A Place at the Table

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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4.5 stars for this middle grade book! The two main characters are lovable! The friendship issues are relatable. The food descriptions are mouth-watering! I only wish that the lessons on racism/prejudice were less on the nose- they were already naturally part of the story.

My #recipeinstory book for #autumnbingo2022

17 likes

Zoe-h

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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While I enjoyed the read, the characters, and the descriptions of food, I have to say the author did not know much about how to make ice cream, after all there is more than one way to do it. Even with that, I think it‘s great how more and more middle grade books are being written that deal with more mature issues that a lot of kids don‘t know about. And, who can forget the food if this book? Everything sounded so good! 4.5⭐️

13 likes

BarbaraJean

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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Belated review of September‘s #MGBuddyRead. Sara and Elizabeth, both daughters of immigrants but from quite different backgrounds, are thrown together in a cooking class & begin a hesitant friendship. Their different perspectives & experiences combine to offer an honest and moving exploration of friendship, cultural differences, racism, and bullying. With plenty of descriptions of tasty tasty food. 😋 I loved this—thank you @megnews for the pick!

megnews Great review! Glad you liked it. 3y

44 likes1 comment

Butterfinger

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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Nervous middle school girls become friends while attending an after school cooking club. They share their worries and realize differences will complement. I adored this little book with a big lesson. #MGBuddyRead @megnews

38 likes

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, BarbaraJean, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, ravenlee, Butterfinger

ravenlee I‘m confused by Mrs Kluckowski‘s motivation for the way she treated Mrs Hameed - was the explanation at the end about Chef Elaine having abused her privileges supposed to mean she wasn‘t being racist toward Mrs Hameed, or was she hyper-vigilant and also racist? 3y

Deblovestoread @ravenlee I felt like the author was trying to put a different spin on her attitude but it didn‘t work for me. 3y

ravenlee @Kdgordon88 exactly, it felt like a justification for having been awful - oh, but she‘s not ACTUALLY racist or anything, she just got burned by that previous club teacher. It felt kind of halfhearted, out of left field, kind of thing. 3y

megnews @ravenlee @Kdgordon88 what I took from it was it was the author‘s way of showing that we shouldn‘t judge someone‘s actions without discussing it with them to see if we‘re correct. The thing is a simple conversation with Mrs Hameed about how she got burned last time would have gone a long way. I think she‘d have to be under a rock not to recognize how her attitude would be construed. I think we also see how different generations in an immigrant ⬇️ 3y

megnews Family react to racism. Mrs Hameed either ignores, gives the benefit of the doubt or suffers in silence not wanting to rock the boat while Sara is has a completely different reaction. 3y

18 likes5 comments

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, BarbaraJean, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, ravenlee, Butterfinger

ravenlee I liked this one a little better, I found the characters a little more sympathetic (something I struggled with more in A Thousand Questions), and it was all more relatable. Plus, the juxtaposition of different immigrant experiences (“good” immigrant and “bad” immigrant) was interesting. 3y

Daisey I enjoyed both books, but I think I enjoyed A Thousand Questions more. I liked the setting of Pakistan and the relationship of the two girls a bit more. Yet, I saw many similarities in the stories and I wonder if maybe part of it is just appreciating the first read more. (edited) 3y

ravenlee I just realized they‘re by the same author! But I think the writing duo of Faruqi and Shovan really worked in A Place at the Table, capturing the different voices and perspectives. 3y

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megnews @ravenlee I liked the combo too. @daisey I liked the Pakistan setting as well but I think I like this one better only because the situation with the absent dad and the mom acting in secret in A Thousand Questions seemed so contrived to me. I‘m glad I read another by her so I can give her another chance in the future as well. 3y

BarbaraJean I felt the same as you, @ravenlee--I connected more with these characters. I felt there was more depth/complexity to this one, specifically with the parent characters. There were some elements in Thousand Questions that just didn't work for me (as @megnews said, the absent father storyline specifically needed better context to be believable), and this story felt more cohesive. 3y

Butterfinger When I first started reading, I thought it was a continuation. Until I realized it wasn't set in Texas. I liked them both, but appreciate how the different classes in Pakistan was dissected a tiny bit more. 3y

14 likes6 comments

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

#MGBuddyRead

Daisey, BarbaraJean, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, ravenlee, Butterfinger

Daisey I thought the title was a perfect combination of all the food aspects and the way the story brought people together. 3y

ravenlee I agree with @Daisey that the food elements in the story and title work well. Also, it works for me in the sense that immigrants generally just want a space to be included, not to take over anything or turn it all upside down, just to be allowed to be. 3y

Deblovestoread I agree with @Daisey and @ravenlee Food was a big part of the story and a place at the table symbolizes inclusion for me. 3y

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megnews @daisey @ravenlee @Kdgordon88 I agree about the title in regards to food and inclusion. I really liked it. I also agree @ravenlee that people just want to be included. I think a book about food is perfect for this topic because when you think of American food there are so many great dishes we would have never had without the different waves of immigration over our history! 3y

BarbaraJean The title didn't really click for me, but I really appreciate everyone's thoughts on how appropriate it is! @ravenlee @Kdgordon88 I'd only focused on the food aspect and somehow hadn't even thought of the inclusion angle--can't believe I missed that. @megnews Absolutely, I felt like the food aspect was so perfect. I loved during the citizenship ceremony when they said something about the new citizens sharing food from each of their countries! 3y

Butterfinger I loved the title and appreciate @Kdgordon88 bringing up the inclusion piece. It reminds me of Sara's pizza. It is just like America. 3y

13 likes6 comments

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

Time for #MGBuddyRead discussion. Join when you can. I‘ve only pulled out a few questions as I feel a bit overwhelmed by 9/11 today. If I missed tagging you, my apologies. Please join in.

Daisey, BarbaraJean, Deblovestoread, Lmstraubie, ravenlee, Butterfinger

mrp27 My library hold didn‘t come in on time for me read this one. 😕 3y

ravenlee I think Maddy is interesting in her changes. Before the story starts she was a lot like Elizabeth, but her persona shifts as middle school starts. A story from her perspective might be worth reading. I don‘t quite buy her sudden shift at the end, as I don‘t believe someone can overcome their upbringing overnight, but I like to think she is on the right track. 3y

Deblovestoread I agree with @Ravenlee Maddy‘s shift was a bit fast but I‘d like to think by choosing to be friends she will be open to understanding the racism she is obviously living with at home. I like the change in Sara‘s view of the cupcake queen (her name escapes me right now) from stereotyping pretty and popular to the recognition of people being multi-faceted. 3y

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ravenlee @Kdgordon88 that‘s a good point, how Elizabeth realizes Stephanie is more than just a ponytail and emoji. 3y

ravenlee The Maddy thing reminded me of a post from A Mighty Girl about the differences between rude, mean, and bullying, and why it‘s important to understand which is which. I think Maddy gets into bullying territory when she‘s screaming at people in hallways, and she thinks she‘s just behaving like everybody else in middle school. 3y

megnews @ravenlee @Kdgordon88 I agree Maddy‘s quick transition is a bit unbelievable. @ravenlee I remember that article on Mighty Girl! And I agree I believe she crosses over into bullying. Had others heard the term PLU before? I hadn‘t… 3y

ravenlee I‘ve never encountered that term before, just the sentiment. 3y

BarbaraJean The changes in Sara are what stood out to me, as she became willing to open up in friendship and to stand up for herself. And as @Kdgordon88 mentioned, how her view of Stephanie changes. I really appreciated the way the book as a whole shows the complexity of its characters. Maddy is such an antagonist, but the reader is shown the influences behind it & she's a deeper/more relatable character because of it. (Abrupt change aside!) (edited) 3y

Butterfinger For some reason Sara expecting Elizabeth to say something to Maddy and Ms. Kluck touched me the wrong way. I thought it was pushy. Elizabeth was trying to be a friend to both. That was an awkward position. I understand the sentiment and would want a friend to stand up for me, but ultimately I would realize it was my place. Maybe it showed the immaturity and Sara realizes it when she didn't stand up for her own mother. She expected a lot from Elizabeth. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I thought Elizabeth was straddling both sides of the fence. She wanted to keep a new friend and an old friend who‘d changed and was giving the new friend grief. I think speaking up against wrong is part of being an ally. 3y

11 likes10 comments

ravenlee

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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This was surprisingly good, even though it reminded me a lot of the last Pakistani-friends-alternating POV story we read. Each main character was well-developed and sympathetic, and I loved the juxtaposition of the immigrant experience (especially with an “easy” background in the UK). So many threads that all worked! Looking forward to #MGBuddyRead discussion!

megnews

megnews I think I liked this one better. 3y

32 likes1 comment

Daisey

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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This is another wonderful middle grade story of friendship and acceptance that includes realistic family issues by Saadia Farquhar in collaboration with Laura Shovan.

#MiddleGrade #audiobook #MGBuddyRead

Daisey I‘ve also read and enjoyed

A Thousand Questions

52 likes1 comment

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

pick

This middle grade novel serves up delicious food and a dash of art while exploring friendship, immigration, mental health and more.

I‘m looking forward to #MGBuddyRead discussion Sept 11.

42 likes1 stack add

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

#MGBuddyRead discussion a little early next month due to the way the Saturdays fall. Posting your reminder now. Let me know in the comments below if you want to be tagged. Everyone welcome!

rubyslippersreads, Daisey, Johanna414, erzascarletbookgasm, catebutler, TheBookHippie, BarbaraJean, mrp27, Deblovestoread, SaturnDoo, Lmstraubie, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, amber_ldsmom, ravenlee, shellleigh33, Butterfinger, IndoorDame, sblbooks, Tattooedteacher, Roary47, Tracyantoon

Lmstraubie Yes please 🙂 3y

catebutler I‘m sitting this one out, but please tag me for future reads. Thank you!! 💕 3y

erzascarletbookgasm I‘m sitting this one out too. Thanks 3y

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BarbaraJean I‘m planning on this one! 3y

Tattooedteacher No need to tag me on this one. Thanks. 3y

Roary47 I‘m not going to be able to do this one. Please tag me for future months. 😊 3y

megnews @Roary47 will do! 3y

ravenlee I‘m in and really enjoying it. 3y

megnews @ravenlee I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to discussion 3y

33 likes9 comments

megnews

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

Reminder of upcoming #MGBuddyRead and #YABuddyRead novels for September. All welcome!

Lmstraubie I looked at the picture without reading and panic, "Did I get the wrong book?!?!" Then I read ?‍♀️ Thank you for the early reminder! 4y

megnews @Lmstraubie it may not be necessary since these are not too awfully new. But I like to give people a warning to get things on hold if necessary. We‘re still on for No Fixed Address this month. It‘s so good. Lots to discuss. 4y

erzascarletbookgasm 👌 4y

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Lmstraubie I have it and am looking forward to reading it. Maybe I'll actually show up for the discussion 🙄 I read this one, and definitely had some thoughts, just didn't get around to responding 😖

My Life As an Ice Cream Sandwich

Deblovestoread Got them both, thanks! 4y

BarbaraJean Definitely in for the MG pick—been looking forward to it!! Will have to see how my September reading goes as far as the YA pick; have been overcommitted lately. 4y

43 likes6 comments

Emily92Bibliophile

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

This cold Texan librarian needs some RECOMMENDATIONS!!🥶❄️🆘 This weather, the stress of rolling power outages, etc has got me in a reading slump. Currently about to start tagged book, but I need help!💙I need some LIGHT, feel good book recs! Something that is a good “cozy read”. Share book/s below ⬇️ and let me know why! No genre is off limits! And if it‘s on SCRIBD that would be AWESOME bc I cant get into Libby bc my library card is expired😭

Soubhiville I loved Red, White, and Royal Blue. I feel like everyone has already read it though... but it‘s a sweet m/m romance featuring America‘s “first son” and a prince of England. 4y

Soubhiville Also the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Sort of cozy mysteries that take place in Botswana. The characters make these for me. I have no idea if these would be available on Scribd though, I don‘t use it. Good luck! 4y

Emily92Bibliophile @Soubhiville thanks so much! Both are on SCRIBD as audiobooks ! I have heard a lot of good things about RWRB, but not the other! I‘ll check those out💙 4y

12 likes3 comments

TheHeartlandBookFairy

A Place at the Table | Laura Shovan, Saadia Faruqi

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A beautiful story of friendship, family & food. A story of learning to overcome & fit in & accept without conforming. A story of acceptance & forgiveness. Told in alternating chapters with the viewpoints of Sara & Elizabeth, this book is easy to read & compelling! A story written for middle grade students but appealing to adults as well! I love the story of friendship & the foodie aspect of this book! I would love to try some of the recipes 😁.

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