February Book of the Month: Uncle John's City Garden

 The February Book of the Month is Uncle John’s City Garden. This title is written by Bernette G. Ford and illustrated by Frank Morrison. Both author and illustrator have made significant contributions in children’s’ literature in their contributions as black author/publisher and black illustrator raising up black stories and voices. It’s a beautiful title to share during Black History Month.

This beautiful book is a semi-true autobiography, and tells the story of a family turning an undeveloped lot into a city garden with beautiful images to show growth, size, and the final products that turn into a delicious succotash (with a recipe in the back!!)  This story is a beautifully accessible story for all ages, creating science and math connections for younger learners, while also allowing for deeper discussions on topics such as cultural traditions and fresh food access for older children.

The book highlights growing vegetables that all can be used to make succotash. The word “succotash” is derived from the Narragansett Indian word msickquatash meaning boiled corn kernels. This dish featuring corn, beans and other vegetables is of Indigenous peoples of New England origin. Okra is an ingredient that originated in Africa and it came to America by enslaved Black people by way of the Middle Passage. Enslaved Black people grew this ingredient, which is responsible for a lot of dishes that we consider to be southern. There is a recipe for succotash in the back of the book and lots of great opportunities for learning within these pages!

Each of our schools preK-8 received a copy of this book along with a teacher guide to facilitate book conversations. Please visit Reading Public Library or Whitelam Books to find this beautiful title.