Food Stars

September 1, 2022
A palatable tasting menu of 15 women stirring up the food world. Mahoney profiles farmers, chefs, activists, media professionals, and scientists who are making a buzz in the industry. In this helpful volume for school research or browsing by young people interested in a career in food, the chapters highlight individuals interviewed by the author who likely are previously unknown to readers, expanding awareness beyond television and social media personalities. Such crucial issues as food insecurity, food sovereignty, the impact of climate change, and injustice in the industrial food system are addressed, and those profiled come from a variety of backgrounds. Political scientist and urban farming advocate Gail Taylor is the Washington, D.C., founder of the CSA Three Part Harmony Farm whose grandparents were sharecroppers and whose interest in food began when she saw many people she loved die of diet-related diseases. Iranian American cultural anthropologist and activist Haleh Zandi volunteered at San Quentin State Prison, teaching incarcerated men gardening and landscape design, which led her to establish the nonprofit Planting Justice. Sidebars include information about Michelin Stars, types of seeds, Indigenous cuisine, and more. Each chapter ends with fun facts about the subject's favorite cuisines, books, places, etc., as well as their social media handles and websites so readers can connect with them. Featuring a broad sampling of movers and shakers in the food industry, this accessible volume also addresses an array of current issues. Inspiring profiles of women revolutionizing the food world today. (notes) (Nonfiction. 12-18)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from October 15, 2022
Grades 6-10 *Starred Review* This book celebrates 15 women who work with food: farmers, chefs, activists (the founder of Food Tank, a worldwide think tank devoted to feeding the entire world, a strategic adviser for Planting Justice, a grassroots movement in California, and a seafood political activist who promotes sustainability for the world's oceans and waterways); media influencers (a podcaster, a filmmaker, and a vegan cookbook author); and scientists. All of these individuals are movers and shakers in their various fields, and readers learn about emerging technologies, shifting trends, and new attitudes toward providing universal access to healthy and fresh food. Each individual is introduced through an accessible and engaging biographical summary (these brief chapters average around 14 pages). Boxed insets create context and provide big-picture, overarching background; standardized personal preference surveys (favorite time of day, food, saying, movie, book, and so on) help make these women approachable and relatable. Website and social media contacts are provided, and while there's no bibliography, detailed chapter notes offer additional research options. This accessible offering has multiple applications. It might need a little promotion, but readers will find a treasure trove of information and inspiration.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.