The Takeout
on Goodreads (219)
What’s inside...
When a celebrity chef's new restaurant threatens Mila's family's food truck, she plans to expose them for the recipe thieves they are--even if that means dabbling in the Filipino folk magic she's tried to avoid. Fans of Tae Keller and Lily LaMotte will cheer for this charming story about food, family, and finding the place you belong. Mila may have moved to Coral Beach months ago, but it still doesn't feel like home. She wants to belong, but a few awkward incidents with her new friends make her wonder if she'll ever neatly fit into the super-samey small town. Mila feels the only place she can be herself is at her dad's Filipino-Indian food truck, The Banana Leaf. But when celebrity chef twins the Fab Foodie Brothers open a restaurant nearby, it turns out the food they are serving is exactly the same as The Banana Leaf's--right down to the recipes! Suspicious of the similarities, Mila teams up with family friend Ajay to investigate. She soon realizes that she needs to take the beloved Fab Foodie Brothers down before they run her family's tiny truck out of town. But that means dabbling in the Filipino folk healing and magical traditions that she has shied away from her whole life . . . as well as alienating her new friends. Does Mila have to choose between her family and fitting in? Or, like the best recipes, will a blend of the traditional and the unexpected mix into something truly special?
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges? Have you ever felt the same way?
What would you do if you were in the main character's place?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What did you learn from this story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the plot and characters by asking open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Show genuine interest in their responses to make them feel heard and understood. Link discussions back to your child's personal experiences to deepen their connection with the story’s themes. Lastly, be patient and give them time to articulate their thoughts, helping them develop their language and comprehension skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, characters learn the value of sharing food and experiences with friends, which leads to stronger bonds and happier moments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their belongings or snacks with classmates, which fosters friendship and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Trying new things
Explanation: Characters in the book often try new foods from different cultures, showing openness and curiosity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to try new activities or foods, broadening their horizons and promoting cultural appreciation.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter small challenges related to food that they solve creatively, like finding alternative ingredients for a recipe.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar creative thinking to solve problems they face, whether in school projects or in everyday decisions.
Example Lesson: The joy of cooking
Explanation: Cooking is portrayed as a fun and bonding activity among the characters, emphasizing the pleasure in preparing meals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in cooking at home, helping them learn practical life skills and spend quality family time.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story includes elements of where food comes from, instilling a respect for the environment and natural resources.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to appreciate and care for the environment by participating in activities like gardening or recycling.