I would like to share book reviews that they are talking about in the Guest Piece for book one here and book two here.
As parents, we want to nurture our children’s growth into caring, contributing members of society. One important but often overlooked area of education is teaching kids about agriculture and where our food comes from. Even for families living in urban areas, helping children understand agriculture is beneficial in many ways. Fun resources like the Sorgho Squad book series make learning about agriculture entertaining and accessible for kids.
The Sorgho Squad books follow grain characters Jowar, Mashilla and Milo as they promote sustainable agriculture and food security around the world. Authored by Nate Blum, CEO of the non-profit Sorghum United, these adventures are designed to highlight the global significance of ancient climate-resilient grains like sorghum and millets.
The first book, Sorgho Squad Chapter One: From the Ruins Comes Jowar, introduces Jowar to the sorghum grain as he awakens after centuries of dormancy. The newly released second book continues the adventure as the Squad searches the globe for the next ancient grain hero. These entertaining stories foster an appreciation for nature, science, and cultural traditions related to agriculture.
In addition to the books, Sorghum United has released a collection of ten Sorgho Squad posters. These vibrant illustrations showcase sorghum’s uses, from food products to environmentally friendly industrial materials. The posters are currently exhibited at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy, as part of the International Year of Millets.
Reading the Sorgho Squad books and posters encourages interest in agriculture and teaches kids about the effort and resources required to produce food. The stories promote values of environmental stewardship and global cooperation. Studying agriculture through engaging resources like these also connects children to history, cultural traditions, math, biology and more.
Beyond imparting knowledge, the Sorgho Squad series develops important life skills in kids. Lessons in diligence, patience, teamwork and the value of hard work emerge through the characters’ adventures. As the ancient grain heroes work together to address hunger and sustainability challenges, they model cooperation across cultures for the reader.
In addition, the books promote good nutrition by getting kids excited about wholesome grains like sorghum. The stories explore how sorghum and millets can create delicious recipes while boosting food security. This motivates children to appreciate and eat healthy whole foods.
Parents can use the Sorgho Squad books at home or suggest them to schools and libraries. Classroom discussions and activities built around the series could further engage kids in learning about agriculture. A portion of book sales will support Sorghum United’s work empowering small-scale farmers worldwide.
In a society increasingly detached from its agricultural roots, teaching children about farming is profoundly important. It grounds them in nature, science and global awareness while imparting values, skills and nutrition knowledge. Fun literary adventures with the Sorgho Squad make agricultural education accessible and enjoyable for young minds. Using creative resources, we can cultivate the next generation’s appreciation for the global significance of sustainable agriculture.
Check out my review for book one here and book two here
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
