Dionna L. Mann's first work of middle-grade fiction, Mama's Chicken and Dumplings, tells the darling story of a Black girl in segregated 1930s Charlottesville, Va., who hatches a plan to find her mama the perfect husband.
Ten-year-old Allie lives with Mama but wishes there were a man around the house: Mama wouldn't have to work so hard, and Allie could have "store-bought dresses with matching ribbons." That's when Allie comes up with the "Man-for-Mama Plan" and makes a map of all the eligible Black bachelors on West Main Street. Those who are a good fit--who can fix things, have kind smiles, and know how to sing--get a red heart above their names. A red heart means receiving a jar of Mama's chicken and dumplings, because another qualification is loving Mama's cooking! All is going well, and Allie sets her sights on Mr. Odin Johnson (an old classmate of Mama's) as a perfect fit. The plan sours when Mr. Coles, Allie's band teacher, shows an interest in Mama. Even worse? Mr. Coles is "NOT-friend" Gwen's uncle. How will Allie steer her Mama's heart in the right direction and--more importantly--avoid being related to Gwen?
Mann delivers a stellar, historically accurate novel, inspired by real members of the 1930s Black Charlottesville community of Vinegar Hill. Short chapters keep up the pace as Allie navigates intertwined relationships, familial expectations, classism, and race. This outstanding, funny novel is a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre focused on BIPOC in the U.S. and should be perfect for fans of Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson. --Natasha Harris, freelance reviewer