Description

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With humor and warmth, this children's picture book raises awareness about poverty and hunger. Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia's fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi's house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi's family doesn't have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she'll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she's faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi's empty fridge. Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on anti-hunger groups, is also included.

About the Author

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Lois Brandt is a writing teacher who served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, West Africa. She lives in Issaquah, Washington. Vin Vogel is a Brazilian illustrator and designer who has illustrated more than 45 children's and young adult books in his native Portuguese and French. He lived in New York City for a number of years, and is now back home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Praise For…

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"I really admire Lois Brandt for writing about hose in need without making this an 'issue' book. Maddi's Fridge is first and foremost a story - and a good one!" —Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hattie Big Sky,on the English-language edition

“Before coming to the Feeding America national office, I worked at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, and we kept a copy of Maddi’s Fridge in our lobby! I recommend it to many supporters with children—especially those too young to volunteer. What an incredible resource for shining a light on childhood hunger and an apt tool for teaching empathy to young children. Thank you so much for using your wonderful talents to help raise awareness for and end childhood hunger.”—Jacklyn Chaney, Development Manager, Feeding America, on the English-language edition

"Brandt approaches the issues of poverty and hunger with sensitivity and compassion. Vogel’s illustrations are fun and full of feeling, and young readers will clearly see Sofía’s thought and emotional process as she tries to help her friend. Kids will readily relate to the girls' friendship, and Mlawer’s Spanish translation makes this important story (Maddi’s Fridge, 2014) available to a larger audience." —Sonia Alejandra Rodríguez, www.booklistonline.com