Potatoes on Rooftops

Potatoes on Rooftops
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
8+
Release Date
July 12, 2012
ISBN
155451424X
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All around the world, people are farming in the concrete jungle!

The urban farming movement is rapidly gaining widespread acceptance. Now it's time for kids to be a part of it, too! With a minimum of equipment and whether alone or with friends, kids can start growing fruit and vegetables at home, in a community garden, or at school.

Combining practical tips and well-researched facts, Potatoes on Rooftops is a brisk and informative overview of the how and why of the movement toward small-scale urban farming. There are many ways to farm in the city: a Detroit high school program teaches students to grow food and raise chickens; in Tokyo, a bank vault was converted into an underground greenhouse; in Nairobi, local youth transformed part of a slum into a garden that helps feed their families; First Lady Michelle Obama established an organic garden at the White House; and more in other countries.

Short, kid-friendly descriptions and vibrant photos and illustrations keep the pace moving and the tone light. Toronto Public Health and FoodShare, two respected agencies, both have contributed to the book. A perfect book to get kids thinking about alternative ways of growing and getting food.

Editor review

1 review
Definitely a Keeper!
Overall rating
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Learning Value
 
5.0
This is a fabulously thorough book, with colorful, helpful pictures scattered throughout to illustrate each point. It's organized like a textbook (and indeed would be a wonderful tool to use in homeschooling for a garden unit), but I found it more engaging than the usual textbook.

The author builds a case for home-grown food (why it's important for our health, our cities, and our planet), and then shows us how to do it. From using unusual containers for planters (even old pairs of shoes!), to how to grow a crop in the middle of an urban jungle, the middle of the book is full of helpful ideas and examples. I especially enjoyed that the author takes the concept full circle by teaching readers how to use every part of their crop by building a compost pile and recycling.

I'd already decided to build a raised garden bed next spring, and I'm going to purchase this book and use it with my children as we decide what to plant! I highly recommend this book.
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