Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Diana’s White House Garden by Elisa Cabone -ESSENTIAL

Carbone, Elisa Diana’s White House Garden  Viking (Penguin), 2016.  $17.99.  PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION

Diana was a little girl who lived at the White House! Her Dad was the chief advisor to President Roosevelt. World War II is raging and Diana is desperate to help, but her tries never quiet work out. Then President Roosevelt comes up with the idea of everyone in the country planting gardens to grow their own food, Victory Gardens. Diana steps up to help with the White House’s own garden and publicity of her efforts helps to promote Victory Gardens in the whole country.

I love this true story because there was a tangible contribution that a child could make to something that was quite big and overwhelming. This is an important lesson today as it was then. Students will be entertained by Diana’s failed efforts as well. The illustrations are clear and easy to share with a group. I am of an opinion that there needs to be more vegetable gardens in homes, lots, schools, and especially state and city buildings, so this book is great for that as well. The Authors and illustrators notes are a must read to explain parts of the story such as why all the staff are African American.

EL(K-3), EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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