No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas, Hardcover/Tonya Bolden

Contributor(s): Author: Tonya Bolden Illustrator: Don Tate Discover the incredible true story of how one of history's most successful potato farmers began life as a slave and worked until he was named the "Potato King of the World" Junius G. Groves came from humble beginnings in the Bluegrass State. Born in Kentucky into slavery, freedom came when he was still a young man and he intended to make a name for himself. Along with thousands of other African Americans who migrated from the South, Junius walked west and stopped in Kansas. Working for a pittance on a small potato farm was no reason to feel sorry for himself, especially when he's made foreman. But Junius did dream of owning his own farm, so he did the next best thing. He rented the land and worked hardAs he built his empire, he also built a family, and he built them both on tons and tons and tons of potatoes. He never quit working hard, even as the naysayers doubted him, and soon he was declared Potato King of the World and had five hundred acres and a castle to call his own. From award winning author Tonya Bolden and talented illustrator Don Tate comes a tale of perseverance that reminds us no matter where you begin, as long as you work hard, your creation can never be called small potatoes.   Review citations Kirkus Reviews / Best Of The Best/Highly Recommended - pg. 92 - 08/01/2018 Kirkus Reviews / Exceptional Presentation - pg. 92 - 08/01/2018 Kirkus Reviews / Book Of Special Distinction - pg. 92 - 08/01/2018 Kirkus Reviews / Top 15 Book Of The Year - pg. 92 - 08/01/2018 Kirkus Reviews / Highly Recommended - pg. 92 - 08/01/2018 Horn Book Magazine - pg. 103 - 09/01/2018 School Library Journal / Best Of The Best/Highly Recommended - pg. 132 - 09/01/2018 School Library Journal / Exceptional Presentation - pg. 132 - 09/01/2018 School Library Journal / Book Of Special Distinction - pg. 132 - 09/01/2018 School Library Journal / Top 15 Book Of The Year - pg. 132 - 09/01/2018 School Library Journal / Highly Recommended - pg. 132 - 09/01/2018 Booklist - pg. 100 - 09/01/2018 Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks - 10/01/2018