Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging

by Eric Adjepong, Lala Watkins (Illustrator)

"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.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Africa, Family, Childrens, Ghana, Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Hummingbirgio D’Saltalamacchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of a boy learning about his Ghanaian culture from his grandparent 💗💗💗

[Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the basic premise is understandable and relatable to many children, this picture book turned jeremiad comes off the rails when it tries to cover too much ground. Where was the editor to rein in the first time author to tighten up the story? It felt so long and unfocused.

The illustrations are colorful, though a few of them felt forced. Unlike the natural imagery of a family table as depicted on the cover, an illustration within the book shows multiple people on one side of a round table, and the protagonist alone on the other. I can understand this as a metaphor, but it just looks odd to the reader.

There were also some presumptuous assertions made about how this Ghanian-American child was singularly unique in his class, and that teachers are incompetent and uncaring when they create assignments. That's a trope that really needs to be (re-)examined in children's books.

Two stars for the concept gone awry.

[Jessica Calaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gr 1-3: The author guides young readers through an exploration of culture, using food as a captivating medium. The narrative centers around Kofi, a young boy navigating the challenge of showcasing his cultural heritage at a class potluck. The tale artfully weaves the importance of traditions, family, and community through the prism of food. 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 preparing the dish underscores the book's theme of connecting generations through traditional meals. The choice of a dark folk-like 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. It's worth noting that the level and composition of the text may be better suited for older children, allowing them to appreciate the nuances of the story. Verdict: This is a charming read that illustrates the power of food to unite and bridge cultural gaps, making it a valuable addition to any young reader's bookshelf.

[Naail Iqbal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sankofa reminded me of the importance of looking back to our roots to move forward in life. In this story, a young boy named Kofi takes a trip to Ghana with his father, where he learns about his heritage, family traditions, and the concept of Sankofa, which means "go back and get it." Through stories and experiences shared by his family, Kofi begins to understand the rich history and culture of his ancestors and how it connects to who he is today. It was heartwarming to see Kofi’s journey of discovery and how proud he felt about his identity by the end of the story. This book falls under the genre of Contemporary Realistic Fiction, with themes of heritage, family, and self-discovery. The story beautifully captures the importance of connecting with our cultural roots and learning from the past to build a stronger future. What stood out to me was how Kofi’s trip to Ghana became a journey not just of travel, but of understanding himself and his family’s history. It left me feeling inspired to reflect on my own heritage and how it shapes my life today. I think children will feel empowered by this story and encouraged to explore their own family traditions and histories.
Eric Adjepong’s writing uses literary devices like vivid imagery and symbolism to bring the story to life. The sights, sounds, and smells of Ghana are described in a way that makes the reader feel like they are walking alongside Kofi, experiencing the culture firsthand. The concept of Sankofa serves as a powerful symbol, reminding readers of the value of learning from the past while moving forward. The illustrations further enhance the story, showing the vibrant colors and energy of Ghana, as well as Kofi’s emotional journey. This book highlights the importance of embracing cultural diversity and celebrating the richness of one’s heritage. Sankofa is a WOW book for me because of its ability to teach such an important lesson in a way that is relatable and inspiring for children.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric Adjepong is one of my husband’s and my favourite chefs from the Food Network. I was so excited to receive this early copy from Penguin Random House Canada.

Based on his own childhood, Eric Adjepong writes about the struggle a young boy has when connecting to his culture. Being the only one born and raised in America, Kofi has a hard time feeling like his family's birthplace, Ghana, is his home too.

I love the history and stories of the ingredients, food and people that are shared in this book. Eric Adjepong does a great job sharing this in an age-appropriate way that can still keep the attention of children.

This book is great for young kids who struggle with connecting to their culture, whether it be because they were not born in their family's birth country or maybe they were, but were raised in a new country. This book can help them feel understood and not alone in those feelings. It can also help them reach out to their family members for help in connecting with their culture.

This book is also great as a reminder that we all have different backgrounds, even if they seem similar. Accepting others and their cultures is so important and a lesson we should always be teaching our children.

I love the illustrations. They are bright, colourful and eye-catching. Lala Watkins was able to bring the story together perfectly.

I recommend this book to all parents and caretakers and even teachers as a great way to celebrate diversity at home and in the classroom.

Thank you to Penguin Workshop/Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story of a young boy concerned about sharing his culture through a food dish with his classmates. His parents are unable to shop for ingredients with him when he finally lets them know about this assignment, but his Nanabarima (grandfather) agrees to teach him about a dish they can make together. Having never been to an open market (similar to a farmer's market near my home) Kofi is worried. He knows his family is from Ghana, but he was born in America and only knows English. Kofi worries the spices common in Jollof the dish he chose will be too much for his classmates. Kofi learns a lot from his grandfather and retells his learnings at school when sharing the Jollof with his classmates.

This is a beautiful story and I love that the concerns about different spices are part of the story. In my school we have about 25 nationalities represented each school year. We also do a culture event every year and I know this book will be welcomed by my teachers and students, especially as we prepare for this yearly event.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Penguin Workshop through Edelweiss+.
Sometimes Kofi feels different from his classmates. This becomes a bigger problem when his teacher reminds them about the potluck their class is having to celebrate dishes from everyone's cultures. He has avoided thinking about this and finally shares with his family on Friday night before the Monday meal. His nanabarima (grandfather) takes him to the market and teaches him about his ancestors. Kofi feels closer to his nanabarima and his heritage as they explore the various vendor booths. They return home and cook a family dish to be shared.
The illustrations are detailed and enhance the story. I appreciate the gentle way Adjepong shares how many from Africa came to be in the United States while not shying away from the truth.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a lovely and real story about kids from different cultures can feel at school when confronted with sharing their culture with peers, especially where food is concerned. The only constructive criticism I have for Chef Adjepong is that it felt like something was missing in the story between where Kofi and his grandfather cook their Ghanian meal for his classmates, and next part, where they show him presenting his Ghanian meal and his story to his class at school. The transition seemed a bit abrupt. Overall, I liked the book and thought it was done well. Thank you to Chef
Adjepong for sharing his culture with all of us. I very much enjoy watching him host and cook on the Food Network!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a digital advanced reader's copy curtesy of the publisher.
What is culture? Do you have to have lived somewhere you're ancestors are from to feel connected to that place and it's culture? Kofi has to bring in a cultural dish for his school's potluck. He knows the food he eats is different from his classmates who are bringing in spaghetti and mac and cheese. His grandfather takes him to the market and explains how food plays an important part in connecting people to one another and to their homelands. Kofi and his grandfather settle on making a traditional Ghanim dish, Jollof Rice and when Kofi takes it to school he explains the culture behind the dish. Delicious!

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the premise of this picture book and the overarching message, but the illustrations and the narration voice/writing quality could be so much better. Also, the scene with Kofi eating/tasting raw black plantains gave me pause. As a Nigerian, no adult ever asked me to eat raw plantains. Plantains should be cooked, not eaten raw like bananas. I feel like this could have been so much better executed than it was, especially with the info-dumping throughout. Perhaps the author could've just written a non-fiction picture book instead? But it's possible that Africans in Africa aren't the target audience.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations, which are pretty basic, are less important than the story being told of a boy who is nervous about his classroom's potluck next week. He's dragging on telling his family about it because he doesn't want to be seen as too different and isn't confident. So when he sits down to dinner with his mom, dad, sister, and grandfather, they decide to explain how important food is in Ghana and in the United States where they currently live explaining how women wove rice into their hair to bring food, as part of their culture over, when they were stolen from their country.

It reads a little incomplete in parts but gets the job done. More wordy than most picture books too.

[AbsentLibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about a child bridging the generational and geographic gap with a family elder and with the family's traditions and culture. It can be hard for first generation in a new country to feel that conneciton to their familial origins. Learning about and allowing oneself to enjoy the richness of that personal history helps us know who we are as a family and as individuals. I liked seeing the change from worrying about how different our cultrue is to celebrating and being proud to share it with others. I see this happening in my schools and when that pride and excitement takes hold, everyone benefits.

[Otishia Emmens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! A quick read however, packed with relevant lessons.

I have always felt a sense of pride for Chef Eric Adjepong’s accomplishments; now I know why!

It is very important that we understand the foundation from which we come. The history; good and bad creates beautiful threads of culture, community, pride and resilience in how we show up in the world. These experiences can never be muddled!

A great book for all ages that echoes a gentle reminder to always celebrate who you are and the unique qualities you bring to the table.

[deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm and earnest story that takes its time, letting all of Kofi's emotions and learning about his heritage and home build up bit by bit to paint a very thorough picture. The exploration of how food and culture are so closely interwoven, particularly for a young Ghanaian American learning about a home he has never been to, was beautifully done! (Also, I really want to try the jollof rice recipe at the end!)

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a picture book for older readers that could also be shared with a younger group. Some of the transitions were awkward - maybe the pictures didn't quite capture what the author intended or my word-focused mind wasn't making the connections. However, overall it very sweetly shows a grandfather understanding his grandson's hesitance and gently showing him the richness of his culture in the way the boy can understand.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy and homey picture book about finding joy and pride in your culture. The illustrations are graphic and vibey and I love the use of red and orange tones. Could be paired Nana Akua Goes to School, for talking about how to be proud of your culture and not embarrassed for being different. A recipe for jollof rice and really good end pages complete the effect.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

I found this book to be very interesting and I learned a lot about food from Ghana. However, there were definitely some flaws. The books dragged a bit. I think the author tried to cover too much within the book. It was very text heavy, especially because the illustrations in this book are very basic and seem to be trying to appeal to very young children.

[Brittany Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story about a young boy who has to bring something to a potluck to school. He isn’t sure what to bring and is worried. His grandfather helps him and explains the culture behind the dish. A quote from the book is, “ you will soon learn that through food there is more that connects us than separates us.”

[Zahnii (Suzanne) Artis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story of a boy who straddles two places - one of which he has never seen. His family is from Ghana and an upcoming potluck at school has Kofi feeling “othered.” Though he waits to tell his family of this school activity, his grandfather steps up to help, taking Kofi to the market where he learns the history behind the foods. They cook up some jollof rice and Kofi feels a swell of pride.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations! I love the history of the family and the ingredients and how Kofi learned to embrace and celebrate his culture. It made him feel more connected.

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book.

[Clarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story of a child learning about his families Ghanian culture and cuisine, when he has to bring a dish to the potluck celebration in his American classroom.

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentle and empowering. I loved the art style and the message.

[FirnMamaMakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of kids books about culture with recipes in the back and this one did not disappoint. We can't wait to make jollof rice!

[Manda Marigold · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book in an informative family friendly story about Ghanaian culture. The author Eric Adjepong uses food to educate us about Ghanaian culture.

[Jodi]

A beautiful story with a lot of great age-appropriate explanations of some pretty tough topics. This is a loooooong one.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story of how food can be a way to connect and feel more a part of your culture. I thought the story was well written and the illustrations are beautiful.

[sasheel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for Black History Month. The children enjoyed it with all the wonderful substance it has to offer.

[A-inn · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The story of food is also the story of who we are. And you should be proud of who you are. “