For parents and educators looking to instill a passion for sustainability in the next generation, an exciting new fictional book series offers the perfect tool. Recently released by nonprofit Sorghum United, “The Sorgho Squad” creatively spotlights ancient climate-resilient crops while telling a thrilling adventure story filled with relatable characters.
As climate change and feeding the growing population become increasingly urgent challenges, this series provides an accessible way to engage youth on these topics. It introduces concepts of environmental sustainability, nutrition and global food security through the exploits of a team of pint-sized heroes on a global mission to decode ancient agricultural secrets.
Bringing the Power of Storytelling to Sustainability Education
The books aim not just to educate but to foster genuine excitement around innovations advancing crop resilience and usage. The series shows how unlocking the potential of hardy, nutrient-dense heirloom grains could hold keys to overcoming food insecurity.
“Storytelling allows children to connect more deeply with complex issues on an emotional level, not just intellectual,” explains Sorghum United CEO Nate Blum, the author behind the series. “Our hope is to inspire kids’ curiosity at a young age so they grow into teens and young adults already engaged in this mission.”
The idea sprang from Blum witnessing firsthand how fictional tales resonated better with young learners than standard textbooks in capturing attention. Dynamic illustrations by Jordan Scribner coupled with the dramatic narrative to create an immersive experience perfect for the 8-12 target age range.
“The playful medium allowed us to integrate real sustainability science in way that feels like an adventure,” Blum says. “Early feedback showed kids racing through the books and then wanting to learn more about the real-life crop innovations or nutrition benefits spotlighted in the stories.”
Empowering Youth as Changemakers Through Relatable Characters
The series follows a team of ancient heroes led by adventurer Professor Sorgho. Each squad member is inspired by real world benefits of sorghum in regard to renewable applications, food and nutrition, and environmental sustainability.
The diverse team provides relatable and aspirational figures for young readers. They demonstrate how combining compassion and scientific expertise can create global change. Blum intentionally featured capable kid protagonists over adult heroes.
“Today’s youth have shown incredible leadership demanding political and corporate accountability around climate change,” observes Blum. “We wanted to portray characters that mirror the demographics of young people already making a difference in sustainability.”
Empowering the Next Generation Through Agriculture Education
While packed with adventure, the ultimate goal is to empower readers to envision themselves as changemakers. The stories spotlight real-world grains creating tangible solutions today. Varieties like sorghum not only withstand weather fluctuations but provide essential micronutrients absent in staple crops like wheat or corn.
“One in three people globally suffer from malnutrition tied to overdependence on a shrinking variety of staple commodities,” Blum explains. “These ancient ‘lost crops’ could transform food security, nutrition access and environmental resilience – if more people understood and supported their incredible potential.”
Sorghum United aims to drive consumer demand for commodities like millets and sorghums in Western markets. They actively educate on usage beyond peril societies, from healthy cereal to gluten-free baking flowers to biofuel stocks.
A portion of book sale proceeds fund their programs supporting farmer livelihoods in developing regions reliant on agriculture. The series simultaneously engages youth in rich nations, teaching how their individual choices collectively shape markets to improve lives and land worldwide.
The first three books are now available at SorghoSquad.com and Amazon.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
