Intermediate Agricultural Themes Book List

Themes


Animals
Crops
The Environment, Natural Resources, and Plants
Farms and Agriculture
Food and Nutrition
Fruits and Vegetables
Gardening
Insects and Other Critters
People, Community, and Land
Textiles and Fibers

Animals
Dunrea, Olivier. Painter Who Loved Chickens, The Farrar Straus Giroux and Berryville Graphics, 1995.
Paintings and text tell the story of a painter who dreams of owning a farm and who eventually sells his chicken paintings to purchase it. Realistic paintings of different breeds of chickens.

Johnson, Sylvia A. Inside an Egg Lerner Publications Company, 1982.
This book clearly illustrates and explains the development of a chicken egg from the time it is formed in the hen until the moment that the chick begins to peck its way out of the shell.

Kalman, Bobbie. Hooray for Dairy Farming. Crabtree Publishing Company, 1998.
Learn about the many aspects of the dairy industry through color photographs and simple text.

Lewis, Kim. Emma’s Lamb. Macmillan Publishing Company, 1991.
Emma’s father brings home a lost lamb. She looks after the lamb, plays with him, and comes to realize that she can’t take care of the lamb by herself. Emma helps the lost lamb find its mother.

Lewis, Kim. The Shepherd Boy. Four Winds Press, 1990.
This is a story of a young boy, who dreams of being a shepherd just like his father. He can hardly wait until he is old enough to have his own sheep dog.

Patrick, Jean L.S. and Alvis Upitis. Cows, Cats, and Kids: A Veterinarian’s Family at Work. Boyds Mills Press, 2003.
This lively photo essay gives a unique, inside view of a family veterinary practice.

Paulsen, Gary. Haymeadow, The Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers, 1992.
John Barron is asked to spend the summer taking care of six sheep and is not quite sure how he will survive.

Whelchel, Harriet. Extraordinary Chickens Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2000.
This photographic journal depicts the amazing variety of exotic chickens in full color.

White, E.B. Charlotte's Web HarperCollins, 1952.
Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and Fern, a little girl, present a classic tale of life on a farm.
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Crops
DeAngelis, Therese. Ojibwa: Wild Rice Gatherers, The Blue Earth Books, 2003.
Learn how the Ojibwa plant, harvest, and mill wild rice in the Great Lakes.

Demi. One Grain of Rice Scholastic Inc., 1997.
This mathematical folktale illustrates the concept of doubling, using rice as an example.

Hunter, Sally M. Four Seasons of Corn: A Winnebago Tradition Lerner Publications Company, 1997.
Enjoy learning in general and specific terms how the Native American Winnebagos, grow and process corn and the traditions they have which surround it.

Kalman, Bobbie. The Gristmill. Crabtree Publishing Company, 1990.
This is the story of how settlers were able to make “life-sustaining” bread. This book tells the story of bread and of the Gristmill and how important it became to the life of the settlers.

Keller, Kristin Thonnes. Shoshone: Pine Nut Harvesters of the Great Basin, The Blue Earth Books, 2004.
Learn how pine nuts are harvested and prepared by the Shoshone and learn some recipes they enjoyed.

Stevens, Jan Romero. Carlos and the Cornfield, Carlos Y La Milpa De Maiz Scott Foresman Publishing, 1999.
This book, with both English and Spanish text, describes how Carlos learns about working in a cornfield.
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The Environment, Natural Resources, and Plants
Bial, Raymond. Handful of Dirt, A Walker & Company, 2000. You'll never look at the ground you walk on in the same way after you've taken this down-in-the-earth photographic tour of one of Earth's most common but precious resources.

Cronin, Doreen. Diary of a Worm HarperCollins Publishers, 2003. This hysterical journal provides an inside look at the hidden world of a comical worm.

Hayford, James. Gridley Firing New England Press, 1987. The family farm is not doing well and young Martin is concerned that a contractor will buy his farm and build houses, which will move wildlife inhabitants out of their homes.

Heller, Ruth. Reason for a Flower, The Grosset & Dunlap, 1983. Brief text and lavish illustrations explain plant reproduction and the purpose of a flower. Uses unique flowering plants as examples.

Hiscock, Bruce. Big Tree, The Aladdin Books, 1991. Follows the development of a large old maple tree from its growth as a seed during the American Revolution to its maturity in the late 20th century.

Iverson, Diane. My Favorite Tree Dawn Publications, 1999. Read about the many trees of North America and learn their significant role in our history, traditions, ecology, and economy.

Kalman, Bobbie. What is a Plant? Crabtree Publishing Company, 2000. Learn the basic anatomy of plants, unique characteristics and how and why plants are essential in various ecosystems.

Overbeck, Cynthia. How Seeds Travel Lerner Publications Company, 1982. This book presents a look at seeds on the move and the role of seeds and fruit in plant reproduction. Colorful photographs trace the journeys made by seeds from varied plants.

Sohi, Morteza. Look What I Did With a Leaf! Walker Publishing, 1993. Provides examples of different kinds of animals that can be made out of leaves and suggests various uses for the finished product.

Stotksy, Sandra. Trees Are Terrific: Naturescope Series National Wildlife Federation, 1998. Text and activities introduce the nature of trees, their trunks, growth, leaves, and changing nature.
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Farms and Agriculture
Artley, Bob. Once Upon a Farm Pelican Publishing Company, 2000.
Through detailed illustrations and text, this book shows the seasons of an old-time farm.

Atwell, Debby. Barn Houghton Mifflin Company, 1996.
Using text and paintings, the life of a country barn is followed from the late eighteenth-century to the present day.

Bial, Raymond. A Handful of Dirt. Walker & Company, 2000.
This award-winning children’s book teaches that the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and even the home you live in, have their origin in the soil.

Collins, David. Pioneer Plowmaker: A Story About John Deere Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 1990.
John Deere, a young blacksmith in the mid-1880s, created a plow that dirt would not stick to during a potentially disastrous time in Ohio.

Gunby, Lise. Early Farm Life. Crabtree Publishing Company, 1992.
Historically correct drawings and photos take the readers back in time to share the lives of the early settlers. A helpful glossary and index are included.

Hansen, Ann Larkin. All Kinds of Farms. ABDO & Daughters, 1996.
Describes what farms are like, how they differ from one another, and why many middle-sized farms are disappearing.

Hansen, Ann Larkin. Farmers. ABDO & Daughters, 1996.
Farmers are described as they are today and what being a farmer is like. It also compares the farmers of today to the farmers of yesterday and how they have changed.

Hansen, Anna Larkin. Seasons on the Farm. ABDO & Daughters, 1996.
This book describes the seasons on the farm and how it affects the farmers and the work they do throughout the growing season and the off-season.

Peterson, Cris. Harvest Year Boyds Mills Press, 1996.
A photographic essay about foods that are harvested year-round in the United States.

Paulsen, Gary. Alida's Song Dell Yearling, 1999.
A grandmother reaches out to a young boy and arranges for him to have a summer job on a farm.

Peterson, Cris. Amazing Grazing Boyds Mills Press, 2002.
Learn about grazing by examining real ranches throughout the country.

Peterson, Cris. Century Farm: One Hundred Years on a Family Farm Boyds Mills Press, 1999.
Family anecdotes and photos share the story of a 100-year farm as it grew from the 1890s into a thriving dairy.

Provensen, Alice and Martin Provensen. This Year at Maple Hill Farm First Aladdin Books, 1988.
Describes the seasonal changes on a farm and surrounding countryside throughout the year.

Rendon, Marcie R. and Cheryl Walsh Bellville. Farmer's Market Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 2001.
Full of colorful photographs, this book describes the efforts of many families who work hard to produce food that is sold at farmer's markets.

Sorensen, Virginia. Miracles on Maple Hill Harcourt Brace and Company, 1956.
Meet a loving family and learn about the first miracle of the new year when the sap begins to rise in the maple trees so the family can make syrup.

Splear, Elsie Lee and Ken Stark. Growing Seasons Putnam Publishing Group, 2000.
Family farm life at the beginning of the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of one of four daughters.

Thorson, Kristine and Robert Thorson. Stone Wall Secrets Tilbury House, 1998.
On an autumn day, a grandfather and grandson repair the wall on their Maine farm.

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Little House on the Prairie HarperCollins, 1935.
One of her many books depicting life on the prairie and homesteading.

Wilder, Laura Ingalls. Winter on the Farm HarperCollins Publishers, 1996.
This simple text allows readers to meet Almonzo and learn what he does on a busy day on the family farm.

Woflman, Judy. Life on a Cattle Farm Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 2001.
This look at the hard work and simple pleasures found living and working on a farm is told from kids’ perspectives, highlighting responsibility and teamwork.

Wolfman, Judy. Life on a Goat Farm Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 2002.
Describes the practices that occur on a goat farm and includes information on breeds, care, milking, and more.

Woods, Michael and Mary B. Woods. Ancient Agriculture Runestone Press, 2000.
Explains in simple terms how the story of agriculture is also the story of civilization. Also describes how ancient cultures left a rich legacy of agricultural knowledge and technology.
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Food and Nutrition
Alarcon, Francisco X. Laughing Tomatoes Children's Book Press, 1997.
Selected poems, in both English and Spanish, relate to different food products, such as tomatoes, corn, and chiles.

Baldwin, Robert F. This is the Sea that Feeds Us Dawn Publications, 1998.
This book links a fish dinner with the entire marine food web. Beginning with tiny plankton, each verse introduces a new link to the marine food chain, then connects it to everything else.

Corwin, Judith Hoffman. Harvest Festivals Around the World Silver Burdett Press, 1995.
A history of many crop-related festivals, including craft activities and recipes.

Erlback, Arlene. Peanut Butter Lerner Publishing, 1994.
Describes how peanut butter is made, from the cultivation of peanuts through filling the jars with the nutty spread. Includes simple, no-bake recipes.

Fischer, Maureen. Nineteenth-Century Lumber Camp Cooking Blue Earth Books, 2001.
Learn how nineteenth century logging occurred and review and prepare some of the basic recipes loggers depended upon for high-energy food.

Freeman Swain, Ruth. How Sweet It Is and Was: The History of Candy Holiday House, 2003.
Learn the story of how certain favorite candies were created such as fudge, Tootsie Rolls, and taffy.

Griffen, Margaret and Deborah Seed. Amazing Egg Book, The Addison Wesley, 1989.
Information on eggs, animals who lay eggs, egg crafts, and recipes.

Gunderson, Mary. Cowboy Cooking Capstone Press, 2000.
Learn about roundups and trail drives through the recipes cowboys enjoyed throughout history.

Gunderson, Mary. Oregon Trail Cooking Capstone Press, 2000.
Explore history through Oregon Trail cooking, recipes, and stories.

Gunderson, Mary. Pioneer Farm Cooking Capstone Press, 2000.
Explore history through pioneer farm cooking, recipes, and stories about food storage and cooking.

Gunderson, Mary. Southern Plantation Cooking Capstone Press, 2000.
Learn the history of southern plantations while reviewing recipes using the products from the large operations.

Harbison, Elizabeth M. Loaves of Fun Chicago Review Press, 1997.
More than 50 recipes and activities take children on a multicultural journey throughout the ages and across the world to discover the history and uses of bread.

Hawkes, Nigel. Genetically Modified Food Copper Beech Books, 2000.
Introduces the younger reader the science behind and to the issues surrounding the production of food using genetic engineering.

Kalman, Bobbie and Lynda Hale. Pioneer Recipes Crabtree Publishing Company, 2001.
Using recipes as the theme, this book describes how pioneers obtained and grew the food they used to feed their community.

King, Elizabeth L. Chile Fever Dutton Children's Books, 1995.
Color photos and text show the growth cycle, history, and importance of chile peppers to cultures of the world.

Pallotta, Jerry. Spice Alphabet Book, The Charlesbridge, 1994.
Information on the history, sources, and uses of herbs, spices, and other natural flavors.

Priceman, Marjorie. How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World Dragonfly Books, 1994.
From the jungles of Sri Lanka to the apple orchards in Vermont, a little baker travels to find the finest ingredients for her pie.

Schroeder, Lisa. California Gold Rush Cooking Blue Earth Books, 2001.
Learn about the California Gold Rush by exploring some of the recipes that were popular along with the stories behind these recipes.

Scott, Emily. Dinner from Dirt: Ten Meals Kids Can Grow and Cook Gibbs Smith Publisher, 1998.
This book provides experiential ideas for planting and then cooking with the products.
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Fruits and Vegetables
Burns, Diane L. Cranberries: Fruit of the Bogs Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 1994.
A brief history reveals the berry's versatility and importance to the Native Americans and pilgrims. Shows the activities that take place throughout the growing season on a cranberry farm.

Tang, Greg. Grapes of Math, The Scholastic Press, 2001.
Use a few problem-solving techniques to solve the math puzzles in this book. Many have themes of fruits, vegetables, and insects.
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Gardening
Caduto, Michael J. and Joseph Bruchac. Native American Gardening: Stories, Projects and Recipes for Families Fulcrum Publishing, 1996.
Stories, projects, and recipes that relate to Native Americans from North America. Each story relates to one aspect of gardening, such as soil preparation or harvest.

Eames-Sheavly, Marcia. The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden. Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Externsion, 1993.
Uses an Iroquois gardening method to teach you about Native American culture. Foods, customs, and stories that evolve from the planting of corn, beans, and squash.

Hardesty, Constance. Grow Your Own Pizza: Gardening Plans and Recipes for Kids Fulcrum Publishing, 2000.
For gardeners and food connoisseurs of all ages, this fun yet practical resource takes you step-by-step from dirt to the dinner table. Organized by easy, medium, and advanced level garden plots.

Hart, Avery and Mantell Hart. Kids Garden Williamson Publishing Co., 1995.
This book provides over 100 activities for learning about plants. Ideas on growing your own broom, making homemade potato chips, and planting a butterfly caf or a salad garden are just a few of the stimulating "how-to" ideas presented in a student-friendly garden activity book.

Kite, Patricia L. Garden Wizardry for Kids Barron's Educational Services, 1995.
History and folklore associated with common fruits and vegetables and the methods for raising, eating, and crafting with them.

Lovejoy, Sharon. Sunflower Houses Interweave Press, Inc., 1991.
Garden discoveries, tips for growing plants, folklore, and crafts for children of all ages.

Lovejoy, Sharon. Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots. Workman Publishing Company, 1999.
Blends gardening, nature, and science into twelve spirited theme gardens.

Stewart, Sarah. Gardener, The Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1997.
A series of letters tells of a girl who, when forced to leave the country, takes her love of gardening with her.

Wiesner, David. June 29, 1999 Clarion Books, a Houghton Mifflin Company, 1992.
While 3rd grade classmates are sprouting seeds in paper cups, Holly has a more innovative science project in mind.
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Insects and Other Critters
Gibbons, Gail. Honey Makers, The Mulberry Books, 1997.
Learn how thousands of bees work together to make hives and honey.

Hepworth, Cathi. Antics! The Putnam & Grosset Group, 1992.
This colorful, alphabetical anthology describes one word for each letter of the alphabet that contains the word "ant."

Julivert, Angels. Fascinating World of Ants, The Barron's, 1991.
Many facts about ants are presented in a way to give young readers some understanding of nature's role for these dynamic insects.

Kalman, Bobbie and Tammy Everts. Bugs and Other Insects Crabtree Publishing Company, 1994.
Through colorful photographs, learn the anatomy of specific insects and some unique characteristics they have.

Kalman, Bobbie. Hooray for Beekeeping! Crabtree Publishing Company, 1998.
Learn about bees, beekeeping and honey in this book with simple nonfiction text and colorful photographs and illustrations.

Kneidel, Sally. Slugs, Bugs and Salamanders: Discovering Bugs in Your Garden Fulcrum Publishing, 2000.
Emphasizes the role of insects and other animals in the garden.

Lavies, Bianca. Compost Critters Dutton's Children's Press, 1993.
Photographs and informational text about the critters one may see in a compost bin or garden.

Micucci, Charles. Life and Times of the Honeybee, The Ticknor and Fields Books for Young Readers, 1995.
Depicts the life cycle and habits of the honeybee, describing the organization of the hive and the making of honey.

Van Allsburg, Chris. Two Bad Ants Houghton Mifflin Company, 1988.
A group of ants sets out to please their queen by gathering all they can of a delicious crystal. But two ants become greedy and experience far more than they anticipated.

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People, Community, and Land
Ada, Alma Flor. Gathering the Sun Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books, 1997.
A book of poems in English and Spanish about migrant farm laborers working the fields; one poem for each letter of the Spanish alphabet.

Bates, Katharine Lee. America the Beautiful Atheneum, 1993.
An illustrated edition of the nineteenth-century poem, later set to music, celebrates the beauty of America.

Bial, Raymond. County Fair. Houghton Miffin Company, 1992.
Text and photographs describe the happenings at a county fair.

Bial, Raymond. Portrait of a Farm Family Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995.
Through words and pictures, the daily life of a farm family describes the chores, challenges, and joys of living on a farm.

Bolton, Janet. My Grandmother's Patchwork Quilt Delacorte Press, 1994.
A young girl uses a patchwork quilt to retell the story of her grandmother and her account of daily life on the farm.

Dragonwagon, Crescent. Home Place Macmillan Publishing Company, 1990.
While out hiking, a family comes upon the site of an old house and finds some clues about the people who once lived there.

Fox, Mary V. Story of Women Who Shaped the West, The Children's Press, 1994.
Presents examples of women who helped shape the Western frontier, including the schoolteacher, justice of the peace, and homesteader.

Gardiner, John Reynolds. Stone Fox Harper Trophy, 1980.
When Willy's grandfather falls ill, it is up to Willy to save the farm from the tax collector. He does so by entering a dog sled competition.

Gates, Doris. Blue Willow Econo-Clad Books, 1999.
Janey travels with her father and stepmother to wherever her father can find seasonal work. She dreams of a home like the one on her Blue Willow plate, which belonged to her deceased mother.

Greenwood, Barbara. Pioneer Sampler, A Houghton Mifflin, 1994.
Looks into a year in the life of the Robertsons, a pioneer family on a backwoods farm in 1840. Includes activities for students.

Haywood, John. Work, Trade, and Farming Through the Ages Lorenz Books, 2001.
Learn what the workers of ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Inca Empire did for a living, and find out what trades, professions, and skills were essential to keeping ancient societies running.

Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane. Migrant Worker: A Boy from the Rio Grande River Holiday House, 1996.
Learn about migrant farm workers by reading the story of Ricky, a member of a migrant family that lives in Texas.

Kahn, Jerry. Women in Agricultural Science Careers. Capstone Press, 1999.
This book explores the accomplishments of women in agricultural science throughout history.

Kalman, Bobbie. Life on the Ranch Crabtree Publishing Company, 1999.
Provides historical information on ranchers of the Old West. Colorful pictures and photographs illustrate the complexity of this way of life.

Minor, Wendell. Grassroots-Poems by Carl Sandburg Browndeer Press, 1998.
Fourteen poems with Midwestern themes or settings provide timeless observations about the heart of America. Illustrations add to the profound evocation of the sights and sounds of the Midwest.

Moore, Eve. Story of George Washington Carver, The Scholastic Inc., 1971.
This biography describes the life of George Washington Carver, who was born a slave and became a world famous scientist.

Moses, Will. Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend Philomel Books, 2001.
Colorful folk art accompanies what feels like a fireside tale, in the telling of the legend about John Chapman.

Schotter, Roni. Fruit & Vegetable Man, A Little, Brown and Co., 1993.
A multi-cultural story of a small, urban fruit stand and the connection between farmer and consumer.

Shelby, Anne. Homeplace Orchard Books, 1995.
Grandmother and grandchild trace the 200-year history of a family, its home, and farm.

Tuft, Lynne. Grapes Grow Sweet, The Studio Eight River Press, 1996.
A captivating glimpse of growing up on a family vineyard in wine country.

Waters, Kate. Samuel Eaton's Day Scholastic, 1993.
Describes the busy life of children on the Plimoth Plantation in the 1600s in text and pictures.

Waters, Kate. Sarah Morton's Day Scholastic, 1989.
Describes the busy life of children on the Plimoth Plantation in the 1600s in text and pictures.
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Textiles and Fibers
Kalman, Bobbie. 18th Century Clothing. Crabtree Publishing, 1993.
This book takes a close look at the making of clothes, the clothing styles, accessories, and hygiene habits of men, women, and children during the eighteenth century in North America.

Kalman, Bobbie. Home Crafts. Crabtree Publishing, 1993.
What is a craft? This book provides the answer and examines a wide variety of home crafts, including spinning, dyeing, weaving, quilting, soap and candle making, and rag rugs.

Keeler, Patricia A. and Francis X. McCall, Jr. Unraveling Fibers Atheneum, 1995.
Text and photos show the raising and processing of natural fibers from plants and animals.
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Compiled by New York Agriculture in the Classroom, December 2005
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