The curriculum tie-ins were great, but most of all I was happy to share a narrative nonfiction book, and the story of a lesser-known historical figure.
Gingerbread for Liberty (HMH Kids, 2015) is the story of Christopher Ludwick, a German baker who helped soldiers during the American Revolution. Told in a picture book format and colorfully illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch, Ludwick's story is engaging and interesting, and will inspire readers to learn more American history.
The cover captures the spirit of the book right away: Ludwick is stepping forward with a tray, smiling and himself looking like an iced colorful cookie. The blue/brown color combination work well on the cover art, as well as in the interior of the book. White "icing" trims houses, soldiers, and ships, and makes the entire book "delicious". There are leanings of figures over one another, such as when Washington faces Ludwick in a double page spread and warns of him the dangers he faces. And then there is the part where Washington faces his soldiers as they inform him of trouble in the ranks.
The composition of the visual elements (faces facing each other, the length of an object across the gutter of the book, and the dominance of the browns and blues) make this book a standout. That some figures are larger than others, while others are much smaller (the Redcoats ships all lined up on a page) give readers more to look at and appreciate -- and still have me thinking.
Readers connect with Ludwick and his zeal to help fight for the cause of liberty, even if he is no longer in prime condition for battle. Ludwick can bake very well, and this talent is what he brings to General George Washington. But he can also speak German, and this combined with energy, make it possible for Ludwick to indeed assist Washington and his men during the war. The book discusses some of the main conflicts between the two sides, while also celebrating Ludwick. The story itself is a fairly quick read, so there is more than enough time to take in the Author's Note, which offers other interesting details about the baker.
Indeed, after you read this book, you will want to do two things:
1.) Bake gingerbread
2.) Read more nonfiction picture books.
To learn more about Mara Rockliff, visit her website here.
To learn more about Vincent Kirsch, visit his website here.