Synopses & Reviews
Everyone is buzzing about the president's birthday! Especially George Washington's servants, who scurry around the kitchen preparing to make this the best celebration ever. Oh, how George Washington loves his cake! And, oh, how he depends on Hercules, his head chef, to make it for him. Hercules, a slave, takes great pride in baking the president's cake. But this year there is one problem--they are out of sugar.
This story, told in the voice of Delia, Hercules's young daughter, is based on real events, and underscores the loving exchange between a very determined father and his eager daughter, who are faced with an unspoken, bittersweet reality. No matter how delicious the president's cake turns out to be, Delia and Papa will not taste the sweetness of freedom.
New York Times food writer Ramin Ganeshram and acclaimed illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton serve up a slice of history in a picture book narrative that will surely satisfy.
About the Author
Ramin Ganeshram is a veteran journalist who has written for many prestigious publications such as
The New York Times,
Newsday,
National Geographic Traveler, and
Bon Appetit. Additionally, Ramin is a food writer and professional chef, and holds a masters degree in journalism from Columbia University.
Stir It Up! is her acclaimed teen book. She lives in Westport, Connecticut.
Vanessa Brantley-Newton attended both the Fashion Institute of Technology and the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she studied fashion and children's book illustration. She is the illustrator of Let Freedom Sing, which she also wrote; One Love and Every Little Thing, both written by Cedella Marley; and the Ruby and the Booker Boys series, along with many other books.