Midwestern Recipes

Gr 3–8—These cookbooks combine information about different regions of the United States with recipes from each featured area. The titles begin with introductions that explain the geography and/or cultures in the region that have influenced the cuisine. A short paragraph preceding each recipe explains the origin of that dish. All of the books are illustrated with color photographs of the food, children cooking, and places of interest. Some images are fuzzy and look like they could have come from a family photo album. Many recipes are difficult and are unlikely to be accomplished by children the age of those pictured in the some of the photos. A few, like the "Espresso Ice Cream Soda," have questionable child appeal. Others have dubious connections to the areas they are meant to represent (is an "English Muffin Pizza" really a New England dish?). Nonetheless, the books offer an innovative way for readers to learn history, geography, and culture as they cook.