CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods

by Grace Lin

CCBC Review:

This mouth-watering buffet enriched with history, culture, folklore, and personal anecdotes is divided into sections based primarily on courses of a Chinese meal (Tea, Appetizers, Soup, Side Orders, Chef’s Specials, Dessert) as author/illustrator Grace Lin details the history and traditions encompassed in various dishes of Chinese origin, along with some Chinese American offerings. She makes clear from the outset that “Chinese food” is actually food of many different regions and groups, building on this distinction as she delves into individual dishes and related stories. Lin also chronicles changes that took place when Chinese people began cooking food in the United States, adapting to what was available, and, sometimes, when opening restaurants, to preferences among the would-be customers. Throughout the work, she shares her personal connections to various dishes, which adds to the inviting feel of this informative, welcome, and welcoming volume. Each course and each dish is accompanied by cheery illustrations in this tasty treat for readers young and old, whether they’re discovering the history of foods with which they are familiar or those that are new to them. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Grace Lin

CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 8 and older
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13) Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format: Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects: Chinese and Chinese Americans Folk and Fairy Tales Food and Cooking Immigration and Immigrants
Diversity subject: Asian
On CCBC Booklist: Asian in America: Selected Books for PreK-Grade 12 to Support Hmong and Asian American Studies in Wisconsin

Publisher: Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780316486002
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 641 Lin

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