Shannon Gibney (Where We Come From) and Charly Palmer (The Legend of Gravity) entertainingly explore how cultural clashes can emerge in a variety of settings--even at the dinner table--in Sam and the Incredible African and American Food Fight.
Sam and his little sister, Connah, try to navigate the culinary offerings being served simultaneously at mealtimes by their Black American mother and Liberian father and aunt. The boy truly likes the traditional cuisines his parents love, but his tummy has "only so much space, and both meals [won't] fit." Finally, after going hungry one night for fear of insulting either parent, Sam realizes he must initiate a truce. He starts with Mom, convincing her to try some rice and okra soup: "African or American, any kind of meat, all you really need to do, Mom, is eat! Eat! Eat!" Then it's Daddy and Auntie's turn to try the spaghetti and meatballs. All the adults enjoy the food and Sam feels happy to have restored harmony.
Gibney writes in short snippets of prose which children can relate to and easily understand. Palmer's illustrations are bathed in warm acrylic tones and presented in a soft focus, visually conveying the underlying strength of Sam's familial ties. He shows his artistry further in full-bleed spreads that are expertly rendered, leading the eye from the foreground to the background, and creating depth and texture. Gibney then adds the final flourish in the back matter with recipes for foods mentioned in the book. Overall, this is one delightful, delish read kids should enjoy savoring solo or with adults they adore. --Rachel Werner, author and teaching artist at Hugo House, Lighthouse Writers Workshop and The Loft Literary Center