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 Intermediate Agricultural Themed Book List |
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| Animals |
Charlotte's Web
White, E.B.
HarperCollins, 1952
Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and Fern, a little girl, present a classic tale of life on a farm.
Cows, Cats, and Kids: A Veterinarian's Family at Work
Patrick, Jean L.S. and Alvis Upitis
Boyds Mills Press, 2003
This lively photo essay gives a unique, inside view of a family veterinary practice.
Emma's Lamb
Lewis, Kim
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.
Extraordinary Chickens
Whelchel, Harriet
Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2000
This photographic journal depicts the amazing variety of exotic chickens in full color.
The Haymeadow
Paulsen, Gary
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.
Hooray for Dairy Farming
Kalman, Bobbie
Crabtree Publishing Company, 1998
Learn about the many aspects of the dairy industry through color photographs and simple text.
Inside an Egg
Johnson, Sylvia A.
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.
The Painter Who Loved Chickens
Dunrea, Olivier
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.
The Shepherd Boy
Lewis, Kim
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. |
| Crops |
Carlos and the Cornfield, Carlos Y La Milpa De Maiz
Stevens, Jan Romero
Scott Foresman Publishing, 1999
This book, with both English and Spanish text, describes how Carlos learns about working in a cornfield.
Four Seasons of Corn: A Winnebago Tradition
Hunter, Sally M.
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.
The Gristmill
Kalman, Bobbie
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.
The Ojibwa: Wild Rice Gatherers
DeAngelis, Therese
Blue Earth Books, 2003
Learn how the Ojibwa plant, harvest, and mill wild rice in the Great Lakes.
One Grain of Rice
Demi
Scholastic Inc., 1997
This mathematical folktale illustrates the concept of doubling, using rice as an example.
The Shoshone: Pine Nut Harvesters of the Great Basin
Keller, Kristin Thonnes
Blue Earth Books, 2004
Learn how pine nuts are harvested and prepared by the Shoshone and learn some recipes they enjoyed. |
| Environment, Natural Resources, & Plants |
The Big Tree
Hiscock, Bruce
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.
Diary of a Worm
Cronin, Doreen
HarperCollins Publishers, 2003
This hysterical journal provides an inside look at the hidden world of a comical worm.
Gridley Firing
Hayford, James
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.
A Handful of Dirt
Bial, Raymond
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.
How Seeds Travel
Overbeck, Cynthia
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.
Look What I Did With a Leaf!
Sohi, Morteza
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.
My Favorite Tree
Iverson, Diane
Dawn Publications, 1999
Read about the many trees of North America and learn their significant role in our history, traditions, ecology, and economy.
The Reason for a Flower
Heller, Ruth
Grosset & Dunlap, 1983
Brief text and lavish illustrations explain plant reproduction and the purpose of a flower. Uses unique flowering plants as examples.
Trees Are Terrific: Naturescope Series
Stotksy, Sandra
National Wildlife Federation, 1998
Text and activities introduce the nature of trees, their trunks, growth, leaves, and changing nature.
What is a Plant?
Kalman, Bobbie
Crabtree Publishing Company, 2000
Learn the basic anatomy of plants, unique characteristics and how and why plants are essential in various ecosystems. |
| Farms & Agriculture |
Alida's Song
Paulsen, Gary
Dell Yearling, 1999
A grandmother reaches out to a young boy and arranges for him to have a summer job on a farm.
All Kinds of Farms
Hansen, Ann Larkin
ABDO & Daughters, 1996
Describes what farms are like, how they differ from one another, and why many middle-sized farms are disappearing.
Amazing Grazing
Peterson, Cris
Boyds Mills Press, 2002
Learn about grazing by examining real ranches throughout the country.
Ancient Agriculture
Woods, Michael and Mary B. Woods
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.
Barn
Atwell, Debby
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.
Century Farm: One Hundred Years on a Family Farm
Peterson, Cris
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.
Early Farm Life
Gunby, Lise
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.
Farmers
Hansen, Ann Larkin
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.
Farmer's Market
Rendon, Marcie R. and Cheryl Walsh Bellville
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.
Growing Seasons
Splear, Elsie Lee and Ken Stark
Putnam Publishing Group, 2000
Family farm life at the beginning of the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of one of four daughters.
A Handful of Dirt
Bial, Raymond
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.
Harvest Year
Peterson, Cris
Boyds Mills Press, 1996
A photographic essay about foods that are harvested year-round in the United States.
Life on a Cattle Farm
Woflman, Judy
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.
Life on a Goat Farm
Wolfman, Judy
Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 2002
Describes the practices that occur on a goat farm and includes information on breeds, care, milking, and more.
Little House on the Prairie
Wilder, Laura Ingalls
HarperCollins, 1935
One of her many books depicting life on the prairie and homesteading.
Miracles on Maple Hill
Sorensen, Virginia
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.
Once Upon a Farm
Artley, Bob
Pelican Publishing Company, 2000
Through detailed illustrations and text, this book shows the seasons of an old-time farm.
Pioneer Plowmaker: A Story About John Deere
Collins, David
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.
Seasons on the Farm
Hansen, Anna Larkin
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.
Stone Wall Secrets
Thorson, Kristine and Robert Thorson
Tilbury House, 1998
On an autumn day, a grandfather and grandson repair the wall on their Maine farm.
This Year at Maple Hill Farm
Provensen, Alice and Martin Provensen
First Aladdin Books, 1988
Describes the seasonal changes on a farm and surrounding countryside throughout the year.
Winter on the Farm
Wilder, Laura Ingalls
HarperCollins Publishers, 1996
This simple text allows readers to meet Almonzo and learn what he does on a busy day on the family farm. |
| Food & Nutrition |
The Amazing Egg Book
Griffen, Margaret and Deborah Seed
Addison Wesley, 1989
Information on eggs, animals who lay eggs, egg crafts, and recipes.
California Gold Rush Cooking
Schroeder, Lisa
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.
Chile Fever
King, Elizabeth L.
Dutton Children's Books, 1995
Color photos and text show the growth cycle, history, and importance of chile peppers to cultures of the world.
Cowboy Cooking
Gunderson, Mary
Capstone Press, 2000
Learn about roundups and trail drives through the recipes cowboys enjoyed throughout history.
Dinner from Dirt: Ten Meals Kids Can Grow and Cook
Scott, Emily
Gibbs Smith Publisher, 1998
This book provides experiential ideas for planting and then cooking with the products.
Genetically Modified Food
Hawkes, Nigel
Copper Beech Books, 2000
Introduces the younger reader the science behind and to the issues surrounding the production of food using genetic engineering.
Harvest Festivals Around the World
Corwin, Judith Hoffman
Silver Burdett Press, 1995
A history of many crop-related festivals, including craft activities and recipes.
How Sweet It Is and Was: The History of Candy
Freeman Swain, Ruth
Holiday House, 2003
Learn the story of how certain favorite candies were created such as fudge, Tootsie Rolls, and taffy.
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World
Priceman, Marjorie
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.
Laughing Tomatoes
Alarcon, Francisco X.
Children's Book Press, 1997
Selected poems, in both English and Spanish, relate to different food products, such as tomatoes, corn, and chiles.
Loaves of Fun
Harbison, Elizabeth M.
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.
Nineteenth-Century Lumber Camp Cooking
Fischer, Maureen
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.
Oregon Trail Cooking
Gunderson, Mary
Capstone Press, 2000
Explore history through Oregon Trail cooking, recipes, and stories.
Peanut Butter
Erlback, Arlene
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.
Pioneer Farm Cooking
Gunderson, Mary
Capstone Press, 2000
Explore history through pioneer farm cooking, recipes, and stories about food storage and cooking.
Pioneer Recipes
Kalman, Bobbie and Lynda Hale
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.
Southern Plantation Cooking
Gunderson, Mary
Capstone Press, 2000
Learn the history of southern plantations while reviewing recipes using the products from the large operations.
The Spice Alphabet Book
Pallotta, Jerry
Charlesbridge, 1994
Information on the history, sources, and uses of herbs, spices, and other natural flavors.
This is the Sea that Feeds Us
Baldwin, Robert F.
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. |
| Fruits & Vegetables |
Cranberries: Fruit of the Bogs
Burns, Diane L.
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.
The Grapes of Math
Tang, Greg
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. |
| Gardening |
The Gardener
Stewart, Sarah
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.
Garden Wizardry for Kids
Kite, Patricia L.
Barron's Educational Services, 1995
History and folklore associated with common fruits and vegetables and the methods for raising, eating, and crafting with them.
Grow Your Own Pizza: Gardening Plans and Recipes for Kids
Hardesty, Constance
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.
June 29, 1999
Wiesner, David
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.
Kids Garden
Hart, Avery and Mantell Hart
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.
Native American Gardening: Stories, Projects and Recipes for Families
Caduto, Michael J. and Joseph Bruchac
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.
Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots
Lovejoy, Sharon
Workman Publishing Company, 1999
Blends gardening, nature, and science into twelve spirited theme gardens.
Sunflower Houses
Lovejoy, Sharon
Interweave Press, Inc., 1991
Garden discoveries, tips for growing plants, folklore, and crafts for children of all ages.
The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden
Eames-Sheavly, Marcia
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. |
| Insects & Other Critters |
Antics!
Hepworth, Cathi
The Putnam & Grosset Group, 1992
This colorful, alphabetical anthology describes one word for each letter of the alphabet that contains the word "ant."
Bugs and Other Insects
Kalman, Bobbie and Tammy Everts
Crabtree Publishing Company, 1994
Through colorful photographs, learn the anatomy of specific insects and some unique characteristics they have.
Compost Critters
Lavies, Bianca
Dutton's Children's Press, 1993
Photographs and informational text about the critters one may see in a compost bin or garden.
The Fascinating World of Ants
Julivert, Angels
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.
The Honey Makers
Gibbons, Gail
Mulberry Books, 1997
Learn how thousands of bees work together to make hives and honey.
Hooray for Beekeeping!
Kalman, Bobbie
Crabtree Publishing Company, 1998
Learn about bees, beekeeping and honey in this book with simple nonfiction text and colorful photographs and illustrations.
Life and Times of the Honeybee
Micucci, Charles
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.
Slugs, Bugs and Salamanders: Discovering Bugs in Your Garden
Kneidel, Sally
Fulcrum Publishing, 2000
Emphasizes the role of insects and other animals in the garden.
Two Bad Ants
Van Allsburg, Chris
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. |
| People, Community, & Land |
America the Beautiful
Bates, Katharine Lee
Atheneum, 1993
An illustrated edition of the nineteenth-century poem, later set to music, celebrates the beauty of America.
Blue Willow
Gates, Doris
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.
County Fair
Bial, Raymond
Houghton Miffin Company, 1992
Text and photographs describe the happenings at a county fair.
A Fruit & Vegetable Man
Schotter, Roni
Little, Brown and Co., 1993
A multi-cultural story of a small, urban fruit stand and the connection between farmer and consumer.
Gathering the Sun
Ada, Alma Flor
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.
The Grapes Grow Sweet
Tuft, Lynne
The Studio Eight River Press, 1996
A captivating glimpse of growing up on a family vineyard in wine country.
Grassroots-Poems by Carl Sandburg
Minor, Wendell
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.
Home Place
Dragonwagon, Crescent
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.
Homeplace
Shelby, Anne
Orchard Books, 1995
Grandmother and grandchild trace the 200-year history of a family, its home, and farm.
Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend
Moses, Will
Philomel Books, 2001
Colorful folk art accompanies what feels like a fireside tale, in the telling of the legend about John Chapman.
Life on the Ranch
Kalman, Bobbie
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.
Migrant Worker: A Boy from the Rio Grande River
Hoyt-Goldsmith, Diane
Holiday House, 1996
Learn about migrant farm workers by reading the story of Ricky, a member of a migrant family that lives in Texas.
My Grandmother's Patchwork Quilt
Bolton, Janet
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.
A Pioneer Sampler
Greenwood, Barbara
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.
Portrait of a Farm Family
Bial, Raymond
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.
Samuel Eaton's Day
Waters, Kate
Scholastic, 1993
Describes the busy life of children on the Plimoth Plantation in the 1600s in text and pictures.
Sarah Morton's Day
Waters, Kate
Scholastic, 1989
Describes the busy life of children on the Plimoth Plantation in the 1600s in text and pictures.
Stone Fox
Gardiner, John Reynolds
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.
The Story of George Washington Carver
Moore, Eve
Scholastic Inc., 1971
This biography describes the life of George Washington Carver, who was born a slave and became a world famous scientist.
The Story of Women Who Shaped the West
Fox, Mary V.
Children's Press, 1994
Presents examples of women who helped shape the Western frontier, including the schoolteacher, justice of the peace, and homesteader.
Women in Agricultural Science Careers
Kahn, Jerry
Capstone Press, 1999
This book explores the accomplishments of women in agricultural science throughout history.
Work, Trade, and Farming Through the Ages
Haywood, John
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. |
| Textiles & Fibers |
18th Century Clothing
Kalman, Bobbie
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.
Home Crafts
Kalman, Bobbie
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.
Unraveling Fibers
Keeler, Patricia A. and Francis X. McCall, Jr.
Atheneum, 1995
Text and photos show the raising and processing of natural fibers from plants and animals. |
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