Potatoes on Rooftops

November 26, 2012
It’s not always easy being green in urban areas, but Dyer suggests simple projects and small behavioral changes that can help city-dwellers make their environments more natural in this colorful guidebook. Dyer points to the importance of eating locally grown and raised foods to minimize the distance between farm and plate; graphics and sidebars include statistics about global ecology, hunger, and international rates of consumption. Profiles of organizations and enterprises that have successfully turned urban wastelands into thriving oases demonstrate the power of collective efforts. Highlighting innovations in landscape architecture, shrewd use of space and materials (for example, growing lettuce in a colander), and a more complete understanding of food’s influence on the health of nations, Dyer underscores how each individual is a link in an important chain. Ages 9–12.

December 1, 2012

Gr 3-6-Grassroots efforts at sustainable agriculture are given a global perspective in this interesting look at the many ways people grow their food. From rooftop and container gardening to school gardens and community plots, Dyer discusses changes in traditional agriculture from victory gardens of heirloom crops to modern factory farming and hybrid produce. Protein-based food sources like eggs and fish are also included. Issues related to sustainability, such as greenhouse emissions, and fair-trade practices are also discussed, as are the psychological and health benefits of growing one's own food. The writing is both engaging and interesting as the author presents some complicated topics in an easy-to-digest manner. Many ideas for thinking outside of the box are given by presenting nontraditional means of agriculture that will be unfamiliar to many readers. The photos have an upbeat, urban feel to them and complement the text nicely. There is also a kid-friendly quality about the information, which is presented in sidebars and dialogue bubbles. In the current climate of sustainability, this title is small but mighty. A lot of relevant topics are hit on in a simple but powerful way. Not to be missed or dismissed.-Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2012
Grades 4-7 With its catchy title, appealing design, and casual approach, this ought to draw readers in and might even inspire them to try their own hand at gardeningor at least to become more familiar with the urban farming movement. The problems of current food production and world hunger are briefly outlined with information about small-scale solutions that are happening worldwide. Although the title and topic suggest this is only about farming and growing crops for city dwellers, plenty of advice is offered for those who live in areas with small plots of land (backyards, etc.) at their disposal. The focus of the book is more inspirational than instructional, with resources provided for those who are motivated to try their own growing of food items in populated areas. The text is fairly lengthy but not overwhelming, as each page is smartly arranged with a mix of large, colorful graphics, photos, and blocks of text carefully placed on colored pages. Timely, attractively designed, and inspirational. Dig in!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)