Freedom Soup
Tami Charles, Author
Jacqueline Alcántara, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Dec. 10, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Haitians, New Years Day, Family Recipe, Traditions, History, Freedom
Opening: “Today is New Years Day. This year, I get to help make Freedom Soup. Ti Gran says I’ve got a heart made for cooking, and its time I learn how.”
Book Synopsis:
Every year, Haitians all over the world ring in the New Year by eating Freedom Soup, a tration dating back to the Haitian Revolution. The year, Ti Gran is teaching Belle how to make the soup. Just as she was taught when she was a little girl. Together, the dance and clap as they prepare the holiday feast.
“Know why they call it Freedom Soup?” Ti Gran asks. She then tells Belle about the history of the soup, the history of Belle’s family, and the history of Haiti, where Belle’s family is from and the passing down of traditions from one generation to the next.
Why I like this book:
Tami Charles’ lively holiday Haitian tale is a celebration of family, culture, traditions, and community. Just look at that gorgeous cover! Dance your way across this joyful story with Ti Gran, whose feet tap-tap to the kompa beat as she shows her granddaughter how to mash herbs, peel the cooked pumpkin, chop the vegetables and brown the meat for their special soup.
Reader’s will learn about a Haiti, a faraway country where Ti Gran was born. Her descemdents were slaves working in sugarcane and coffee fields until they fought and won their freedom from the French in 1803.
Make sure you read the “Author’s Note” at the end. Tami Charles’ shares her family’s story with readers and more detailed history about abolishment of slavery in Haiti and Haitian Independence Day.
Jacqueline Alcántara’s bold and colorful illustrations make this vibrant story sing from Ti Gran’s soup kitchen to the revolutionary scenes. They also capture the spirit of the Haitian community. The beautiful collaboration between the author and illustrator, makes Freedom Soup a perfect multiculture choice for holiday collections.
Personal Note: I was thrilled to review this beautiful and upbeat Haitian story. Haiti is special to our family because our daughter went on two medical mission trips to Haiti and introduced us to this beautiful country that is filled with so much soul. We sponsored Haitian children for years so they could attend school. It is also a poor country that has suffered many natural disasters in recent years.
Resources: Make the recipe for Freedom Soup, which is printed at the end of the book along with an Author’s note. Make sure you read the “Author’s Note” at the end. Charles’ shares her family’s story with readers and more detailed history about abolishment of slavery in Haiti and Haitian Independence Day.
Tami Charles is the author of numerous books for children, including her fiction debut, Like Vanessa. During an appearance on Good Morning America, she featured a Thanksgiving version of Freedom Soup, which she first learned to make from her husband’s ti gran. Tami Charles lives in New Jersey.
*Review copy provided by the publisher.
Children's Books Heal 
What a lovely review, Pat! It’s on my to-read list.
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We need more toe-tapping Hatian stories like this. Hope the author writes more.
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I just saw this book on Kirkus’ top 8 for Black History Month. Looking forward to reading it!
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That’s great to know! I fell in love with the story and the vibrant artwork!
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I didn’t know about the Haitian Independence Day and am curious to read about this holiday. I’m also quite interested in trying out the soup recipe! Thanks for sharing this book today.
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Yes, I plan to make the soup. It really sounds good. You would enjoy this lively story!
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I love books like this because we learn something about history that is not in mainstream books or history.
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I agree. I vaguely knew the history of Haiti, because of my involvement there. But, it is something that I didn’t learn about in school.
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This sounds like a wonderful book, Patricia. I love the movement in the cover illustration. It makes me feel like dancing with them. How wonderful to learn of another family’s culture and traditions through such a lovely picture book. I also enjoyed finding out how the connection with Haiti is special to you.
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Yes, the cover is very lively and special, as the history of the author’s family traditions. The best kind of stories.
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Indeed!
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This is so cool! I story, and also a recipe, and also connected to the author’s personal life and history! This seems like such a treasure, both helping preserve Haitian tradition while educating others about them. Awesome review! Happy New Years!
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It is a joyful read! I want to try the recipe. Happy New Years.
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I’m really looking forward to reading this one & have a request in for it at my library. What can be better than food + family + intergenerational + learning about Haiti & its history! Happy New Year!
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Yes, I know you’ll enjoy this book. It does have all the right ingredients — pardon the pun — for a good book. Glad you reserved a copy!
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Patricia, this sounds like a wonderful book. Looking forward to getting at my library. You’ve written a very personal & touching review that really makes one want to find this book.
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Thank you Maria. When I was approached to review this book, I snatched it right away. I really have a love for Haiti. It is uplifting to see a Haitian-American family share their memories. As I closely watch what has been happening in Haiti since the massive earthquake, it hurts my heart. People are worse off than 10 years ago. They rebuilt a major hospital, but it remains unused. Thanks to a Catholic hospital, no one is turned away. My daughter still communicates with Haitian friends and the situation is quite bleak. The infrastructure is still a major problem. So much poverty. It breaks my heart.
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I am so excited to see this book in person. I have seen Jacqueline speak about her illustration process ad got to see a few snippets of this book. She will be at our Illinois SCBWI Illustrators group meeting as the presenter this month.
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Lucky you! Her illustrations are beautiful and vibrant! I hope she writes more books about Haiti — we need them and she has a family connection. I loved seeing an Haitian-American family sharing a tradition and learning about the revolution. Since the earthquake 10 years ago, the Haitians have really been suffering. There are so many stories to tell! I try to keep up with what is happening there and my daughter still communicates with friends. Tell her I loved her book and I want more!
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My brother (a physician) donated his time for months off and on over a period of years, with a group of doctors who would take all of their medical supplies and see patients for hours on end. Tthere was so much need for medical care. I’m glad this story celebrates Haitian culture and freedom. Now, if we could only channel $$$ to help at a more broad level. I’m putting this book on my list. Thank you!
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I loved Tami’s personal relationship to this story and a feel for the culture. I hope she writes more books on Haiti! Yes, I am well aware of what is happening in Haiti. The medical situation is dire. The new hospital, has never opened. Fortunately a Catholic hospital doesn’t turn anyone away. Haitians are worse off now than 10 years ago. Thank heavens for doctors like your brother and medical mission trips that go to help.
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