Another of those books with an everchanging subtitle. I think the more moderate subtitle was for the second edition, based on the book covers. I'm really interested in seeds, but this book, while shelved in the science section, seemed like its ratio of activism to actual science was way too high to be suitable for me.

This is a beautiful book full of color photos, but more importantly, colorful accounts of "seed warriors" around the world who are intent on preserving the purity of the world's seed population for the future of our food source. In clear language and careful explanation and definition, Castaldo uses this book as an educational platform for kids -- it's a juvenile nonfiction book -- though certainly relevant and informative for adults. There is a lot of history here, as well as global economics and agriculture, but all very accessible. Looking at Mendel's study of genetics and then moving into 20th century crises like WWII (Nazis were as intent on stealing seeds as they were in stealing art) and bio-engineering, many individuals who have heroically defended seeds with their lives and livelihood are highlighted and extolled. There are seed vaults and seed libraries and an impressive 21st century movement to return to natural whole foods and natural means of creating them, as well as finding ways for crop equity around the world. The book ends with a Call to Action for steps average people can take to make a difference, as well as 5 pages of resources to learn more. ( )

This text begins with an explanation of why seeds are at risk and how larger farms, use of pesticides and the desire for uniform large yielding crops have caused so many varieties of food crop seeds to disappear from use. The author explains what seeds contain and gives a history of Gregor Mendel's work with pea plant genetics. The text also tells about Luther Burbank's work of developing new plant varieties and Nikolai Vavelov's seed collection. An entire chapter is dedicated to telling the story of seed scientists who risked or lost their lives protecting Russia's valuable seed collection of 187,000 crop varieties from Germans in World War II. Chapters are also included that tell the story of several war torn countries including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, and the seed scientists working to protect seed banks in those countries. There are even chapters dealing with the Irish Potato Famine, GMO's, cross pollination and the need for biodiversity of food crops and heirloom varieties. The text details a wide variety of food crops from cocoa, bananas, watermelons, and apples to corn and potatoes. The text includes many photos throughout and small circular information grids to the side of the main text on several pages. These grids gave extra information to the reader; the kind you might want when competing on "Jeopardy"! The author takes a partisan tone in the text as it is clear that he is calling readers to see the need for seed preservation. The author interviews several seed scientists and the passion of those individuals is clear throughout the text. The author uses vivid, precise and emotional language as well as scientific evidence to convince the reader to take a stand on this issue of seed preservation. The author calls the reader to action to save seeds and help protect seeds from genetic modification. The text gives a list of what you can do with seed libraries and seed banks or vaults. The author lists sources and tells of his interviews of scientists around the world. Many additional resources are included for the reader. ( )

Castaldo's last book, Sniffer Dogs, was awesome but I was a little taken aback to see she'd jumped to such a different subject. Still, I decided to sample it and was intrigued enough that I ordered it for the library before I'd finished reading it!

Castaldo begins by explaining the vital importance of seeds and biodiversity. She discusses how seeds have been viewed and used through history and then the current discussions surrounding genetic modification of seeds. Finally, she discusses the vaults and processes being put into place around the world to protect seeds and biodiversity and how readers can get involved from local seed libraries to buying heirloom seeds and plants.

The resources include a list of seed companies, an overview of seed libraries along with locations in each state, further information that includes organizations, documentaries, books and museums. There is a glossary, author's note about the inspiration behind the book, timeline from Gregor Mendel's birth to Vermont's GMO labeling law in 2014, and index.

Throughout the book are included stories from personal anecdotes to tales of past and current "seed warriors" who are fighting for genetic diversity and saving seeds. There are also discussions of topics such as labeling foods made with GMOs, and interesting facts and seeds and crops.

There are a couple things that bother me, one personal and one just confusing. The seed library in my town (Walworth County Seed Library) is listed, but as far as I know it has not been active since 2014. It might still be ongoing, but their web presence is gone. But if the author knows how to contact them I wish I knew because we could get them involved in our library garden project! Secondly, and this is somewhat a personal gripe, but I feel that books suggesting environmental protection and conservation are always packed with a lot of privilege. Suggestions include buying via a CSA, getting in touch with local farmers, composting and community gardens, the usual suggestions for reducing use of fossil fuels and other projects. However, the assumption that you have time, an appropriate space, money and education to invest in these things bothers me. Of course, that's not the point of the book and I did appreciate that the book didn't just discuss how a typical, middle class suburban family would be affected by biodiversity and GMOs but also other countries, farmers at different levels, and people from many different cultures.

Verdict: Mature readers will appreciate the thoughtful discussion of a controversial current issue; for them, it would make a good pairing with Fleischman's Eyes Wide Open, discussing news and the environment. Less mature readers will be drawn in by Castaldo's excellent storytelling skills and will be fascinated, horrified, and inspired by the stories she tells. I look forward to booktalking this one to upper level students and adults. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780544230239; Published 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library