52 pages • 1 hour read
A Place at the Table
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2020
Middle grade
9-12 years
Super Short Summary
In A Place at the Table, sixth-graders Sara Hameed and Elizabeth Shainmark, children of immigrant families, navigate middle school, facing challenges of cultural identity, friendship, and racial discrimination. Through a shared cooking class, they form an unexpected bond and work together to support their mothers in studying for the US Citizenship test while preparing for an International Festival.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
2,381 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan receives praise for its heartfelt storytelling and authentic representation of cultural diversity. Reviewers highlight its engaging characters and relatable themes of friendship and identity. Criticisms are rare, often noting a few predictable plot points. Overall, it's seen as a valuable and enjoyable read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read A Place at the Table?
Readers who enjoy A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan are typically middle-grade students who appreciate themes of friendship, cultural diversity, and identity. Fans of books like Front Desk by Kelly Yang or Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan will find this novel particularly engaging.
2,381 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elizabeth Shainmark
Elizabeth Shainmark
A Jewish middle school student with a heritage linked to England, evident in her charm bracelet. She grapples with her cultural identity and fitting in among peers.
Mrs. Hina Hameed
Mrs. Hina Hameed
Sara's mother, a devoted caregiver who teaches a cooking club to support her family. She wears a green headscarf and is respected for her wisdom and strength.
Maddy Montgomery
Maddy Montgomery
Elizabeth's best friend who struggles with her upbringing in a racist environment. Known for wearing name-brand clothes and her struggle to find her own voice.
Stephanie Tolleson
Stephanie Tolleson
A talented baker with a benevolent heart, known for donating her bake sale earnings to charity. Wears a signature T-shirt representing her baking business.
336
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary
2020
Middle grade
9-12 years
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