Gr 4-6–Do you ever wonder about the history of your favorite fast-food restaurants? This series gives young readers a behind-the-scenes look at popular chains. Each book explores the founder’s story and the origins of the first restaurant. Readers learn about the decor’s special meaning, what a visit is like, and how to order. There is a quick rundown of the menu including the nutritional value, or lack thereof, of the foods offered. The series also covers the restaurants’ philanthropy efforts and doesn’t shy away from controversies, such as Chick-fil-A’s ownership beliefs, Panera’s E. coli outbreak, and ethical concerns about Starbucks’s supply chain. Each book begins with tips for reading nonfiction with children and concludes with a time line, a glossary, an index, additional resources, and a reading comprehension quiz.
VERDICT: A fun, informative, and thought-provoking series for young foodies.
