious recipes.” —Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard Award winner and Top Chef contestant

GOODREADS 

MY TIDBITS

Black history gains a more personal connection as it mixes with loved foods and recipes to give each figure a personal touch.

This book weaves historic figures with food to create a grabbing mix. Starting with Martin Luther King Jr., twelve important, historic figures are introduced...one for each month of the year. The author gives a quick summary, which highlights each individual's contribution to Black history while making each one come to life. The information gains a personal touch, making each one anything but boring. Then, a type of food is connected with each one. These range from hearty dishes such as pork chops to sweet delights such as apple pie. The recipes are easy to understand and create a link of familiarity to each figure.

While the historical facts are easy to digest, the recipes invite readers into the kitchen. Each recipe is easy to follow, and the difficulty ranges just enough to draw in beginning cooks as well as those, who have spent some time in the kitchen. Some will require a bit of adult assistance, but shared moments only make the entire experience that much more special.

This is a lovely way to mix heritage with cooking, and open up readers to both in a meaningful way.

You can learn more about Michael and his books HERE!