Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story



Last updated Monday, January 25, 2021

Author: Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1626727465
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2020

Synopsis: Told in lively and powerful verse, "Fry Bread" is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal. "With buoyant, heartfelt illustrations that show the diversity in Native America, the book tells the story of a post-colonial food, a shared tradition across the North American continent . . . Through this topic that includes the diversity of so many Native peoples in a single story, Maillard (Mekusukey Seminole) promotes unity and familiarity among nations. Fry bread is much more than food, as this book amply demonstrates." Kirkus Reviews,

Note to readers:
•  Wonderful seasonal book to honor Native Americans

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Who likes bread?
•  What's your favorite type of bread?
•  Have you ever visited other parts of North America?

Vocabulary

•  sizzle (page 6) a hissing sound on the stove - hot!
•  heritage (page 10) a tradition handed from our fmailies
•  sienna (page 7) reddish brown color after cooking the bread

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Who are the FIRST people of America - NATIVE AMERICANS
•  Let's name breads from different countries - Germany, Israel, Mexico, Poland, Italy, England
•  Have you ever helped make bread at home?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw the shape/color of your favorite bread, round Mexican Sweet Bread, Square Native American CORN BREAD
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2020-family-the-spirit-of-giving/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!