"Before coming to the Feeding America national office, I worked at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, and we kept a copy of Maddie’s Fridge in our lobby! I recommend it to many supporters with children—especially those too young to volunteer. What an incredible resource for shining a light on childhood hunger and an apt tool for teaching empathy to young children. Thank you so much for using your wonderful talents to help raise awareness for and end childhood hunger.” —Jacklyn Chaney, Development Manager, Feeding America

"In her debut picture book, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger...Vogel’s digital illustrations portraying the smiling, wide-eyed girls in their city neighborhood are filled with warmth and a sense of community. An endnote provides suggestions for helping friends who have empty refrigerators and directs young readers to a companion website, MaddisFridge.com." —School Library Journal

"Maddi’s Fridge will inspire conversations about honesty, sensitivity, empathy and helping others."—Kirkwood Times


"Filled with colourful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others." —toronto4kids.com


"In her debut picture book, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger. . . . Vogel's digital illustrations portraying the smiling, wide-eyed girls in their city neighborhood are filled with warmth and a sense of community." —Linda L. Walkins, School Library Journal


"This book introduces a topic that is rarely explored in picture books, and it would be a welcome addition to larger picture book collections." —Melissa Morwood, BayViews


"Cartoon-style illustrations, depicting a vibrant and diverse city neighborhood, help soften the difficult issues raised . . . . Food insecurity, childhood hunger, and poverty are treated with tenderness and humor." —April Mazza, Booklist


"While the issue of childhood hunger is serious, the story is neither preachy nor patronizing. It is instead silly and sweet and strong. It is brilliant and appealing. That’s because it is, at heart, a story about friends. It’s about Maddi helping Sofia climb the wall, and Sofia helping Maddi get enough to eat." —catherinespascha.com

10/01/2014
Gr 1–3—In her debut picture book, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger. Sofia's best friend does not have food at home. After taking on the climbing wall at the park, the girls go to Maddi's apartment. A hungry Sofia looks for a snack and is surprised to find a lone carton of milk in the refrigerator. Maddi admits that her mom does not have enough money to go to the grocery store and makes Sofia promise to keep it secret. At home, Sofia's mother serves a delicious supper of fish and rice. The refrigerator is filled with good things to eat, including her brother's favorite treat, Cheesy Pizza Bombs. Worried about her friend, Sofia smuggles food to school, but fish and eggs are "not good for backpacks." Each afternoon, Sofia tries to follow the nimble Maddi to the top of the climbing wall, but it's too high for her. Maddi encourages her, lending her a hand, and Sofia finally climbs the wall. Wanting to do something for Maddi, Sofia tells her mother about the empty fridge. Together, they go to the store to buy groceries. To Sofia's relief, Maddi is not angry about the broken promise, and the two families share a supper of Cheesy Pizza Bombs. Vogel's digital illustrations portraying the smiling, wide-eyed girls in their city neighborhood are filled with warmth and a sense of community. An endnote provides suggestions for helping friends who have empty refrigerators and directs young readers to a companion website, MaddisFridge.com.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA

2014-07-15
Hungry after playing in the park, Sofia opens the fridge in Maddi's apartment and finds only a carton of milk inside. Maddi explains that her mom doesn't have enough money for much else. Sofia is surprised but promises to keep her friend's secret. Sofia is troubled. Her family's fridge is filled to the brim with food. Even their dog gets treats each night as the family sits down to dinner. She decides to help Maddi but discovers the hard way that some foods, such as fish and eggs, do not travel well in a backpack. After several days, knowing her friend is going hungry is too much to bear, and Sofia decides to tell her mom Maddi's secret. Speaking up releases Sofia from her burden of secrecy. The adults respond appropriately to the challenge, allowing Sofia and Maddi to go back to being kids. Though undeniably purposive, this title is notable. The bright, friendly illustrations soften the topic while still conveying the characters' difficult feelings, such as worry and embarrassment. Gentle, age-appropriate humor releases the tension, keeping readers engaged as Sofia discovers how to best help her friend. A note at the end offers suggestions for helping others in need. A thoughtful and well-executed look at the challenge of childhood hunger. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)