The Biography of Potatoes

Crabtree Publishing Company has made available a book series called "How Did They Get Here?" Most of the books deal with a food item and trace the history of the subject and its influence on history and how its development was influenced by geography. Some of the topics in this interesting series are: bananas, chocolate, coffee, cotton, rice, rubber, silk, spices, sugar, tomatoes, vanilla, wheat, wool, and of course the humble potato, at the apex of nature's bounty. These clever "Biography of..." books are targeted towards youngsters 7-14 .My personal favorite in the series is the Biography of Potatoes by Ellen Rodger, a writer whose last name lacks a final s. The stated interest level of this book, grades 4-9, seems a bit limiting since those loveable potatoes are of interest to readers of all ages. There's much to like about this book. Even a reluctant reader will be spellbound by the myriad pictures in the book, grand potato flavored pictures in different sizes, mediums, and time periods. I like how the mixtures are blended and mixed; modern lifelike photos may appear opposite colonial period paintings or black and white etchings. A few of the pictures are depressing and almost too graphic to view, such as the poor potatoes suffering with blight, visibly rotted and blackened. Most of the illustrations, many of which are vivid photos, reveal the glory and the grandeur of this majestic vegetable. These motivating pictures are rich in detail and Vitamin See. The Biography of Potatoes holds something of interest for readers of all ages. Its terrific illustrations, reasonable vocabulary, short chapters, and varied layouts make it a perfect choice for reluctant or unmotivated readers.