Published by Simon and Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Summary: The story begins with an empty lot filled with trash, across the street from a school, P.S. 175. A man named Mr. Tony came to their school. When he saw the lot across the street, he had an idea. He and the kids cleared the lot, then filled it with clean soil and started to plant. They grew vegetables, fruit, and herbs. When some plants died, they planted new ones. Mr. Tony built raised beds. They watered and weeded, and finally had tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, berries, and more to take home and enjoy. Includes a note from the author, who is Mr. Tony, about how this single lot has grown to twelve sites around Harlem with 22 full time staff; a photo of him standing outside one of the gardens; instructions on how to start a garden; and additional resources. 40 pages; ages 4-8.
Pros: An inspiring true-life story of how one man moved from a difficult situation (he started volunteering at P.S. 175 when he had to close his business in 2010) to create something that benefits many people in his community.
Cons: I would have loved more photos.
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