Written by: Jonah Winter
Illustrated by: Shane W. Evans
For ages: 5-9 years
Language: English
Topics Covered: History, Voting Rights, Civil Rights, Modern Black Freedom Struggle, Black Culture & Identity, Activism, Historical Figure.
Summary:
Happy Saturday! For this round of #sweetsandsocialjustice we decided to make a classic amaretto almond Bundt cake to go with this fantastic library book we had taken pictures of before it closed. Swipe to see the cake we made, we weren’t able to photograph them together. If you’re also making delicious treats and pairing them with books, don’t forget to use the hashtag and tag us!
Right now with the current state of the world, voting and elections are an important topic right now. Lillian’s Right to Vote reminds readers that voting rights of marginalized populations are always under attack, and we need to remain vigilant.
Lillian is a very old woman, and she is at the bottom of a hill. Beginning to walk up, she is steeped in memories of her family and how they had been enslaved in the area where she now walks, and had no rights. The hill is both real in the story-her polling location is at the top-and it is also a metaphor for the struggle for her right to vote. With the dignity and pride of her ancestors giving her strength, Lillian walks on. The reader is privy to these memories or struggle before freedom, and learns about the unfair treatment that Black voters went through to be able to exercise their rights. Answering inane questions like how many bubbles a bar of soap has to getting shot for peacefully protesting, Lillian’s ancestors paved the way for her on this voting day.
This book was made as a commemoration for the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and Lillian is a symbol for the integrity and grit that marginalized populations like Black Americans and Indigenous peoples that were denied exercising their rights for so long. Lillian in the story is based on Lillian Allen, who at the age of one hundred was campaigning for Obama on foot! An Author’s Note talks about the struggles that some folks still encounter today, such as Voter ID laws that can be used to deny voting rights today.
Recipe: Amaretto Almond Bundt Cake
* We found this recipe originally on bakeorbreak.com and have adapted it slightly for our tastes!
Ingredients:
2.5c all purpose flour (I usually use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gf flour)
1/2c almond flour
1t salt
1t baking powder
1t baking soda
1c softened butter
1c maple sugar (granulated is fine if you don’t have maple)
1c dark brown sugar
4 eggs
3T amaretto
1t vanilla extract
2t almond extract
1c milk (we usually use soy or almond because that’s what we keep on hand)
Instructions:
Whisk together dry ingredients and set aside. Cream butter and sugars together. Add eggs one at a time, beating in between, then add extracts. Mix in dries alternating with milk, until just combined. Bake at 350 degrees in a Bundt pan 50-60 minutes. Cool before glazing! I usually make an orange flavored glaze, but you can use whatever you prefer! Just make it thick but pourable.
About the Author & the Illustrator:
Jonah Winter is a children’s book author and writes mainly picture book biographies. Jonah Winter has illustrated two of his own books and writes poetry for adults in addition to children’s books. Jonah Winter likes to be referred to by his full name, at all times, even by his friends. He likes to visit schools and talk to children about his books and other things, too. Jonah Winter is not a fan of the internet, which is why it took him so long to have a website. These facts we got from his website, where he also has a page with myths about himself. They are in fact quite hilarious and you should definitely check them out!
Shane Evans has spoken at many schools and events all over the country. Speaking to people of ALL AGES about his art, books and inspiration. As a book illustrator Shane has found a natural audience in children from ages 5 and up. Audiences find themselves on a journey through slides that take them around the world from Japan to Africa and all adventures in between. Shane shows viewers how he creates his books and works wonderfully with youth, sharing the business of art and the techniques of organizing ideas to create illustrations. Evans has also conducted art workshops with students and adults, helping them to hone in on their own special talents through his professional guidance.