Kirkus:

★ With buoyant, heartfelt illustrations that show the diversity in Native America, the book tells the story of a post-colonial food, a shared tradition across the North American continent (…) This is about more than food, referencing cultural issues such as the history of displacement, starvation, and the struggle to survive, albeit in subtle ways appropriate for young children. —Starred review

Booklist:

★ Maillard and Martinez-Neal bring depth, detail, and whimsy to this Native American food story, with text and illustrations depicting the diversity of indigenous peoples, the role of continuity between generations, and the adaptation over time of people, place, and tradition (…) Martinez-Neal’s illustrations are meant to be relished, lingered over (…) A particularly striking spread depicts a wall etched with the names of hundreds of Native American nations, explicitly countering perceptions about the extinction or invisibility of indigenous peoples. —Starred review

Publishers Weekly:

★ In blues and browns with bright highlights, Martinez-Neal’s wispy art features a diverse group of six children (…) learning about each statement (…) An author’s note offers vital, detailed context about this varied dish and its complex history. —Starred review

School Library Journal:

★ The softly colored images and curvilinear shapes that embrace the figures evoke a sense of warmth and affection (…) A beautifully illustrated, tender story to be shared with all children —Starred review

BookPage:

★ Deftly illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, every page of Fry Bread is imbued with Native American history and culture (…) an incredibly personal, cherished feel. Soft and subdued, Fry Bread is warm, inviting and uplifting (…) Fry Bread radiates with Native American pride, the sharing of traditions and the love of family. —Starred review

Shelf Awareness:

★ While “Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story” is recommended for audiences ages three to six, it’s undoubtedly a book that will last on shelves well into readers’ double digits. (…) Glorious double-page spreads introduced by pithy, resonating phrases define the Native American staple (…) Pura Belpré-awarded illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal’s (“Alma and How She Got Her Name”) artistry revels in the faces.

The New York Times Book Review:

A wonderful and sweet book [that] takes a staple food of many tribes across the country and uses it to think about family, history, memory and community. Maillard and Martinez-Neal capture the dizzying diversity of Native American life. And theirs is one of the few efforts that suggests, as a matter of fact, that Native people come in all hues (…) Lovely stuff.