At Michelle Obama Academy, International Day is a time to celebrate culture, family, and food. But when Kyndle is asked to share his family’s dish, he draws a blank. His beloved salmon croquettes and collard greens don’t seem to fit neatly into any country’s cuisine—and that question sparks a journey of discovery.
Determined to uncover the truth, Kyndle dives into his family’s history. With the help of his parents, grandparents, and friends, he learns the powerful story behind Soul Food—dishes born of resilience, ingenuity, and ancestral traditions. What begins as an ordinary school project turns into a heartwarming journey of identity, heritage, and pride.
Complete with classroom discussion questions and family recipes, Kyndle Serves Up His History is both a captivating read and a valuable teaching resource. Perfect for readers ages 10–14 (Grades 5–8), this inspiring middle-grade novel celebrates cultural pride, the unifying power of food, and the importance of knowing where you come from.
A Native Californian, I'm proud to call the San Francisco Bay Area home. Educated in public schools, I received an Associate of Arts degree from Contra Costa College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State University East Bay. While working for a Fortune 500 company in professional sales, I chose to return to school to study education, later earning my Master of Education degree from Holy Names University. Even though I enjoyed an illustrious career, my desire to teach never waned. Before retiring from the Xerox Corporation, I published my first book, Grandma's Brown Cookies.My most recent work, Kyndle Serves Up History, a historical fiction novel, debuted in May 2025. It takes readers on a captivating journey with Kyndle as he seeks to unravel the mystery of why Soul Food lacks a specific country connection. Kyndle Serves Up History is designed as a supplementary resource for traditional American history lessons. It includes discussion questions and Kyndle's favorite recipes, making it suitable for readers ages 9-18+. The story culminates with speeches given by Kyndle and his classmates on International Day.
