Author: Emily Tracey
Are you participating in our Kids Winter Reading program this year? Enjoy this guide of cooking/food themed titles you can download or order from us today!
Ages 11 & Up
Slider by Pete Hautman BR022132, DB089272
Hoping to win a cash prize in a pizza-eating contest after accidentally racking up a tab on his mother's credit card, fourteen-year-old David juggles his competitive eating training with the responsibility of looking after his autistic younger brother Mal. For grades 5-8. 2017.
Granny Torelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech BR015241, DB057472
Rosie's grandmother knows that the kitchen is a wonderful place for trading confidences and advice in the form of stories. When Rosie and her best friend, Bailey, who is vision impaired, have a falling out, Granny Torrelli reunites them through cooking. For grades 5-8. 2003.
Close to Famous by Joan Bauer BR019473, DB073023
After escaping her mother's abusive boyfriend, twelve-year-old Foster McFee and her mother make a new start in Culpepper, West Virginia. Her mom wants to be a lead singer, while Foster dreams of becoming a famous TV chef--and of mastering reading, despite her learning disability. For grades 5-8. 2011.
The Thing About Leftovers by C. C. Payne DBC08424
After her parents’ divorce, twelve-year-old Fizzy feels like a leftover from their marriage. Dad has remarried and is expecting a baby with his perfect new wife, while Mom is soon to be married to a man Fizzy doesn't like. She feels like an outsider in both their homes but thinks she must remain polite and keep it to herself. Her solace is cooking, and she sets her sights on winning the Southern Living Cook-off. For grades 5-8.
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi DB108817
"Sixth graders Sara and Elizabeth could not be more different. Sara is at a new school that is completely unlike the small Islamic school she used to attend. Elizabeth has her own problems: her British mum has been struggling with depression. The girls meet in an after-school South Asian cooking class, which Elizabeth takes because her mom has stopped cooking, and which Sara, who hates to cook, is forced to attend because her mother is the teacher. The girls form a shaky alliance that gradually deepens, and they make plans to create the most amazing, mouth-watering cross-cultural dish together and win a spot on a local food show." - Provided by publisher. Commercial audiobook. For grades 5-8. 2020.
The Truth About Twinkie Pie by Kat Yeh DB080570
When twelve-year-old GiGi and her big sister move to Long Island from South Carolina for GiGi to attend a fancy new private school, GiGi has a new recipe for success. But the discovery of a family secret turns her life upside-down. Commercial audiobook. For grades 6-9 and older readers. 2015.
Kisses & Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau DB103113
Sixteen-year-old Mia travels to Paris to attend an elite ballerina program. Along the way she meets a cute French boy, finds an unexpected rival, and discovers the truth behind a family legend. Commercial audiobook. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2021.
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler DB074585
Fourteen-year-old Hudson Avery lost a figure-skating championship because of her parents' impending split. Now three years later, Hudson bakes cupcakes at her mom's diner for emotional comfort but soon finds herself back on the ice--with interesting prospects. Some strong language. For junior and senior high readers. 2012.
Ages 15 & Up
The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg DB094002
Maximo offers to help his high school classmate, Jordan, with the family's food truck. But as their unexpected romance develops it is threatened by the secrets they are hiding--and by the racism and homophobia of those around them. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.
A Phở Love Story by Loan Le DB108093
High school seniors Bao and Linh, whose feuding families own competing Vietnamese restaurants, conceal their budding romance, as well as Linh's desire to become an artist. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2021
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord DB106599
Two teens' spat about their families' eateries turns into a viral Twitter war. Little do they know, while they're publicly duking it out with snarky memes and retweet battles, they're also falling for each other in real life. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2020.
Cookbooks
The Forest Feast for Kids by Erin Gleeson DB108180
"The Forest Feast for Kids serves up kid-friendly vegetarian recipes that are quick, easy, and fun to make. Each meal is simple and full of fresh and lively flavors that will appeal to kids. The natural beauty of Gleeson's surroundings and the abundance of local produce serve as the inspiration for recipes such as: Pesto Pepper Pizza, Rainbow Chard Quiche, Kale Tacos, and Watermelon Smoothies.” - Provided by publisher. For grades 5-8. 2016.
The Coming to America Cookbook by Joan D’Amico DB062630
Combines recipes with facts about traditional foods from other countries. Features dishes like bratwurst with sauerkraut, a Wisconsin favorite brought to America by German settlers, and specialties from Chinese, Cuban, Dutch, Ethiopian, Irish, Mexican, Moroccan, Nigerian, and other origins. Includes kitchen tips. For grades 5-8 and older readers. 2005.
The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs by America’s Test Kitchen BR024185, DB107968
Fiercely independent and searching for culinary adventure, teen chefs are ready for exciting, global recipes made to share with friends and family--with the support of fundamental kitchen techniques. Includes instruction on how to make pizza pockets, buttermilk fried chicken, oatmeal dinner rolls, salted butterscotch cupcakes, and more. For junior and senior high and older readers. 2022.
What the World Eats by Faith D’Aluisio DB067687
Author's record of what twenty-five families in twenty-one countries ate in one week. Compares expenses and categories such as dairy, meat and eggs, fruits and vegetables, snacks, fast food, and beverages. Features favorite family recipes. Countries range from Australia and China to France and Chad. For grades 6-9. 2008.
Looking for ways to earn extra points during our Winter Reading Challenge? Try rating and reviewing the books you read. In addition to the point you receive for reading one book, rating that book will earn you an extra point, and writing a review of at least 50 words will earn you 8 points.
To participate in our rate and review program, simply fill out the form at the following link: slnc.info/ABLS_SRBR