In her children’s book debut, author and librarian Stacy Wells introduces readers to Tana Williams, a young girl who loves to be in the kitchen creating wonderful foods for her friends and family. Alongside her chef dad, Tana uses cooking to learn more about her Choctaw culture, to show others she cares, and to simply have fun! We recently sat down with Stacy to talk all about her new chapter book series Tana Cooks! and how it came to be:

 

Congratulations on the launch of Tana Cooks! Can you tell us about the series?   

The Tana Cooks! series is about a young Choctaw girl named Tana who is a passionate and empathetic problem solver ready to step in and help. By her side are her best friends—Ana, Lola, and Leo—eager to grow and learn as they navigate the challenges of second grade. Tana’s dad is her touchstone, and together they weave story and food as they prepare meals for their family. Her mom and little sister, add spice and flavor and, rounding out the family of four. 

 

How important is it for readers to see a Choctaw character in stories? 

In 1990, the article “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors” by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop shook up the children’s publishing industry. Dr. Bishop wrote about the critical need for all children to see themselves in stories, to see themselves as a larger part of the human experience, and to see their worth reflected back to them. She explained that when children don’t see themselves reflected or what they see is negative or distorted, they ultimately learn they have little value.   

At the time of that article (and for decades after), most of the books for children with Native content and characters were inaccurate, filled with damaging stereotypes, misinformation, and often the Native characters were vilified or thought of only in the past tense. Those books were written by non-Native people. Books written by Native authors were far and few between and didn’t get the attention their non-Native peers received. 

Over the past ten years there has been a significant and positive shift in authentic Native stories for kids, written by Native people. This is due to many people and organizations over the years who continually worked and fought (and still work and fight) for our stories.  

I wish for all kids to see themselves in a story, but it’s also vital for them to see beyond themselves. When non-Native readers encounter a Choctaw character in story, it corrects a damaging narrative of the past and provides a window to another perspective ultimately creating empathy. Moreover, it holds the hands of Choctaw children and whispers, “I see you and you are worthy.” The same is true for Native characters from different tribal nations written by Native authors. The refrain is for their children too, “I see you and you are worthy.” 

As a youth librarian, executive board member of the American Indian Library Association, committee member of the North Texas Teen Book Festival, and community advocate for kids with dyslexia, how do these roles inform how you approach your writing? 

At the heart of every role and position I have is to be of service for the organization, and the people and communities they serve. It just so happens that my role at work, my community advocacy, and my professional organization life all intersect beautifully in creating access to literacy and books. The missions of these organizations are in tandem with my writing for children, giving me inspiration and hope, and the motivation to keep moving forward. They deepen my knowledge and broaden my perspectives, making me a more thoughtful writer, librarian, and human.

 

What did you think the first time you saw Tana's illustrations?  

Maria Gabriela Gama is adorable and so is her art. She brought Tana and her friends and family to life with utterly cute and vibrant illustrations. I’m amazed with her creative talent and am thankful (and ever grateful) she is on this sweet journey with me.   

Food has a very powerful connection to one’s culture and identity. Talk about your decision to center these stories around food. 

My earliest memories of food are on my grandparents’ farm in North Texas. It was small, but they had pigs and chickens, and horses and, an expansive—to little me, at least—garden. When they moved closer to town to a much smaller lot, they continued to cultivate a garden. Both my grandparents grew up on farms in Oklahoma during the depression, so growing and raising their own food was in their blood and a core part of their survival.  

What I remember when visiting their house—abundant food enough for everyone. Fresh vegetables were a given, and so were preserved berries and pickled vegetables (and eggs!).  

I would help in their garden, but I learned the most about patience and love by watching them till and sow and care for each plant. It’s in their memory that Tana and her family have a backyard garden, one they care for and use to cook and bake with the same love my grandparents gave to theirs. 

 

What was the first thing you learned to cook or bake? 

My brother and I were latchkey kids and spent our summers at home alone, which meant for us making our own meals often. So, while I don’t remember the first thing I learned to make on my own, I do vividly recall making my first baked good in my easy bake oven. A special and a very much wanted gift from my parents at Christmas. One quiet afternoon over the holiday break I carefully set up the oven and arranged my workspace. With the packaged mix in hand, I tore the top off and dumped the contents into a small bowl. Next, I added water and gently stirred. Then I spooned the mixture into a tiny round metal baking pan and slid the pan into the oven. A few minutes later, my very first brownie! I don’t recall how it tasted, but I do remember how I pleased and accomplished I felt afterward. 

 

Tana likes to cook for the holidays. What's your favorite celebration?  

I like to find any excuse to celebrate because gatherings with family and friends are my favorite. There is something magical that happens when our hearts and spirits are aligned to celebrate milestones, holidays, or simply to be in community with one another. This could be a friend’s book launch, an intimate birthday party, a rambunctious game night at the end of a long week, a remembrance of life, a new birth, a family movie night when everyone is at home, celebratory meals that end with cheesecake, or even something as small as taking a walk in the woods after several hours of writing (I live two short blocks away from remnants of the Eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem).  

For Tana and her friends, I wanted to show that same type of heart and spirit in the books, whether it be celebrating a holiday like Valentines Day or honoring veterans or showing appreciation and gratitude for others. 

What new food have you tried lately? 

In my early years as an adult, I remember people going on and on about avocados and guacamole. About how good avocados were on tacos and in salads, or how when mixed with vegetables and spices it was the perfect combo with chips. And every time I would think, how are they eating that? The texture, the softness of the meat, the greenness… it was not appealing. However, with age came wisdom and an openness to try new things.  

At one family dinner outing my uncle ordered tableside guacamole. I watched in amazement as the server prepared the guacamole—cutting, scooping, adding in onions, tomatoes, spices and mixing it all together. My uncle plopped a huge spoonful on his plate and licked the remainder off the spoon. “You can’t waste guacamole,” he said as he scooped a chip in the dip. He ate with such gusto and feeling that it made me want that same experience. I am now an avocado fan and advocate for life. 

 

What do you want readers to take away from your series?  

First and foremost, I want readers to take away what they need from the story—be it a phrase that resonates or a new way to approach a problem or learn something new or that they were simply entertained while reading. As I developed each story (huge shout out to my editor Julie Glassman for her guiding hand) I had three goals: it must have heart, joyful friendships, and authentic representation of Choctaw culture.  

 

Can you give us a sneak peek to what’s coming next for Tana? 

I’m excited for the next round of Tana books! Readers will find that Tana will be challenged in ways she hasn’t before. She will learn to face a common fear found in young children (and some adults too), as well as discover for herself the power of gratitude, and so much more. 

While my stories are written with young readers in mind, in some ways, this next round of books were written for me too. At the time I wrote them I struggled with my own fears too and subsequently began a daily gratitude practice that has dramatically helped me stay present and find joy every day.  

 

About the Author 

As a young child Stacy loved sweets of all kinds. As an adult her love of food expanded to tacos with spicy salsa and cheese. She, however, does not like raisins. Stacy is a member of the Choctaw Nation and lives in Texas with her family, which includes a red dog named Blu and two very mischievous ferrets. 

 

Shop Tana Cooks! series 

Download a recipe from Tana Cooks! 

Download Tana Cooks! bookmarks 

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