Stir It Up - Book Review

Title ~ Stir it Up
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Ramin Ganeshram
Release Date ~ August 1, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Scholastic Press
Source ~ Scholastic Press

GOODREADS SUMMARY

A Trinidadian-American girl’s dream is challenged by her family...

Thirteen-year-old Anjali's life is rich with the smell of curry from her parents' roti shop and an absolute passion for food. More than anything, Anjali wants to be a chef who competes on a kids' cooking reality TV show. But Anjali must keep her wish a secret from her family, who thinks Anjali's passions are beneath her. Thank goodness for Deema, Anjali's grandmother, whose insight and love can push past even the oldest family beliefs. Woven with recipes that cook up emotions and actual culinary recipes that make food, this novel is as delicious as it is satisfying.

REVIEW

Stir it Up Recipe

1 Trinidadian-American teen girl named Anjali
1 cup of sneakiness as Anjali is not honest with her parents about Super Chef Kids
1 cup of determination as Anjali overcomes obstacles while competing
1 / 2 cup of spice for Anjali’s personality and desire to live her dream
1 /2 cup of real life Trinidadian recipes to try for yourself
1 tablespoon of suspense during the cooking competition
1 teaspoon of family dynamics as Anjali’s grandmother, Deema, helps her out

Mix all ingredients together until they form a complete book. Bake for an hour. The writing will include detailed descriptions of the Trinidadian food, and the story will be an easy read. Be sure to tell everyone that Anjali should not have kept a secret from her parents, but I appreciate her enthusiasm for achieving her goals. Eat while it’s hot and enjoy!

RATING

4 Liked

COVER COMMENTS

This cover is spicy, just like the dishes Anjali cooks. I like the turquoise and red that really pop! Oh, and Anjali’s big smile shows she is having fun.