Maddi’s Fridge

Reviews

From Jacklyn Chaney, Development Manager, Feeding America
“Before coming to the Feeding America national office, I worked at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, and we kept a copy of Maddie’s Fridge in our lobby! I recommend it to many supporters with children—especially those too young to volunteer. What an incredible resource for shining a light on childhood hunger and an apt tool for teaching empathy to young children. Thank you so much for using your wonderful talents to help raise awareness for and end childhood hunger.”

From Kirkus Reviews
…Though undeniably purposive, this title is notable. The bright, friendly illustrations soften the topic while still conveying the characters’ difficult feelings, such as worry and embarrassment. Gentle, age-appropriate humor releases the tension, keeping readers engaged as Sofia discovers how to best help her friend….A thoughtful and well-executed look at the challenge of childhood hunger.

From Foreword Reviews
This is more than a book about child hunger in America—this is a story of friendship. Maddi’s empty fridge and Sofia’s full one are juxtaposed in a subtle way, while scenes of modern New York elapse across the background: taxis and tofu, hipster cyclists and yoga studios. Maddi and Sofia take center stage in this adorably rendered tale, and that they are put so expertly in a social context with a definitive sense of time and place confirms that Brandt and Vogel are masters of their medium.

From The Children’s Book Review
This is a big-issue book, handled delicately. It’s not preachy or judgmental, and has a sweet story about friendship first and foremost. The funny parts with yucky food hidden in a backpack provide some levity in what could be a very serious book. It provides a great starting point for discussions about hunger, charity, and talking to an adult when something seems wrong with a little friend. The illustrations are fun and the language is accessible. A perfectly sweet book about a serious topic. Very well done!

From Booklist
Best friends share secrets, but they’re also supposed to help each other. While Sofia is the faster runner, Maddi can scale the rock wall, no problem. What is a problem is when the girls go to Maddi’s house for a snack and find only milk in the fridge. Maddi, embarrassed, explains that her mom can’t afford to buy food and asks Sofia to promise not to tell anyone. Sofia tries to keep her promise, and each night after dinner, she puts leftovers in her backpack for Maddi. Both girls learn that some foods, like fish and eggs, don’t travel well. Eventually, Sofia realizes that to be a good friend, she must tell a grown-up to help Maddi and her family. Cartoon-style illustrations, depicting a vibrant and diverse city neighborhood, help soften the difficult issues raised. The final page includes suggestions on how to help others in need and a link to a site for more information on fighting hunger. Food insecurity, childhood hunger, and poverty are treated with tenderness and humor.

From School Library Journal
In her debut picture book, Brandt addresses an important issue: childhood hunger. Sofia’s best friend does not have food at home. After taking on the climbing wall at the park, the girls go to Maddi’s apartment. A hungry Sofia looks for a snack and is surprised to find a lone carton of milk in the refrigerator. Maddi admits that her mom does not have enough money to go to the grocery store and makes Sofia promise to keep it secret. At home, Sofia’s mother serves a delicious supper of fish and rice. The refrigerator is filled with good things to eat, including her brother’s favorite treat, Cheesy Pizza Bombs. Worried about her friend, Sofia smuggles food to school, but fish and eggs are “not good for backpacks.” Each afternoon, Sofia tries to follow the nimble Maddi to the top of the climbing wall, but it’s too high for her. Maddi encourages her, lending her a hand, and Sofia finally climbs the wall. Wanting to do something for Maddi, Sofia tells her mother about the empty fridge. Together, they go to the store to buy groceries. To Sofia’s relief, Maddi is not angry about the broken promise, and the two families share a supper of Cheesy Pizza Bombs. Vogel’s digital illustrations portraying the smiling, wide-eyed girls in their city neighborhood are filled with warmth and a sense of community. An endnote provides suggestions for helping friends who have empty refrigerators and directs young readers to a companion website, MaddisFridge.com

Included as a resource in SLJ’s article Engaging Young Citizens

Included on the PBS list of 18 Inspiring Books for the Classroom – “books spark honest conversations about differences, and sometimes, the things people face because of those differences.”

Included in 30 children’s and YA books that embody the six core tenets of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child
Maddi’s Fridge was selected as one of 30 children’s and YA books that embody the six core tenets of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (food, health, safety, education, shelter, and participation) and was included in a special exhibition entitled Human Rights in Children’s Literature at the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center of the University of Connecticut in 2016. This exhibition will soon tour elementary schools, universities, and organizations in the US, and the Neag School of Education will create supplementary curricular materials to help children understand these important issues.

Recommended by Québec Reading Connection
Text addresses the serious issues of poverty and hunger, but with levity and humour in the children’s friendship. The repeated ritual of Sofia smuggling food from home to bring to Maddi, with mostly unsuccessful results, is increasingly ridiculous: “‘Yuck!’ Maddi said the next day. ‘Oh!’ Sofia said. ‘Double Yuck.’ Fish may be good for kids, but fish is not good for backpacks.” A playful tone prevails for the young girls, even as they face their problems.
Colourful illustrations rendered in digital tablet and pen add warmth as well. The girls have large goggle eyes and friendly grins. Cartoon-style drawings show Maddi peering into her bare fridge on one page, with her friend’s full fridge contrasting on the page opposite. The two images are connected by a strip above, showing Sofia walking down a city street pondering how to help her friend. Sofia ultimately breaks her promise and appeals to her mom for help.
Six steps for helping “Friends Who Have Empty Refrigerators” is included at the back, along with links to organizations that deal with hunger.

Included in Iowa Public Radio’s 2014 Children’s Holiday Book Guide
I can’t stop selling this book. It came out in September and has a very important message about children’s hunger without being preachy. It follows two friends, and when one is at the other’s house, they look in the fridge and it’s practically empty. My favorite moment is at the end of the book when the girl who was visiting brings food to the other’s family.” Sue Davis of River Lights Books in Dubuque, Iowa.

From The Christopher Award Ceremony
Sofia’s refrigerator at home is always filled with plenty of food. That’s why she’s surprised when she reaches into her friend Maddi’ s fridge for a snack – and finds it virtually empty. Embarrassed by her family’s poverty, Maddi asks Sofia to keep it a secret. But Sofia knows she needs to do something – and her comical attempts finally lead to a helpful solution. Based on an experience author Lois Brandt had as a child, “Maddi’s Fridge” teaches kids to take a proactive approach when it comes to generosity and fighting childhood hunger.

From PW Children’s Fall 2014 Sneak Preview
Flashlight Press opens the door with Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt, illus. by Vin Vogel, in which Sofia tries to help her friend Maddi, whose family’s refrigerator is empty.

From Horn Book Guide Reviews 2015 Spring
When Sofia finds Maddi’s refrigerator nearly empty because Maddi’s mother doesn’t have enough money to buy food, Sofia promises to keep it a secret. But eventually Sofia tells her own mother, and together they gather some groceries for Maddi’s family. Humorous art and a story line focusing on the girls’ friendship keep the tone light. Notes on combating hunger are included.

From award-winning actress Jennifer Garner in her animated reading of Maddi’s Fridge
I love this book and I’m gonna tell you why: because there are so many wonderful programs out there where you can put food into backpacks for children to take home from school to help feed their families at night. And what feels better than knowing that you are helping another kid just like you and just like your family, because we all need a little help sometimes. 
I love that Sofia is the one who needed help getting up the wall and Maddi just calmly and sweetly helped her friend. Maddi is the one who needed a little bit of help having extra food in the fridge, and Sofia was the friend who could help her out. We can always find ways to help each other, and that’s why I love this book. 

From Jean Little Library
…Hunger and poverty is rarely, if ever, addressed in children’s books. This book has a nice storyline, paralleling Maddi helping Sofia to climb the wall with Sofia bringing Maddi food. It was nice to see that Sofia, whose family appears to be Hispanic, wasn’t automatically made the ones in poverty. Both families appear to be parented by single moms, another thing you don’t see often in children’s books (at least not explicitly) but the similarities, rather than the differences, between the two girls are what is emphasized; they both have little brothers, they both like playing in the park, they both like treats. Part of the story includes discussion of healthy food as well as the issues of poverty (Sofia asks at dinner each night if the food they’re eating is healthy before trying to take it to Maddi and there are several discussions of which food is healthy and which is a sometimes treat). It is a little more text-heavy than the typical picture book, but the illustrations are attractive enough that most older children will enjoy listening to it…. Verdict: This has a decent plot aside from the lesson and the illustrations are fun. Recommended for purchase if you need more titles on this topic (and I’m betting you don’t have any).

From Kidpeople Classroom, Kathleen Wright
Maddi’s Fridge is the story of best friends Maddi and Sofia who share a secret that has the potential to ruin a friendship, but instead solves a problem and brings them closer together…Sofia struggles to figure out that there are times when you must go to adults for help. And she learns that friendships can survive a broken secret when the reason is right.
Brandt does a beautiful job of dealing with the serious issues of child poverty and hunger. Maddi’s Fridge gives teachers the perfect background for discussing the diversity found in most of our own classrooms in child appropriate ways. I know some of my students will resonate with Maddi’s problems and some will be just as shocked as Sofia to find the fridge empty at a friend’s house.
So crucial to picture books, you’ll find the illustrations just as wonderful as the text. The story begins as soon as you open the cover, and doesn’t end until you close the back because Vogel doesn’t waste an inch of space in bringing the story to life…I know I’ll use Maddi’s Fridge to bring up issues of friendship, helping, and secrets with this year’s class. It will be one of the important books I share this year. 

From Nerdy Book Club
Maddi’s Fridge (Flashlight Press, 2014) is a fine, recent example of a picture book that can expose children like mine to circumstances that are hopefully foreign to them: child hunger. This very believable story is inspired by author Lois Brandt’s own experience looking into the refrigerator of her friend and finding one single, small carton of milk. The story: Friends Sofia and Maddi race to the playground; it’s Sofia who beats Maddi to the climbing wall. But it’s Maddi who scrambles up to the top of the wall first. This isn’t the first time that Sofia is left, frustrated, at the bottom. Maddi encourages her, but Sofia’s annoyed and in need of a break. A snack is what she needs to recover. She and Maddi race to Maddi’s house for a snack. Once again, Sofia wins and gets there first. When  Sofia opens her friend’s refrigerator, she stops in her tracks. It’s almost completely empty. Just one single, small carton of milk. In appropriate, honest language, Maddi explains to Sofia that her family doesn’t have enough money for food, and the milk is for her little brother, because “he’s still growing.” Maddi makes Sofia promise not to tell anyone. Sofia runs home, but her mind remains in front of Maddi’s refrigerator. As she enters her own well-stocked kitchen and eats a nutritious dinner, all she can think about is her friend’s empty cupboards and stomach. For a few days, thoughtful Sofia attempts to bring food to Maddi. But she chooses all the wrong things: fish (too stinky!), eggs (too cracky!), and finally burritos (yes! something good for backpacks and kids!). Finally, she admits to her mother—and breaks her promise to Maddi—about why she’s pilfering food from her family’s kitchen. Sofia and her mother buy groceries and take them to Maddi’s house. Maddi’s mother accepts the groceries and shares a cup of coffee while the kids play together. There is a definite relief when, at the end of the book, illustrator Vin Vogel draws a full refrigerator in Maddi’s house. For young readers, this sort of resolution is necessary. We older readers understand that the groceries Sofia’s family takes to Maddi’s family are just a quick, band-aid type of fix on a larger problem. But books such as Maddi’s Fridge help young and old readers feel something for the characters. They inspire and encourage empathic responses to serious problems. We old readers can guide those young readers through the Author’s Note at the end of the book where Brandt points us to ways we can help, too. Our refrigerator and those in my kids’ friends’ kitchens are chock full of organic, lush produce, dairy, and meat. How else but through fiction can I transport my kids to a house where kids aren’t so fortunate? Where a child’s stomach may rumble for a snack but there’s nothing for them to eat? I’m grateful to fiction and Maddi’s Fridge for giving me a way.

From Bayviews
Brandt’s story of friendship, the importance of keeping secrets, and the prevalence of food insecurity is engaging, if a bit didactic. Vogel’s bright, crisp digital illustrations bring to life the high-energy friends, their families, and their hometown of New York City. This book introduces a topic that is rarely explored in picture books, and it would be a welcome addition to larger picture book collections. A back page offers suggestions for how kids can help those in need. –review publication of the Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California

From Midwest Book Review
The single greatest achievement of Maddi’s Fridge is [that it] delivers its message directly, through the intriguing story embellished with artful illustrations, without preaching or political commentary. Maddi’s Fridge is a book that works on a child’s awareness level, with no intervening adult judgements to cloud the basic reaction of human compassion. It also tells children exactly what they can do to help. “Maddi’s Fridge” is a wonderful book for all kinds of children, whether they are hungry or not.

From Joy Makin’ Mamas
…Lois Brandt has done an excellent job of making that message relatable for even very small children…. Vin Vogel‘s illustrations are enticing, detailed, and colorful. They give a sense of emotion and of movement that create a feeling of connection to the characters for readers and pre-readers alike, and the cityscape that forms the backdrop for the story is architecturally interesting, while also depicting a vibrant, walkable community…the words are well chosen and well composed- the story shows us the bond between the people in the book, without distracting us by pointing it out. The narrative injects humor and carries the theme of community and overcoming obstacles throughout the story in a way that is both elegant and subtle…pretty masterful for a 32 page picture book.

From Betsy Devany
…exactly the kind of story I wanted to share with elementary kids, with my grandchildren, and also with our local libraries. As a weekly volunteer in a second-grade classroom, I read a picture book of my choice following snack time. I see firsthand how picture books are effectively used with second graders. The kids study characterization, plot, motive, and then compare their own feelings and experiences to a story. Yes, seven- and eight-year-olds need picture books, longer picture books, even though they read independently by this age…. While this is an issue book, Lois weaves a non-didactic story, with emphasis on story. She cleverly introduces Maddi and Sofia as two close friends before leading us to what drives the plot: Maddi’s home situation. Maddi is a confident and exuberant child, skilled at climbing walls, while the empathic Sofia struggles with climbing, with Maddi always encouraging Sofia to try harder. The status of Maddi’s refrigerator—it’s empty except for milk she is saving for her brother—is introduced in an organic way. Not only does this story effectively address childhood hunger, it touches on friendship, secrets, and how a child struggles with choosing which secrets need to be shared with an adult, Sofia’s mother in this case. Though at first, Sofia attempts to help (feed) Maddi without revealing her secret in ways that are both touching and funny. The humor element is this kind of story is vital, and Lois is adept at understanding how serious subjects must be infused with sprinkles of humor. Vin Vogel’s illustrations support this to a fully satisfying end. At the story’s close, there are suggestions for kids to “ . . . help friends who have empty refrigerators.” Vin Vogel’s illustrations are charming. I especially love the background neighborhood, depicted at different times during the day. Overall, the reader feels a sense of family nestled within a cultural community that supports an indie bookstore, a yoga studio, and a small-town grocery store, all set against the backdrop of the city. Vin’s own neighborhood, shown in the photograph, inspired Maddi and Sofia’s world. Published by Flashlight Press, Maddi’s Fridge is an important and memorable picture book. The more children exposed to this story, the better off our world could be. With the  back-of-the-book suggestions on how to make a difference, my hope is that Maddi’s Fridge will empower children (and adults) to actively aid in the fight against childhood hunger. 10% of the profits are being donated to help fight the cause.

From Two Classy Chics
I love that this children’s book is bringing attention to [childhood hunger in the U.S.] and teaching other children about child hunger in a way that they can understand. The illustrations in this book are by Vin Vogel, and I just love them! They are cute and really add pizzazz to the story. I love that this is a hardcover book that is a nice size. At the back of the book on the last page it tells you and kids how you can help friends who have empty refrigerators. I love that it teaches kids to be observant and when they spot another child who may be hungry how they can help (gives you options)….I love that this book talks to kids (and adults) too about a very important issue and they do it in a fun & entertaining way. I give it a big 2 thumbs up….

From Mackin Books in Bloom: Mackin’s Best Books for Teachers and Librarians
In addition to addressing the topic of hunger, this is a story of friendship, a lesson in understanding when it is important to turn to adults for help, as well as a little cautionary tale on proper food storage! The story is written in a thoughtful, nonjudgmental tone and the illustrations are fun and appealing. I can see students selecting this book for themselves as well as educators using it to introduce the various themes…. Not only does this book raise awareness, a portion of the profits are being donated to fight childhood hunger. This is a sad reality of which we all need to be more aware.

From Library Lady of Maple Valley, WA
Local (Washington State) author Lois Brandt has created an accessible and gentle story about friendship and the reality of children in need. This book will introduce young children to the idea of hunger in our society while at the same time offering them a practical, kid level way to deal with it. In the end this book is about the power of friendship. The cartoon pictures add to the story and its accessibility. Sounds like a scary topic but the author handles it beautifully. An excellent early introduction to hunger in our country.

From Imagination Soup
I’ve just discovered a fantastic book called Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt. It tells the true story about two friends, one who doesn’t have much food in her fridge and is embarrassed about it. It’s a relatable story about a realistic situation. I think reading it with your own kids will help them empathize with teachers wanting to make sure their students have enough food to eat.

From Craig Wiesner, owner of Reach and Teach Bookstore in San Mateo, CA
Maddi’s Fridge: A Book that Transforms the World. Sofia and Maddi are mini-BFFs, playing together in the park and working up an appetite. Sofia and Maddi race to Maddi’s home and Sofia throws open Maddi’s fridge to get a snack but… the fridge is bare. In tens of thousands of homes across America, the same would be true. Ashamed, Maddi begs Sofia not to tell anyone. What’s Sofia to do when confronted by her best friend being hungry with no food to eat? This is a lovely, engaging, and important book! I love the joyous way the girls play together in the park and the situation of going home for a snack after playtime is so universal that all children will see themselves in the story. Sadly, the chances that some children’s homes will have little to snack on are pretty high as are the chances that the hungry child will do anything he or she can to avoid the shame of having a friend discover that secret. Sofia’s attempt to solve the hunger problem without alerting her own family is hilarious. I love the way Sofia keeps that secret until she realizes that there are some secrets you have to share with a trusted adult, when you know that keeping that secret is doing more harm than good. This book offers a great opportunity for parents,  teachers and others who work with children to read the story out loud, discuss it with the children, and empower them to make a difference in each other’s lives. It can also be a way to get those children who are hungry to identify themselves to someone who can help them and their family access food. There are so many programs out there but when hunger is kept secret the hungry continue to suffer, in many cases, needlessly. Unlike many “issue” books, the storyline is very realistic, with characters you fall in love with instantly, with illustrations that draw you into the children’s lives, their neighborhood, their homes, and most importantly, their story. Maddi’s Fridge, due for release in September 2014, is a book that will transform the world through teachable moments and we look forward to making it available through Reach And Teach.

From 2nd Grade Reading
Kudos to Brandt for turning a serious social issue into a warm tale infused with humor and loads of heart. Second grade readers will love Vogel’s cheery illustrations, created with digital pen and ink and rich with detail. This book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom library – a perfect read aloud opportunity to discuss what it means to be a friend, how to help someone in need, and how some secrets should be shared with a trusted adult.

From Picture Book Builders, Kevan Atteberry
Every now and then a picture book comes along that is important. [Lois Brandt] took an issue important to her and wrote a beautiful, engaging story that dealt with it. I’m going to gift this book a lot in the coming year.

From Kid Lit Reviews
Maddi’s Fridge could easily have been a message story or had the lack of food a constant talking point. Instead, Maddi’s Fridge is a sweet story about two best friends taking care of each other…. The story is perfect for story time, teachers of grades K to 2, and home-schoolers. Maddi’s Fridge is a sweet story that remains positive, refusing to become sad or gloomy, though the subject of hunger can certainly be both.

From Toronto 4 Kids
Filled with colourful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others.

Endorsement from Kirby Larson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Hattie Big Sky
I really admire Lois Brandt for writing about those in need without making this an “issue” book. It’s first and foremost a story — and a good one!

From Bookworm for Kids, T. Drecker
This book now hits the top of my daughter’s favorite reads list, and what a wonderful book it is!
Sofia and Maddi are great friends and love to spend time together on the playground, but over time, Sofia’s noticed that Maddi never has snacks or much to eat. When Sofia heads to Maddi’s fridge to grab something to nibble on, the space is almost empty. Swearing not to tell anyone that Maddi’s mom can’t afford to buy more, Sofia tries to find a way to help out her friend.
This story has already received several awards, and it has earned each single one. The two girls are sweet and best friends in every sense–something kids will sympathize with and know. It’s hard not to feel sorry for Maddi, when Sofia opens that empty fridge. The heart-strings twang even more when Maddi admits her generous spirit of wanting to make sure her little brother gets some of her portions since he’s smaller. 
But this isn’t about feeling sorry for a poor family. Sofia’s stuck in a sticky situation. She wants to help Maddi while still keeping her promise. It’s not an easy dilemma, and this is something young readers/listeners will understand and try to come up with a solution themselves while Sofia works out her own. In other words, the kids will think along and set themselves in the situation.
The illustrations are well done and add the right emotion to the story in all the right ways. Kids can flip through and follow the story on their own. The text is fit in and around the pictures, never too much and with a vocabulary fitting to the intended audience. In other words, it’s a wonderful read aloud and will draw young listeners in. This is a great read especially for kids ages 4 and up.

From Story Monsters Ink, Julianne Black
A beautiful story of friendship centered around a hardship too many children face today: not having enough food. It’s a topic difficult to talk about, especially to this age group, but Brandt spoons in just the right amount of lighthearted humor to make a typical “bringing awareness” style book into a classic feel-good story about the bond between two friends. Perfect for libraries, but better for story time, Maddi’s Fridge is a wonderful conversation opener and has the potential for some serious healing. Adorable illustrations by Vin Vogel round out the work and give it an extra dose of approachability. Certainly a keeper and magnificent grade school resource.

From More to the Story, Melinda Johnson
Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on anti-hunger groups, is also included.
There is so much to love about Maddi’s Fridge, but perhaps the best of its strengths is that the reader learns from the book by falling seamlessly into the main character’s perspective – facing her problem, feeling her feelings, considering her alternatives, and pondering the outcomes of her choices. A human being of any age will learn something about how we confront hunger in actual life – not as an issue we can click and post about, not as a disturbing statistic, not as a box of cans for the food bank we can drop some beans into as we push our loaded cart out of the grocery store. This is the story of two girls who care about each other – girls with names and faces. We can see clearly how both friends can be helped or hurt by the ways they choose to confront their situation.

Read the rest of Melinda’s review here!

From Corner on Character, Barbara Gruener
I find it increasingly important to give students dilemmas like these to chew on. It’s especially difficult when two values collide. Sofia wants to keep her promise and guard her friend’s secret, but she also wants to right a wrong and help out.
One in five children may not always have enough to eat. Now that’s a problem!
This tasty morsel can certainly inspire your superheroes soar to new heights and help combat hunger along the way! 
Visit Maddi’s Empty Fridge page for enrichment ideas. Then create an action plan and do something. Make treat bags for the homeless population. Put extra bottles of water in your car to give out. Assemble hygiene kits to accompany the food and water. Donate regularly to a local food pantry. Check at your local school to see if they participate in the Backpack Buddy Program. Offer to help!

From Bookshelf
As writers we try to create stories where young characters can rise to the occasion and solve problems themselves.  But reality means that sometimes an adult is required to do adult things.  Sofia solves the problem by breaking her promise. Brandt does a great job of showing just how heavily this decision weighs on Sofia but once she tells she can help her mother take food to their needy friends.  
Because this really is a story about friends helping friends.
Vin Vogel’s art work takes a story that is all too real, hunger in today’s world, and makes it a little less threatening.  How so?  The illustrations are cartoony but not so cartoony that young readers will miss the emotions that these characters are working through… Add this book to your classroom shelf.  Make sure young readers and their parents can find it in your library.  Together Brandt and Vogel have created a book about a serious topic that is age appropriate and accessible to young readers.

From The Reading Tub
Factors: Exceptionally written and wonderfully illustrated, this story will broaden your child’s understanding of the world and inspire them: to help others and be a good friend, too.
Content Awareness Factors: None!
Type of Book: This is a picture book about friendship and helping those in need.
Educational Themes: Start with friendship – how did the girls encourage each other? Did (or how did) Sofia’s knowledge of Maddi’s lack of food affect their relationship? Poverty and hunger are central to the story, as well. Your child may have questions, so embrace the opportunity to talk about their feelings, what life is like for others, and maybe create a family project. Collect and deliver food to a food bank; serve at a homeless shelter – there are age-appropriate opportunities in every community
Reading Level: 2.6
Recommended Age To Read By Yourself: 8 and Up
Recommended Age To Read Together: 4 to 10
Purchase Recommendation: Buy! Read at home then share with friends and family.

Included in Kiss the Book blog Top 50 Elementary Books of 2015 
“Essential” –Kiss the Book blog

From Jessica Payne, Executive Director of Kids Need to Read:
…While I have always loved the Monster series, I just read Maddi’s Fridge and I gotta tell you ‘WOW’ what a beautiful book. That book is going to resonate with so many of the children we serve and with the parents that read it to them. I loved the problem-solving and the delicacy and absolute realness that was represented in that book. I personally am all too aware that many of the children I am giving books to also face food insecurity, Maddi’s Fridge helps to put words to a topic that is not discussed enough and teaches children that they can make a difference.

From SeasonsOfKidLit
Brandt’s humorous and heartwarming text paired with Vogel’s comic-styled illustrations are the perfect match. Young readers will love the ways Sofia tries to help Maddi and also learn about food security – an important topic impacting millions of kids all over the world. Maddi’s Fridge, complete with ways showing how you can help those in need, is an important and inspiring read for any season.

From educator and mother @reading_with_my_kids
Swinging on the swings. Climbing the climbing wall. Chasing each other for a game of tag. That’s what kids are supposed to do. That’s what Sofia and Maddi like to do. But one day, Sofia discovers something very different about her friend, Maddi. She doesn’t have any food in her fridge. Maddi is completely embarrassed and begs Sofia not to tell anyone. Sofia wants to help her friend, but can she do it and still keep her promise?
Childhood hunger and food insecurity are two concerns I cannot comprehend. My childhood was always filled with memories of delicious meals and the occasional eating out. And now, my children never want for food. My house is known in the neighborhood as the “one with the snacks.” This book was so important to share with my kids so that they understand their privilege, as well as the importance of thinking about others. I hope they hear the message and are like Sofia, looking for ways to help others.

From A Mighty Girl (The world’s largest collection of books, toys and movies for smart, confident, and courageous girls)
Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others. A call to action section, with six effective ways for children to help fight hunger and information on anti-hunger groups, is also included.

From Emily Schneider, Imaginary Elevators blog, educator and writer 
Thanksgiving is associated with families sharing a plentiful amount of food, but not all Americans have access to this custom.  Freedom from hunger is a human right. Historically, it has been an American right, even if this ideal has not always been realized.  Norman Rockwell’s iconic paintings depict the Four Freedoms that President Roosevelt had a promoted during World War II as a reminder of the war’s purpose. Maddi’s Fridge is a non-ideological picture book for children.
It does not discuss the social and economic programs needed to combat income inequality; that is not its purpose. Lois Brandt and Vin Vogel present the problem of hunger through the friendship of two girls, Sofia and Maddi. Sofia has always assumed that her well-stocked refrigerator is the norm. When she learns that her friend’s is virtually empty, Sofia needs to help her friend without betraying a secret.
Vogel’s illustrations are understated and appealing. They convey a sense of community, even a modern version of Rockwell’s, as well as a touch of mid-twentieth century animation.
Sofia’s family is well-fed, with the inventory of her refrigerator even including dog food. Brandt enumerates each item for human consumption: chicken, yogurt, cheese, carrots, bread. In contrast, her friend Maddi’s refrigerator has barely enough to sustain her and her younger brother.  Brandt and Vogel show, in words and images, the asymmetry of the situation without elaborating on its cause. Instead, Sofia’s dilemma is central to the story.  How can she help Maddi? Bringing foods for the two friends to share as they play outside will not address the problem.
Adults reading with their children may anticipate Sofia’s decision, but children will not necessarily predict the outcome. Maddi’s Fridge presents an opportunity to discuss why breaking a promise of secrecy may be not only permissible, but crucial.  The book’s afterword provides further suggestions for filling empty fridges, on an individual and communal level. The book’s relevance today is a sad statement about the refusal to ensure that all children are cared for, but it at least represents an intelligent and sensitive way to shed light on the problem.

From Grandma Ideas blog
I grew up on a farm. We had a large garden and a bunch of fruit trees. And cows. And chickens. While I didn’t like weeding the garden and picking the fruits and vegetables, I did love eating them. (Well…not the beets…) My favorite? Strawberries and raspberries. About every 4th one ended up in my mouth. While Mom never fixed gourmet meals (and that was okay), we always had plenty to eat.
According to the USDA, nearly 14 million children faced hunger in 2023. That’s one in five kids. Look around your neighborhood. Almost one-fourth of those kids could be hungry. Right now. Right this very minute.
Hunger affects kids’ academic performance. (Who can focus on school when hunger gnaws in your belly?) Hunger affects children’s’ health. (How can a kid be healthy and grow normally if their nutritional needs aren’t being met?)
And what do you do if you’re a kid and you realize that your best friend doesn’t have any food in her home? Huh?
That’s the conundrum that Sofia faces in the book Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt.
Sofia and Maddi are BFFs. They swing in the park. They scale the climbing wall. (Well, Maddi does.) They play together at school.
One day, Sofia was hungry. She opened Maddi’s fridge for a snack. All she saw was a carton of milk. Nothing else. Sofia learned that Maddi’s family didn’t have enough money to buy food. Maddi begged Sofia not to tell anyone. Reluctantly, Sofia agreed.
But, Sofia worried about Maddie. She fretted about what she should do. Then, aha! She got an idea.
Sofia put some fish left over from her supper into her backpack. The next day Sofia pulled the fish out of her backpack and gave it to Maddi. Yikes! The fish smelled horrible!
The next night Sofia packed eggs in her backpack. When she pulled them out to give to Maddi, the smell was atrocious! (Sulfer, anyone?)
After two stinky tries, Sofia wised up. She packed two burritos, tortillas, beans, cheese, and milk in her backpack to give to Maddi. A delectable decision!
But Sofia realized that she couldn’t help Maddi all by herself. She broke down and told her mother. Together, they loaded lots of food into grocery sacks and took them to Maddi’s home.
Maddi scolded Sofia for breaking her promise and told Sofia that keeping a promise was important. Sofia wisely responded that Maddi was more important.
Sofia fearfully asked Maddi if they were still friends. Maddi replied, “Always!”
There are 3 things that I really like about the book. First is the illustrations. I love Maddi’s 2 kinky hairs sticking up from her head. It kinda makes her look impish. Spunky.
Look at the picture below where Sofia pulls the fish out of her backpack. It’s a hoot! Maddi’s arms out-stretched as if she could shield herself from the smell. Her leg raised in defense. But the thing I love most is her little tongue sticking out. What a great detail to visually state just how stinky the fish was.
In the picture below, Maddi’s reaction is so telling. Keeled over flat on her back. Arms stretched out. Feet in the air. And then her tongue! I love her tongue! Sofia’s bugged out eyes. What a great picture.
The picture below is of Sofia’s neighborhood at dusk as she runs home. Lavender, pink, orange. Beautiful sunset colors. The next time we see this scene, Sofia is walking home deep in thought about Maddi’s situation. The scene is mostly black and white. Bleak — like Sofia’s thoughts about Maddi.
And, last, I love Sofia’s and Maddi’s nose. Like in the picture below. (I wish my nose was so petite and cute…)
Kudos to Vin Vogel, illustrator for the book! He did a great job.
The second thing that I like about the book is its subject. This is a critically important topic. Brandt handles it with delicacy. She isn’t preachy or heavy handed. She doesn’t symbolically bang the reader over the head to make her point. She writes about food insecurity in a simple, plain manner that is easily understood by children. She does such a good job that children are inspired to be pro-active in collecting food for a food pantry. (See the interview questions below.)
The last thing that I like is the secondary theme of friendship. Sofia and Maddi are good friends. They play together. Lots. When Sofia learns that Maddi doesn’t have food in her home, Sofia is worried for Maddi. That’s what friends do. Worry — when worry is appropriate.
Sofia finds a way to help Maddi. That’s what friends do. After she fails in her first attempt, she tries again. That’s what friends do. She kept trying until she finally succeeded.
Sofia is a good runner. Better than Maddi. At the beginning of the book, Sofia beats Maddi as they raced to Maddi’s home. But at the end, Sofia slows down so they could run together. Because that’s what friends do.
Again, a gentle treatment of an important topic.
I give Maddi’s Fridge two thumbs up! Pop over to Amazon and get a copy. It’s a great book to add to your personal library to have on hand to read to your grandkids when they come for a visit.

From Dr. Tina-Marie Matranga Howlett, educator, writer, and illustrator
Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt and illustrated by Vin Vogel is a well-written, cute picture book teaching about food insecurity in a relatable way for kids, sharing an excellent message about helping others & knowing when to ask for help.

About the Creators

Lois Brandt is the author of Maddi’s Fridge. Years ago Lois peeked into her best friend’s refrigerator and found empty shelves and one small carton of milk. Her best friend’s family didn’t have enough money to buy food. Maddi’s Fridge is the result of that moment. A teacher by trade, Lois weaves together diverse images and events to create stories for children. She lives near Seattle, WA, with her husband, assorted kids, two dogs, and a fluffy cat who thinks he’s a dog. This is her first picture book.
You can find out more about Lois and her work on her website. 

Vinicius Vogel is an award winning Brazilian author-illustrator, and has illustrated more than fifty books for children and young-adults, including his own The Thing about Yetis and Bedtime for Yeti. He instantly fell in love with the manuscript for Maddi’s Fridge, and is thrilled that this book is making an impact on its readers. After living in NYC, he is back in his always-exciting hometown of Rio de Janeiro, where he lives with his two cats and a mini Malibu surfboard. 
You can find out more about Vin and his work on his website.

Book Details

ISBN: HC 9781936261291  SC 9781947277762  ePDF 9781936261499  EPUB 9781936261383  KF8 9781936261390 Audiobook 9781947277595 Read-along Audio 9781947277014
Print Length: 32 Full Color Pages
Publication Date: September 2014 (HC), June 2022 (SC)
Age Group: 4-8
Foreign Editions: Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Turkish
Themes: Poverty, Childhood Hunger, Empathy, Friendship, Keeping Secrets, SEL (Relationship Skills, Social Awareness)

Activity Guides & More

• Free Printable Board Game for Classroom or Home created by the U of Missouri
• Common Core Curriculum Guide
• Cheesy Pizza Bombs Recipe
• Maddis Fridge Coloring Page
• Writing My Helping Story
• Writing About Being Helped
• Maze: Help Ryan and Luis find Pepito
• Elementary English Language Arts Activities from Quebec Reading Connection
• Elementary English as a Second Language Activities from Quebec Reading Connection
• Anti-Defamation League Parent Guide and Educator’s Guide
• Teacher’s Guide from Storyline Online

Leveling Information

Accelerated Reader Quiz #173881, Reading Level 2.6, Word Count 1107

Lexile Measurements provided by Metametrics. Guided Reading Levels provided by Marla Conn using Fountas and Pinnel Guided Reading Text Characteristics.

Lexile Display: AD520L

Word Count: 1089

MSL: 6.936

MLF: 3.38

Decoding Display: High

Semantic Display: High

Syntactic Display: High

Structure Display: High

Guided Reading Level: N

Grade Level Equivalent: 3

Interest Level by Grade: K-4

Educational Description: Picture book

SEL – Social Emotional Learning: Empathy- fighting childhood hunger

Story Elements: setting: city neighborhood, plot and character development: young female main characters; Sofia and Maddi, problem and solution, figurative language, detailed illustrations enhance meaning and tone

Comprehension Strategies: identify cause and effect relationships, changes from beginning to end of the story, predict outcome, and compare and contrast experiences of characters

Back Matter: Facts about childhood hunger, how to help

Themes: friendship, childhood hunger, trust, we all help each other in different ways