Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by tcbueti
My Chocolate Year: A Novel with 12 Recipes by Charlotte Herman
4.0
This historical novel has Dorrie planning a winning recipe and essay for a school contest, while living life in the late 40's and gradually realizing that her family is waiting for news of their Jewish family's missing relatives in Europe. This was a charming approach, and I think some kids (cooks) would love it. Some of the recipes are more successful than others (some are disasters!): there's a flourless chocolate cake recipe I want to try.
The author does an excellent job of integrating the lighter aspects of Dorrie's everyday family life--going to the movies, trying out recipes, wondering why the adults don't realize the kids now understand Yiddish, planning for a wedding-- with the history and serious issues without going into gruesome detail--even more removed than Snow Treasure or Number the Stars.
A small quibble is that we never hear how to make the winning Superman cookies, or her friend's s'more recipe. And I think that having the kids plan the Sweet Semester for months, and then stretching it to ANOTHER semester, is sort of dumb on the teacher's part--leading to either boredom or more stress and worry.
Charming illustrations and a wave of interest in cooking, from some kids' reality cooking shows, should boost the popularity of this title.
The author does an excellent job of integrating the lighter aspects of Dorrie's everyday family life--going to the movies, trying out recipes, wondering why the adults don't realize the kids now understand Yiddish, planning for a wedding-- with the history and serious issues without going into gruesome detail--even more removed than Snow Treasure or Number the Stars.
A small quibble is that we never hear how to make the winning Superman cookies, or her friend's s'more recipe. And I think that having the kids plan the Sweet Semester for months, and then stretching it to ANOTHER semester, is sort of dumb on the teacher's part--leading to either boredom or more stress and worry.
Charming illustrations and a wave of interest in cooking, from some kids' reality cooking shows, should boost the popularity of this title.