I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon

Great, inspiring story! Lots of vocabulary and concepts to discuss both within the text and outside of the text. Inspires terrific discussion for changing the world. Miranda and Baptiste are always delightful authors:)

Miranda and Baptiste Paul share Farmer Tantoh’s story so well. It’s a captivating story about environmentalism, perserverence, and dedication to community.

When Tantoh was a little boy he would smile and laugh as he dug his hands into the dirt in his grandmother’s garden. Ah, if he could only learn to grow vegetables like she could! Tantoh decided to take a handful of her purple onions and secretly try to grow them under the banana tree. The outer skins began to dry up and the onions would not grow. Grandmother would tell him that “they need sunlight and earth .... and most importantly, water.” Ah, if only he could grow vegetables like grandmother. Tantoh would soon be asking lots of questions about nature, about the earth in school. Why? How? Why? Tantoh would soak up knowledge like the dry ground beneath his feet.The little boy soon turned into a teenager, but his passion for the earth and nature didn’t change. His father bought him some farming tools and showed his work to Mr. Ken, his biology teacher. The other students began to call him Farmer. Unfortunately “It is not a nice name. It is a name that is meant to make him feel as low as the dirt beneath his feet.” Ah, if he could only learn to grow vegetables like grandmother! No matter, Tantoh loved everything about nature and farming. He was a young man who knew the value of the earth and how it could provide food for his brothers and sisters. No, he would never stop trying to learn about lowly farming.Tantoh knew what he wanted, and with pride, made himself a shirt with one word on it ... Farmer. No, it would never do to have a farmer in the family. His older brother’s eyes grew sad as he looked at Tantoh. Farmers made no money, but if he studied hard there was money to be made. “If you get good marks,” brother explained, “you can work in an office. Be a police officer or a teacher.” Of course he would do well on those exams. Tantoh took his examination booklet and began to answer all the questions. Yes, they were all correct, but soon he began to cross them out. Ah, if only he could learn to grow vegetables like grandmother! Tantoh was sure to fail the test, but how could he support the family if he had dirt under his nails instead of a pencil in his hand?This is a fabulous story about a young man who made a difference in his country. This story is based on the true story of Tantoh, a boy in Cameroon who grew up to change lives. Young readers will love the tale of a boy who never gave up on himself and his dreams, despite being bullied. There are many children who have interests that should be nourished, not squashed. Tantoh’s story is one that will inspire many to dream and take jobs that capture their hearts and imaginations. In the back of the book is more information about Tantoh’s life, some proverbs, a map, a Limbum glossary and pronunciation guide, and several words for water. There are several photographs on the end pages, including one of the real Farmer Tantoh.Ages: 7 to 11Grade Level: 2 to 5This book courtesy of the publisher (to the library).

I loved this picture book, though I was surprised at how text heavy it was, but there’s lots to tell. They also have really great back matter which gives readers a chance to go even deeper. Great for older kids, maybe too much for little ones but the pictures are awesome so everyone can enjoy it.

Synopsis:This is an inspiring book that tells the story of a you boy who wishes to become a farmer. He loves to play in the dirt. One day he implements a better system for his community to have fresh clean water so they will stop getting sick.Review:This story is an inspiration. It teaches a love for the land, people, community, plants, and the fruits of your labor. I think this would be a perfect spring read when everyone is thinking about planting gardens, an Earth Day read because it is about bettering our world, and a community/ mission/ volunteer study. Children and adult alike can be inspired by this story.

As a child in northwest Cameroon, Tantoh Nforba discovered his love for soil, plants, and weather under his grandmother's loving guidance. Unkindly nicknamed "Farmer" by classmates, Tantoh nevertheless continued to soak up every morsel of knowledge he could from teachers and books about his beloved land and what grows there. After falling dangerously ill in college with typhoid from dirty drinking water, he committed himself to learning about clean water, and worked to teach villagers near and far about its necessity for good health and plentiful crops, as well as how to find it and get it to their villages. Tantoh also founded a nonprofit, Save Your Future Association, to gain local and international support for his efforts.Today, Tantoh is proudly called Farmer by those who see not only his love for his fellow people, but especially his love for his land. His story is told by authors Baptiste and Miranda Paul with an international flair, weaving in local vocabulary and concepts in an easy-to-understand way, while simple but colorful illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon transport readers in time and place. Back matter, photos, and an author's note offer additional insight into Tantoh and his lasting impact, as well as how readers can use his story as inspiration for making a difference in their own communities.