Overview

Discover the changemaker who transformed the Detroit Public School lunch program--in stunning illustration. Miss Betti knew wholesome, nourishing food. She also knew the kids in Detroit's public schools were not getting wholesome, nourishing lunches. Luckily, as Detroit's school lunch lady, Miss Betti had the power to make a change. She started small--with fresh apples and sweet potato fries--but soon she was filling lunch trays with a rainbow of tasty choices. And then, Miss Betti looked toward some of the empty city lots across Detroit. She started an urban gardening program to teach students about growing fruits and veggies--filling schools' salad bars with fresh fare. A true story about big goals and small steps in America's Motor City.

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Reviews

Lela Nargi's Miss Betti, What Is This? How Detroit's School Lunch Lady Got Good Food on the Menu is charmingly illustrated by Kristen Uroda and tells of a savvy woman who knows about wholesome, nourishing foods and how to get them into the hands of the kids who need them the most.-- ""Midwest Book Review"" (10/1/2025 12:00:00 AM) A Detroit cafeteria worker acts on her belief that kids deserve delicious, nutritious food...Dishes up a decidedly well-earned tribute.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" (8/29/2025 12:00:00 AM) VERDICT With themes of making a difference, taking care of others, and the inclusion of African American innovators, this is an excellent addition to nonfiction collections for elementary students.-- ""School Library Journal"" (6/26/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

Lela Nargi is a journalist and children's author. She has published a number of picture books, including the award-winning The Honeybee Man, and has worked with the Smithsonian and National Geographic. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Kristen Uroda creates vibrant illustrations that inspire people to dream, hope, and imagine a kinder world. Her work--marked by a light, joyful style, bursts of color, and whimsical touches--offers a vision of beauty and compassion. Based in Michigan, Kristen believes creativity is humanity's truest expression and a celebration of existence. Through her art, she strives to spark joy and renew moral imagination.

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