Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods
Written by Grace Lin
Illustrated by Grace Lin
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favorite foods.
Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizzas Or how dumplings cured a village’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world?
Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American.
Award-winning and bestselling author Grace Lin provides a visual and storytelling feast as she gives insight on the history, legends, and myths behind your favorite American Chinese dishes. Chinese Menu makes the perfect gift book for anyone who loves good food—and an even better story.
Primary ISBN: 9780316486002
Publication Date: September 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Hybrid Nonfiction, Mythology & Memoir, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Chinese/Chinese American, Taiwanese/Taiwanese American
Themes: Audiobook, Celebrations: Lunar New Year, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Celebrations & Traditions, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Food, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Educator Resource, Engagement Tool: Video, Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 1st, Own Voices/Lived Experience
Setting: United States, China
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Book's Narrator is 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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