A Birthday Cake for George Washington

An expoloration of fifty influential and inspirational women who changed the world.

Everyone is buzzing about the president's birthday! Especially George Washington's servants who scurry around the kitchen preparing to make this the best celebration ever. Oh, how George Washington loves his cake! And, oh, how he depends on Hercules, his head chef, to make it for him. Hercules, a slave, takes great pride in baking the president's cake. But this year there is one problem-they are out of sugar.

This story, told in the voice of Delia, Hercules' young daughter, is based on real events, and underscores the loving exchange between a very determined father and his eager daughter who are faced with an unspoken, bittersweet reality.

Ramin Ganeshram is a veteran journalist who has written for many prestigious publications such as The New York Times, Newsday, National Geographic Traveler, and Bon Appetit. Additionally, Ramin is a food writer and professional chef, and holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. Stir It Up: A Novel is her acclaimed teen book. She lives in Westport, Connecticut.