Officially I have not finished Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods by Grace Lin. Not because it is a bad book, or because it is a hard read, but because it is actually a good collection of stories that you need to take your time with. Lin takes myths, legends, some truths, historical facts and creative license and tells us the story of the menu of Chinese culture.
I have only gotten little over half way through, but want to devour it! While available currently, I have been going through it via an online reader copy. I do want a copy as this is something that every school, town and city library needs. You also need this for your own personal library as it is not just for kids. And in fact, I would say it actually really isn’t for kids, but for adults. Things are detailed, but not “too much” and can really get into the history of the nation.
So far we have learned about why chopsticks are used. There are several stories on this subject, from the assumption that certain materials can detect poison so the rulers would use them to test food to it was a quick way to eat and run. And we have learned about tea and the ceremony, lessons and specialness surrounding it. In fact, it inspired me to try a flavor of tea (which I have not had yet, but am excited for).
The table of contents is set up like a Chinese takeout menu, the artwork is bold, lush and reminiscent of classical works. They are both separate and a good companion to the text. And while the stories allow themselves to be adapted to most readers, there are a few subjects or stories that might not be appropriate for all ages. There is attempted poisoning, death and at least one story with some mature content.