Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World

by Mildred Pitts Walter

Suffering in a family full of females, ten-year-old Justin feels that cleaning and keeping house are women's work until he spends time on his beloved grandfather's ranch.

Genres: Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Family, Cooking, Historical

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Delegate to the 2nd World Black and African Festival of the Arts & Culture in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977. Graduate of Southern University with an MA in education from Antioch College. She lives in Denver, Colorado, and travels widely as an educational consultant.

Reviews

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best children's books I have ever read.

Justin is a young man who is having a tough time at home with his mom and his sisters. He's not able to live up to their expectations in keeping his room clean, making up his bed, and helping with other chores around the house. He prefers to play basketball with his friends, but even when he attempts to be obedient and helpful, he's not able to get things done.

Just when things are starting to go from bad to worse, his grandfather comes by for a visit. Justin has a special relationship with his grandfather, who is the only male influence in his life. He and his grandfather convince his mom that they need a few days away to spend some time together and Justin looks forward to getting away from what he calls "women's work." But when he arrives at his grandfather's ranch, he begins to learn more about helping out around the house and his opportunities to contribute to his family.

This is an endearing story that teaches responsibility, the importance of family, and appreciation for heritage and history. I loved the western-style setting that the story is presented in.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a nice book I enjoyed the story I felt like it referrers to me in a way.

[Kenia Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great kids' book! I recommend!

[Danni Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this sweet story about a young Black boy and his relationship with his grandfather. It's clearly a story of a different time, written and taking place in the 1940's, but the narrative of a Black grandfather modeling masculinity for his grandson and the loving relationship the two central characters share is as relevant today as ever.

cw: outdated gender stereotypes, graphic violence to animals (killing/eating, entertainment-type abuse), discussion of historic racism/enslavement (Black child and grandparent reading about Black history together)

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The theme of this book is cleaning up after yourself, which is pretty uninteresting in itself. The writing is very simple, which makes it a good book for independent reading, but not as well-suited to a read-aloud.

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Young Justin learns to be less sexist when he goes to spends time at his grandfather's ranch and is shown a different perspective.

Honestly, I picked this book up at the library as a joke with my sister. But my number one rule with books I own is: I have to read them before I get rid of them. So I found myself reading this book written for young readers this evening.

Sadly, this book didn't have as many biscuits as I would have liked. It did have plenty of sexist attitudes, the n-word, and its fair share of cringe dialogue. I'm not saying that this book was horrible, but it was certainly not great either. And I'm still a bit sad about the lack of biscuits in the first half of the story.

I did find the last scene quite funny when Justin wants to make his family a surprise meal and his mom is petrified that he is going to burn down the kitchen. I don't know why, but I found this interaction to be quite comical. It would take a bunch of persuading for me to let Justin in my kitchen, too.

Overall, "Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World" was certainly not written for me, but I still had the right to read it. It certainly had some language that made me a bit uncomfortable (why are some young boys so turned off from anything deemed "too feminine"?). Anyway, I won't remember anything from this book in two days, but at least I will finally be able to unhaul it.

[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, up until I read the journal, where of course I came across an uncensored N-word. I've stated a few times that I don't care who says it, in what context, that's where I stop reading.

Yet this of any book merits the uncensored version, because it's (a portrayal of) an accurate account from the people of that time, quoting their oppressors. It doesn't matter; I still feel uncomfortable reading it even here. I know what happened then, and I don't feel "entertained" reliving it.

I do concede that this is otherwise a brilliant book, where the main focus is teaching a sexist son (Justin) that "women's work" is not only for women, and empowering the same boy to do things for himself rather than give up because he doesn't know how to do it "right" on the first try. It's also an important lesson in knowing one's roots, however painful.

I don't HATE the book, far from it. However, I've got to stick to my policy. Why? Personal feelings, that's all. Absolute recommend especially for young readers who feel like they can't do anything, because maybe you're more talented than you know!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenge: A Brighter Winter - New to me middle grade (12). Ten year old Justin is transformed by a weekend spent with his maternal grandfather and a lifetime of wisdom is gained. An excellent children's book on two counts: that there is honor in work and day-to-day chores no matter who is doing the work; and that one-third of the cowboys in the American West were of African, Native American, and Mexican descent. Famous black cowboys discussed were Bill Pickett, Jesse Stahl, and Nat Love. Now one of my favorite middle-grade books.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this realistic story of ten-year-old Justin learning how misleading stereotypes like "women's work" can be. When I was a boy, I had some of the same emotions Justin feels around the difficulty of cooking and cleaning, and I love how Justin's grandfather uses sarcasm and action to share his own opinions. The stories of Black cowboys like Bill Pickett and the excitement of the festival make the second half of the book move quickly!

[C.J. Milbrandt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Justin's had just about enough of living with girls, and he doesn't see why he should be expected to do "women's work." When his grandfather visits, he invites Justin to come back with him to the ranch, where he learns a bit about his family's history, which changes his perspectives a lot.

Contemporary (written in the 1980s), but sprinkled with historical accounts and information about black cowboys in America.

[Blake · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know this is a book for low level readers (3rd grade), but I think the book was too simplistic. The author hits us over the head with the message of the story. Way too easy to predict what will happen. Very little subtlety. Now I do have an edition made for school curriculum, and there is a nice non-fiction bit at the end - specifically the history of black cowboys. Could be useful for research projects. 3- 4 stars for this small section.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wholesome- kid- and mom-approved!

POV: Justin, a young boy

Themes: grandpa filling in for dad; life skills; family roots

I loved: how the author used Justin's reading of his great-great-grandpa's journal to teach kids about post-slavery racism and westward expansion; how the author captured the pride that children feel when they learn to do something on their own.

Lessons:
*Work is easier once you know how to do it.
*You need to know where you came from to know where you want to go.

[Brandi Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I assigned this to my 5th grade class over Christmas break after reading some marvelous reviews. The theme of the story is responsibility. I feel like every student around the age of 10 should read this book. The character grows from a whiny boy, to a more independent boy who is proud of his accomplishments. I loved this book.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My students and I read this book together in class. It is wonderful! Young Justin goes to visit his grandfather on the ranch. There he learns, not only of his heritage and that of black families after the Civil War, but of how he is much better at things than he thinks he is.

What a wonderful book about celebrating yourself and your heritage!

[EllieVreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand the aim of this book was to teach a lesson in maturity, that all kids—male or female—need to take part in caring for their home and things, and it included some important history about Black cowboys and the hardships of early Freedmen, but even with all that it was a boring read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rereading this Coretta Scott King Award winner from my childhood. The writing was very simple, and the story was about gender roles with the western as the background. This was where my love of Black cowboys started.

[Trasi Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with themes of African American history "out West," male role models, patience and love and dispelling traditional gender roles etc.

Spoiler alert: The book does not include a recipe for the 'Best Biscuits in the World,' which was a great disappoint to my son, (insert smiles).

[Agie Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, once again, read this for work. But I think it would be a great jumping off point for a student who wants to learn a little bit more about Westward expansion and Black cowboys (but through a fiction lens).

[Pam Bartholomew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with lots to discuss about characters, history, and theme.

[Jennybeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about visiting grandpa on the ranch, and about learning how to take care of yourself. All about confidence, thoughtfulness and kindness. Really lovely.

[Danice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the details of the black cowboys and exodusters.

[Laura Aleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The representation of a a non-white young boy who is interested in non-stereotypical things is what reeled me in and made me enjoy it, love the representation once again!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son read this in 4th grade and loved it. He asked me to read it too. Great story and lesson. I enjoyed it very much.

[Daleena Pray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book thoroughly. Learned a lot about historical black cowboys and traditions. Glad I read it. I enjoy young adult fiction.

[Tonja, · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story!!!!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about learning to do things.

[Caroline Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction *Free Choice
Award: Corretta Scott King
Audience: 3rd-6th
A. The main character, Justin, is a 10 year old boy that has his fair share of troubles. He struggles with normal kid things, like his parents being hard on him and setting expectations.
B. This is a coming of age story where Justin discovers himself and learns about his grandpa's struggles and triumphs from the past.
C. Discuss the differences in Justin's life and his grandpas. Justin lives in an urban community with his parents, and his grandpa lives on the Q-T ranch in Missouri.

[Gabriel Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice book for those who are interested in 4H. More appropriate for struggling readers.

[Bao · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had finish reading the Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter, which is a non-fiction book. The main theme in Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World is to clean up your mess and learn how to take responsibilities for yourself.
The book is about a boy who was ten years old. His name is Justin, he doesn't want to make his bed. Fold his clothes, clean his room, or wash the dishes to help out around the house. "…It's Women's Work!" he said. His sisters and his mother are all frustrated with him until their cowboy Grandpa Visits and offer to take Justin back to the family reach and off their hands. Justin was thrilled and eager to see the big rodeo and festival, and delighted that Grandpa is going to teach him how to do real "men's work" like mending fences and handling horses. His Grandpa also showed him how to fix and tidy things around the house and showed him how to make the biscuits.
It is interesting story and my memorable is to remember clean up my mess after I'm done and do the chores around the house to help out my family as well. My favorite characters are Grandpa and Justin because Grandpa is an old man but he lived alone on his ranch and he always did the chores and takes care of his ranch by himself. Justin is a young boy but he learned how to do the chores and cook foods while he at his Grandpa's ranch.
I would recommend this book to anyone because I think it is a good book to read. If you like nonfiction books like Onion Tear and you might like Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter because the two main characters was a lazy person and they start to do chores and cooking foods and helping their family when they knew how disappoint their family is.
Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter is a good book to read. Justin is the main character and he was a lazy boy before but after came back from his Grandpa's ranch he had changes. He knew how to do the chores and cooking foods and cleaning up his room. The author gave it a good ending, and I learn a lot from the book.

[Daniel Kleven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Review:

just as good the second time through. I read it very carefully and crafted discussion questions for a book club with fourth graders, and found lots of layers to this book that repay a second reading.


First Review:

I really enjoyed this book. It's the first one I've read from Mildred Pitts Walker, who wrote a number of award winning children/YA books in the 1980s, including this one, which won the Coretta Scott King Award. I appreciated the way she approached gender roles and responsibilities (Justin's idea of "women's work" and the subversion of the concept by his grandfather). There's also several fascinating historical threads here: the "exodusters" and the history of Black cowboys.

Just a fair warning -- as Justin learns the history of his family tree, there is one brief instance of scary graphic violence, and one use of the n-word. My eight year old loved the book and thought the scary part wasn't too bad.

Can't wait to read some more MPW!