The Soil in Jackie's Garden

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 18th Book of the Year award to author Peggy Thomas for “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden.” The award was presented at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 106th Convention.

“The Soil in Jackie’s Garden” follows Jackie and her garden friends as they discover the wonders of gardening, soil secrets and the magic of composting. They embrace the joys of planting a garden, nurturing and harvesting their own food, and recycling scraps to compost, ensuring that the “magical cycle of growth and sustainability continues anew.”

Thomas is the author of more than 20 award-winning nonfiction books for children including “Hero for the Hungry: The Life and Work of Norman Borlaug” and “Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car,” which earned the Foundation “Book of the Year” award in 2020.

“It is a great honor to have ‘The Soil in Jackie’s Garden’ recognized by the foundation,” Thomas said. “I am grateful for the support of this agricultural community, and proud to write the kinds of stories that lift it up. This book was a team effort, and I share this award with Neely Daggett for her beautiful illustrations, and with the amazing team at Feeding Minds Press who understood my vision and helped this book grow. Thank you so much!”

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 cover 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. Search the Accurate Ag Books database.

To accompany “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden,” the foundation has created an educator’s guide and an Ag Mag on soils.

Educator packs available

Thanks to the generosity of Nationwide, 430 U.S. educators will receive free educator packs. This includes one copy of The Soil in Jackie’s Garden, one The Soil in Jackie’s Garden Educator’s guide and one classroom set (30 copies) of Soils Ag Mags. Note: The book and materials are best suited for grades K-3.

Through this opportunity, the foundation and Nationwide Insurance hope to help educators teach young learners more accurate information about agriculture. Applications are due Feb. 21.

Photo credit: AFBF photo by Bailey Corwine

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Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
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Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

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Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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