Fry Bread

By Kevin Noble Maillard, Juana Martinez-Neal (illustrator),

Book cover of Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Book description

Fry bread is food.
It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.

Fry bread is time.
It brings families together for meals and new memories.

Fry bread is nation.
It might look or taste different, but it is still shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.…

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Why read it?

3 authors picked Fry Bread as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book's evocative verse drew me in immediately, whisking me into a cozy childhood memory of my own. I love the repeated refrains of Fry Bread…which allows young ones to anticipate and ‘read along,’ increasing engagement with the child.

The beautiful illustrations, which show children of many different skin tones in the kitchen assisting and then awaiting the delicious result, amplify the story, showing how grandparents can be sources of love and support for their grandchild's network of friends.

I especially love this book because it reminds me of cooking Cuban bread pudding with my abuela for Thanksgiving, her contribution…

I wish Fry Bread was around when I was growing up! This book is absolutely touching and spoke to me in such a personal way.

Having Native American ancestry, but not knowing a lot about my family’s history has left me feeling disconnected from that part of my heritage. However, this story is such an immersive way to learn and connect with modern Indigenous culture while also learning American history that is not widely shared.

Through the story and author’s note, I really appreciate how the book honors the significance of the pillowy bread in such a simple yet engaging…

Reading this picture book makes you hungry, makes you smile, and makes you ready to sit down and bite into some hot sizzling fry bread (maybe with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of ice cream). What a fun look into the world of Native American families.  Fry bread is much more than something to eat. The author presents us with a new awareness: “fry bread is food… Fry bread is time… Fry bread is nation…is us… a celebration of traditional and modern….” Yes, what a delicious way to think about it – “fry bread is us.”

From Nancy's list on Native American celebrations today.

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