The weather is getting a little bit chillier and the sun is setting earlier. If you are like me, you may find yourself spending more time inside curled up with a good book. Over at Schoolyard Gardens, we love the book Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. This book, first published in 1997, is a powerful narrative about the transforming power of a community garden.

This children’s book is a wonderful read for kids (and adults) of all ages. It is a small chapter book that is divided up into sections, each one telling a story from a different community member’s perspective. This fictional book takes place in Cleveland, Ohio in an area full of cultural diversity.

Seedfolks begins with Kim, a young girl in the neighborhood, planting seeds in the corner of a vacant lot. This simple and yet profound act of hope ends up transforming the community as more and more people gather in what was once a dumpy vacant lot and make it into a fertile patch of land where vegetables and relationships grow.

Author Paul Fleischman says that Seedfolks is not just about a garden but it is about a community bonding experience. We hope that your schoolyard gardens are not only about growing yummy, colorful veggies, but that the experience is also impactful on your school’s community bonding.

If you are looking for more books about gardening to read this winter, check out Seedfolks! For more children’s book recommendations, click here. What is your favorite book about gardening?