Katie's Cabbage

Young Palmetto Books

by Katie Stagliano, Patricia Moore-Pastides (Foreword), Michelle H. Martin (Primary Contributor)

Katie's Cabbage is the inspirational true story of how Katie Stagliano, a third grader from Summerville, South Carolina, grew a forty-pound cabbage in her backyard and donated it to help feed 275 people at a local soup kitchen. In her own words, Katie shares the story of the little cabbage seedling and the big ideas of generosity and service that motivated her to turn this experience into Katie's Krops, a national youth movement aimed at ending hunger one vegetable garden at a time. Katie's Cabbage reminds us of how small things can grow and thrive when nurtured with tender loving and care and of how one person, with the support of family, friends, and community, can help make a powerful difference in the lives of so many.
Katie's Cabbage was illustrated by Karen Heid, associate professor of art education at the University of South Carolina School of Visual Art and Design. Editorial assistance was provided by Michelle H. Martin, a dedicated gardener and the Augusta Baker Chair in Childhood Literacy at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. Patricia Moore-Pastides, First Lady of the University of South Carolina and author of Greek Revival from the Garden: Growing and Cooking for Life, offers a foreword about her friendship with Katie and her admiration of Katie's dream to end hunger one garden at a time.

Genres: Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published December 12, 2014

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Katie gets a cabbage seedling from school and takes it home to plant it in her backyard. She goes out everyday to water it and pull any weeds that could take away nutrients from the soil. When Katie's neighbor saw a deer in their backyard eating their plants they called Katie to warn her. Thankfully, Katie's grandpa came and helped her build a cage around her cabbage. One night at dinner Katie's dad tells her that some people can't afford to eat dinner with their families very night. This is when Katie decides she should donate her cabbage to help feed people. Katie's cabbage grew to be 40 pounds. When Katie took her cabbage to the food bank she decided she wanted to come back and help serve the people her cabbage. Katie's cabbage was paired with rice and ham and served to 275 people. Katie was so happy she decided to grow more plants in her garden and continue to donate them to help others.

Age appropriate:
1st-4th

Review:
This book is a great book to introduce students to gardening, food insecurity, and helping others. This book is inspirational and interesting. This book is a longer book so it may be difficult for younger students. However, this book would be a good read aloud.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story but it was far too wordy for younger ages. I wanted to use this for a read aloud but I can't imagine reading a book that long or a story this wordy keeping the interest of first or second graders.

[Ivy Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline of this book is so sweet and knowing that it is also a true story makes me happy and sets a wonderful example to young readers.

[Maria O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational true story about a third grader who started a national youth movement aimed at ending hunger one vegetable garden at a time. It's a wonderfully illustrated picture book worth every bit of the 15 minutes it will take anyone to read.

[Fred Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this read by the author today at the Decatur Book Festival. Walked out with an autographed copy.