An interesting historical review of the origins of the cocoa bean and how chocolate eventually became an incredibly popular worldwide food product. A lot of chocolate's history is ugly. Most of us know the story of Cortés and what happened to much of the indigenous South American population after his arrival. The shocking current assertion is that most production of the cocoa bean is now in Western Africa, where child labor is still used and "some 10,000 [are] thought to be victims of human trafficking or enslavement." That's reprehensible and yet I imagine most people are completely unaware of where the cocoa in their favorite chocolate product comes from, myself included. One can find out some information at fairtradeamerica.org and look for brands that (supposedly) adhere to higher standards for the cocoa beans/chocolate they purchase, including supporting worker's rights and sustainable practices. ( )

This is a wonderful informational source for students to learn about chocolate. This book shares where chocolate comes from, how it is made, and the history of chocolate around the world. For students learning to read non-fiction it provides an interesting topic with a wealth of information for the reader.

Lesson Information for Teaching about Chocolate in Science Class
Common Core State Standards Aligned
Elementary Level
https://study.com/academy/lesson/chocolate-lesson-plan-for-elementary-school.htm... ( )

Chocolate Sweet Science and Dark Secrets of the worlds favorite treat by Kay Friedenboard
History, science and culture make chocolate an important part of all our lives.
Liked learning of the history and science behind it all as we have experienced Hershey in PA ourselves.
Book also includes many recipes using chocolate. Liked the story of the first strike by kids in Canada when the price rose from 5 cents to 8 cents.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device). ( )

Chocolate is a well-written non-fiction book about the history and science behind chocolate.

Over thousands of years, chocolate has been used many different ways: money, food, treatment, symbol, and comfort. Many people know that the Aztecs and Incas grew chocolate and that it was an important part of their culture. Historians and scientists have discovered that the Olmec nation also used chocolate and they came before the Aztecs and Incas. The chocolate trees originated in the rain forests around the equator in Middle and South America.

Ms. Frydenborg begins the book by telling about the history of chocolate and how it was used as money and as a sacred symbol by early inhabitants. She then progresses to how chocolate developed over the centuries. Americans were slower to like chocolate than the Europeans. It was the Europeans who added sugar; previously the early explorers didn’t necessarily like the bitter flavor. It was only in the mid-1900s that chocolate really took off in America.

The author also discusses the dark side of chocolate. The way chocolate has been abused and the workers who harvest it as well have been well documented. Now there is pressure to ensure that chocolate is grown in a sustainable way and the workers are treated well and paid well. There is a fear that we will lose chocolate due to fungus that attacks and kills the cocao tree, which is where chocolate comes from.

Ms. Frydenborg tells about modern scientists and their new discoveries that are changing what we thought about early civilizations in the Americas. It’s truly a fascinating book where you will learn many surprising facts and discoveries. I love chocolate and loved learning about it. Shockingly, it’s worth your time especially if you like history, science, or chocolate! ( )

Reviewed for professional publication. ( )