Little Wanda Finds a Cure for Nana
Little Wanda Finds a Cure for Nana
Fiction / Primary / Elementary
Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture (WANDA)
January 1, 2017
Guided by her father's wisdom, Little Wanda sets out on a journey from America to Africa. With her magic apron she travels to Nigeria in search for Nana's cure with the help of Big Wanda.
This book is a collaboration among several scholars and practitioners in promoting food systems through womens rights as experienced by a young girl. Stevenson seeks to emphasis the UN Sustainable Development Goals: zero hunger, good health, quality education, and gender equity. Wanda is presently living in the United States; however, with her magic apron, she returns to Abuja and Kano Nigeria. When Wanda returns home, she prepares her two items for her diabetic-2 grandmother in an effort to emphasize the benefit of fiber and no sugar. The book ends with recipes, characters, comprehension questions, and a coloring sheet. The publishers have inserted a card that reminds readers of the health benefits of the spices – Berbere. Initially, Stevenson generalizes the situation to the continent then focuses on the activities of Nigerians in Northern Nigeria where Hausa is spoken. Wanda’s relatives introduce her to health foods such as millet and hibiscus tea. The Baobab tree is mentioned; however, there is no reference to its diabetic benefit. The pods are used in a tea with gelatin to reduce sugar absorption for diabetics. This serious topic is presented in cartoon format with much supporting information. A map of Nigeria would be helpful for North American readers. RECOMMENDED
Reviewed by Patricia Kuntz, Ph.D.
Published in Africa Access Review (August 10, 2018)
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