The Amazing Potato: A Story in Which the Incas, Conquistadors, Marie Antoinette, Thomas Jefferson, Wars, Famines, Immigrants, and French F

For grades 3 to 7 our 7th grader loved reading this with dad and was delighted to learn what most Irish, not to mention every nationality and race, does not know: the exact location from where potatoes originated (hint: look south near where the Blue Morpho butterfly lives and alpacas, too) This little book is a jewel of a history and geography book with generous portions of photos, diagrams, drawings and index, bibliography, potato quotes or quips, and specific notes for each chapter regarding the source books. This is truly a chapter book and it's not overloaded with minute details, yet detailed enough and chock full of facts to urge the reader to finish its 115 pages in one week or less. With chapters entitled: "The answer to world hunger" and "famine in Ireland" the reader is filled with such interest and desires more chapters than are written. It's up to date with information about modern potato growers,too. Such a book will inspire the minds of many a child and George Washington Carver would be proud of Mr. Meltzer's work. It is a very quick read but full of meat so leave plenty of time to discuss and digest and be sure to pass the potatoes.