A SPOONFUL OF TIME

Maya and her maternal grandmother use food to travel to the past.

For most of seventh grader Maya’s life, it’s been just her and her exhausted mom living in their quiet house in Southern California. But then, several months ago, Halmunee, who has dementia, came to live with them. Halmunee is an incredible cook, and she encourages Maya to help her make Korean dishes. One day, while they are eating patbingsu, Halmunee transports them to the Seoul of Maya’s mother’s childhood, where Maya sees younger versions of her mom and grandparents enjoying the sweet Korean shaved ice treat. Halmunee explains that she has the power to return to moments in the past through food memories. Together they cook and eat their ways through moments in Halmunee’s past. Maya longs for a stronger connection to Korea and her family’s history, and she uncovers more secrets—until an unexpected realization makes her question everything. Full of twists, this middle-grade story is a heartwarming mix of food and family. Maya struggles with fixating on the past, ignoring her friends and schoolwork in the present, something those grappling with letting go of mistakes or regrets will understand. Exactly how time travel works is unclear even for the characters, however, making it difficult and confusing for readers as well. Halmunee’s memories are an homage to Korean food and culture, and there are recipes interspersed for readers to try.

A charming time-travel story with delectable descriptions of food.