All around the world, kids are farming in the concrete jungle!
From high school students to high-rise dwellers, people are discovering innovative ways to grow fresh, healthy, and delicious fruit and vegetables at home, in community gardens, and at school. This brisk, informative overview explains how farming in the city is not only fun, but also important for the planet. With contributions from Toronto Public Health and FoodShare, two respected agencies, Potatoes on Rooftops will get you thinking about how you, too, can grow food in the city.
Honours
• Information Book Award Winner
• Hackmatack Award Finalist
• Green Book Festival Award, Honourable Mention
• Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist
• Science Books & Film Book Award Finalist
• Ontario Library Association Best Bets selection
• Skipping Stones Honor Award
• Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens selection
Reviews
“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.”
— School Library Journal (starred review)
“Timely, attractively designed, and inspirational. Dig in!”
— Booklist
“Just about the best introduction to the new food movement that one could imagine.”
— January Magazine
“Budding environmentalists and green thumbs will find much here to satisfy their thirst for knowledge.”
— Quill & Quire
“Loaded with information and helpful hints, POTATOES ON ROOFTOPS just might inspire some individuals to join the urban farming movement and start small gardens at home or even at school.”
— CM Reviews
“Hopefully, the book will be used to inspire young urban dwellers to start growing their own food in their backyards, on their balconies, at school or in a community garden.”
— Canadian Children’s Book News
“You need this book in your classrooms, community centers and summer camps! Brimming with inviting visuals, and short, practical projects, it will give you and your kids a basket-full of ideas for getting growing, with hands in the soil.”
— Wally Seccombe, Co-founder and Chair of Everdale Organic Farm and Environmental Learning Centre, Toronto
“Allows youth to connect with social issues in a way that provides concrete solutions and an easy way to engage and feel like they are contributing to something.”
— Toronto Youth Food Policy Council
“Dyer’s gift is a clear and fun writing style, but the content is totally up-to-date with the latest avant-gardener info from the field … It will open a lot of young people’s thinking to cool job possibilities they’ve never dreamed of before.”
— Wayne Roberts, Leading North American food policy analyst
We would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.