A Banquet for Cecilia: How Cecilia Chiang Revolutionized Chinese Food in America
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This richly illustrated picture-book biography traces the extraordinary life of Cecilia Chiang, the trail-blazing restaurateur who introduced authentic Northern Chinese cuisine to the United States. From her childhood banquets in Beijing, through wartime flight and immigration, to opening San Francisco’s legendary Mandarin restaurant, Cecilia’s story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and delicious food that changed the way Americans eat.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cecilia Chiang
Discussion points
How did Cecilia’s memories of home influence her restaurant?
Why was it brave to keep authentic recipes instead of changing them?
What foods remind your family of its heritage?
How can trying new foods help us understand others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Cook or order one dish mentioned and taste together.
Locate Cecilia’s journey on a map to visualize distance.
Compare family traditions with those in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Cecilia overcomes war, language barriers, and bias.
Real-World Application: Keep practicing when tasks feel hard at school.
Example Lesson: Cultural Pride
Explanation: She refuses to Americanize her dishes.
Real-World Application: Share your traditions with classmates confidently.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Her food welcomes diners into her heritage.
Real-World Application: Invite friends to try new experiences together.