Mama's Chicken and Dumplings
by Dionna L Mann (Author)
Growing up in segregated 1930's Charlottesville, ten-year-old Allie is determined to find a man for her mama to marry-- but not just any man will do!
Allie's life with Mama isn't bad, but she knows it could be better if Mama would find someone to marry. Allie's worst enemy, her NOT-friend Gwen, has a daddy, and Allie wants someone like that--someone to fix things when they break, someone who likes to sing, and has a kind-smile.
So Allie makes a plan--her super secret Man-For-Mama plan. She has a list of candidates with a clear top choice: Mr. Johnson, who owns the antique store. Best of all, Mr. Johnson went to school with Mama, and he wants to get reacquainted! The battle's half won, and Allie is sure that when he tries Mama's yummy chicken and dumplings, he'll be head over heels.
But someone else is interested in Mama: Mr. Coles, Allie's teacher, who's also Gwen's uncle! Mama can't marry him--no way is Allie going to be related to Gwen. On top of it all, Allie's best friend is moving to Chicago; Allie keeps getting in trouble; and everyone seems to think she's jealous of Gwen, for some reason. Nothing is going how she planned, but Allie is determined to get things back on track toward the life she knows she and Mama both deserve. . . even if Mama doesn't agree yet.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
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Publishers Weekly
Mann (LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan) centers Vinegar Hill, a Black neighborhood in segregated 1930s Charlottesville, Va., in this sweet tale about 10-year-old Allie's plans to find love for her single mother. With her best friend Jewel, Allie hatches a plot she dubs Man-for-Mama. Certain that any man with taste will fall for Mama once they have a bite of her famous chicken and dumpling recipe, the friends set out in search of a potential suitor. Allie's top choice is Mr. Johnson, the owner of a local antique store who went to school with Mama. Unfortunately for Allie, however, her band teacher Mr. Coles--the uncle of her "NOT-friend" Gwen--is interested in courting Mama. When Mama proves receptive to Mr. Coles's advances, Allie leaps into action, determined to play matchmaker for Mama and Mr. Johnson. The extensively researched setting provides a sensorial backdrop against which an amiable cast navigates low-stakes conflict. Characters are named after real historical figures, as discussed in an author's note, which also details Mann's desire to write stories about "communities pulling together, of people persevering for the sake of the children." Further resources conclude. Ages 8-11. (Aug.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
Mann delivers all the right ingredients—an original setting, fresh characters, one truly spunky girl—and serves them up with honesty and love. Mama's Chicken and Dumplings is delicious! —Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award Winner
JUV016150 - Juvenile Fiction | Historical | United States - 20th Century
JUV014000 - Juvenile Fiction | Girls & Women
Friendship
African Americans
20th century
Virginia
Friendship in children
Historical fiction
Dating (Social customs)
Mothers and daughters
Single-parent families
Social life and customs
African American neighborhoods
Charlottesville (Va.)
Dating
Vinegar Hill (Charlottesville, Va.)
