AFBF 2018 Book of the Year

During the American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Nashville Jan. 6-10, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 11th “Book of the Year” award to Tracy Nelson Maurer for “John Deere, That’s Who!” This strikingly illustrated book describes a young blacksmith’s quest to design a better plow.

Maurer is the author of more than 100 books, including many nonfiction books for children. She lives near Minneapolis with her family and loves to interact with readers on her frequent school and library visits.

Maurer noted, “John Deere [originally] had nothing to do with tractors; I learned from researching another project. I thought kids would think that’s a fun fact. Maybe they’d want to know more: What exactly did this guy do? Why is he famous? That’s what this book answers in a fun way, and it shows how one determined and creative person influenced an entire nation. I’m honored to receive this recognition, and I’m grateful for the Foundation’s work to share important stories about America’s farming legacy.”

The “Book of the Year” award springs from the Foundation’s effort to identify “Accurate Ag Books,” a collection of nearly 500 books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately covers agricultural topics. Book of the Year selections are educational, help to create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives as well as tell the farmer’s story.

To accompany the “John Deere, That’s Who!” book, the Foundation has created an educator’s guide and a new Ag Mag.

In honor of Maurer’s award and Nashville, the host city of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2018 Annual Convention and IDEAg Trade Show, the American Farm Bureau Foundation will donate books and a $1,000 ag literacy grant to a local Tennessee school.

Photo credit: American Farm Bureau

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