Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging

by Eric Adjepong Narrated by Eric Adjepong

Overview

"Based on his own experiences as a first-generation Ghanaian American growing up in New York City, chef and author Adjepong's debut picture book beautifully captures Kofi's complicated feelings of in-betweenness, seeing himself as not quite American enough and not quite Ghanaian enough, even as he tries to connect to his family's history. A recipe for jollof rice, the dish Kofi proudly shares with his class, is included at the end." -BCCB, starred review

Inspired by acclaimed chef Eric Adjepong's own childhood, Sankofa is the powerful story of a young boy's culinary journey 400 years into the past to reconnect with his African roots and find his own place in America. This thoughtful picture book also includes a recipe for jollof rice.

"Adjepong has crafted a delectable story that blends food history and Ghanaian culture. A celebration of food and culture that reminds youngsters to look back as they move forward." -Kirkus Reviews

What if home was a place you've never been? For Kofi, a first-generation Ghanaian American boy, home is a country called Ghana. But it's a place he's never been. When tasked to bring a dish that best represents his family's culture to school for a potluck lunch, Kofi is torn. With the help of his Nanabarima (grandfather), Kofi learns the hardship and resilience his family has endured-and how food has always been an integral part their story and culture. Sankofa is a reminder that food can transport you to a place called home-even if you've never been.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Based on his own experiences as a first-generation Ghanaian American growing up in New York City, chef and author Adjepong’s debut picture book beautifully captures Kofi’s complicated feelings of in-betweenness, seeing himself as not quite American enough and not quite Ghanaian enough, even as he tries to connect to his family’s history. A recipe for jollof rice, the dish Kofi proudly shares with his class, is included at the end." —BCCB, starred review

"Adjepong has crafted a delectable story that blends food history and Ghanaian culture. A celebration of food and culture that reminds youngsters to look back as they move forward." —Kirkus Reviews

"Sankofa effectively introduces readers to food as a way of connecting people." —Booklist

"The heartwarming intergenerational bonding while they prepare the dish underscores the book’s theme of connecting generations through traditional meals. The choice of an atmospheric folk art style for illustrations adds to the cozy ambiance, evoking a sense of utility and community. The visuals complement the narrative beautifully, effectively conveying the message of unity and togetherness." —School Library Journal

School Library Journal

10/27/2023

Gr 1–3—Adjepong guides young readers through an exploration of culture, using food as a captivating medium. The narrative centers around Kofi, a young boy facing the challenge of showcasing his cultural heritage at a class potluck. Kofi's apprehension is palpable, and readers empathize with his desire to avoid feeling like an outsider. Enter his grandfather, who imparts not only culinary expertise but also a sense of pride in their Ghanaian roots. The heartwarming intergenerational bonding while they prepare the dish underscores the book's theme of connecting generations through traditional meals. The choice of an atmospheric folk art style for illustrations adds to the cozy ambiance, evoking a sense of utility and community. The visuals complement the narrative beautifully, effectively conveying the message of unity and togetherness. The level and composition of the text may be better suited for older children, allowing them to appreciate the nuances of the story. VERDICT In a tale that artfully weaves the importance of traditions, family, and community through the prism of food, this charming read illustrates the power of food to unite and bridge cultural gaps. A valuable addition to any picture book collection.—Jessica Calaway

DECEMBER 2023 - AudioFile

Author and chef Eric Adjepong brings his personal experience to his narration of his picture book. As a first-generation Ghanaian American, Kofi is embarrassed to bring a familial dish to his class's annual cultural potluck. What he eats at home is so different from his classmates' dishes. With guidance from his nanabarima (grandfather) Kofi learns the stories behind his own culturally significant foods. Adjepong has a deep voice and keeps his words clipped. His downward inflections make the ends of sentences somewhat hard to hear. Still, having the author narrate ensures that listeners hear the story as the author intends it to sound, including the correct pronunciation of names and words in African languages. S.S. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

Kirkus Reviews

2023-08-26
In this picture book from Top Chef finalist Adjepong, a Ghanaian American boy frets about a school potluck.

The students have been asked to bring in dishes from their families’ cultures, but Kofi worries his classmates won’t enjoy the food he brings in. So he keeps quiet about the potluck until the last minute. Kofi’s parents don’t have time to help, so Kofi’s Nanabarima (grandfather) takes him to the market. There, Kofi hears shoppers speaking in Twi, and Nanabarima tells him that the various foods from their culture have stories all their own, like Carolina Gold rice, brought to America by enslaved Africans who secretly braided it into their hair. Though Kofi, born in the United States, has never been to Ghana, he feels immersed in his culture. He confides that he felt ashamed of being different, but Nanabarima emboldens him to take pride in his heritage. At home, Nanabarima shows Kofi a cookbook titled Sankofa, a reference to the Twi saying “Sankofa w’onkyir” (“we must look back into the past for traditions and stories that have been left behind”), and the two set about preparing for the potluck. Adjepong has crafted a delectable story that blends food history and Ghanaian culture. Watkins’ graphic-style illustrations are full of subtle details that complement the narrative, adding texture and warmth.

A celebration of food and culture that reminds youngsters to look back as they move forward. (recipe for jollof rice) (Picture book. 4-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178391037
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	10/03/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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