Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Nojadera
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming novel about food, friendship, family, & belonging.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE TAKEOUT, 12-year-old Mila Pascual still feels like an outsider in Coral Beach even though she moved months ago. The only place she feels like herself is at The Banana Leaf, her dad's Filipino-Indian food truck. When Chip and Chaz Darlington -- of the famous Fab Foodie Brothers -- open a restaurant in town, Mila is thrilled to meet her favorite celebrity chefs. But her excitement turns to suspicion when she notices that they're serving the same food as The Banana Leaf. With the help of her friend Ajay, she does everything she can to prove that the Fab Foodie Brothers stole the recipes, including using some of Mila's Filipino folk magic. Will Mila and Ajay find a way to save The Banana Leaf before it's too late? And will Mila ever feel like she truly belongs in Coral Beach?
Is It Any Good?
Tracy Badua's charming novel highlights family, friendship, food, and belonging. The Takeout celebrates Filipino culture and traditions, and readers will love the delectable descriptions of the Filipino-Indian fusion dishes. While most of the story focuses on Mila's and Ajay's quest to expose the Fab Foodie Brothers for stealing The Banana Leaf's recipes, it also thoughtfully explores how Mila feels caught between two cultures and the pressure to fit in. As The Takeout progresses and Mila learns to believe in herself and embrace her heritage, readers will see the importance of staying true to themselves and understand the power of integrity, courage, teamwork, and perseverance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of Filipino and Indian culture in The Takeout. What did you learn? Where can you learn more?
Do you ever feel different or left out? Do you think others in your class or school feel that way? What can you do to help them feel included?
How do the characters demonstrate integrity, teamwork, perseverance, and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Cooking , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : May 9, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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