Ms. Chen's class is learning about foods, so each student is bringing in a special dish that their family enjoys. They try spaghetti from Italy and yi mein from China. They have lefse from Norway, roti from India, and challah from Israel. One child even talks about going fishing with her father to bring home fresh fish for her family. And Manuel, the narrator of the tale, brings in salsa he makes with his abuela. Throughout the week as the children learn about different dishes from different cultures, they also learn that even when foods are called by other names or cooked in various ways, they can still be the same, too.
At the end of the story are a recipe for salsa, a glossary, a list of books and websites to learn more, and an index. The books makes a point of including diversity in backgrounds, families, and even children with glasses or a wheelchair. There are also questions on several pages to encourage discussion. They ask things like - "What part of the world does your family come from?" Or, "Do you help your family cook meals?"
If the other books in this Alike and Different series are done in a similar fashion, they will make an excellent resource for introducing young students into the study of cultural diversity.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley. To learn more, visit the websites for the author andillustrator
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