Anyone who’s ever made a pie knows they sure don’t come from nowhere. The labor involved is why it’s been over a year since I made one. But the fact that the pies in this book remained anonymous when it mattered is a big part of its charm.

Pies From Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott, by Dee Romito, ill. by Laura Freeman, is one of my favorite types of books: It introduces a new aspect of a historical event I was already familiar with, including a woman from history I’d never heard of.

Pies from Nowhere tells the story of how one woman became a force for change by stepping up and using her gifts behind the scenes to support the cause of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and on a larger scale, the Civil Rights Movement. For further reading, there’s a more detailed author’s note in the back and a list of the resources the author used. We live in a time that often feels out of control. So much is wrong in the world, and it can seem like there’s nothing we as individuals can do to make a difference. This book, based on a true story, reminds us that individuals can and do make a big difference in the world.

We read this book for school, and the kids listened with interest. I believe strongly in the power of illustrated books and compelling storytelling to open kids up to history in a way that wordy textbooks just can’t do alone.

In keeping with the food theme of the book, Georgia Gilmore’s recipe for pound cake is included in the back of the book. Reading about Gilmore’s other special dishes will make your mouth water.

If you haven’t heard of Georgia Gilmore, request this one from the library and spend a little time learning about a self-described fiery lady who knew what she was good at and used it to effect change in her world.

Want more titles for Black history for kids? Check out the posts here and here.