No Small Potatoes: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas

NO SMALL POTATOES: Junius G. Groves and His Kingdom in Kansas
Written by Award-Winning Author Tonya Bolden | Illustrated by Don Tate

ISBN: 978-0-385-75276-3; Text copyright 2018

✨ Like New Condition—Crisp Pages and Book Jacket, Ready to Inspire! ✨

Prepare to be amazed by a true American story that history nearly forgot!

Meet Junius G. Groves—born into slavery in Kentucky, yet destined to become the "Potato King of the World" Barnes & Noble as recognized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1902. This isn't just another history book—it's a powerful testament to the extraordinary heights we can reach when we combine vision, hard work, and unwavering determination!

Why This Book Belongs in Every Young Reader's Hands:

Junius G. Groves didn't just grow potatoes—he cultivated excellence. Starting with work that paid "almost starvation wages," he and his wife Matilda saved, rented land, then purchased 80 acres in 1884, paying it off in just one year Barnes & Noble. But he didn't stop there! Through relentless dedication and smart agricultural innovation, Groves eventually owned over 500 acres and in 1902 alone, he harvested 72,150 bushels—roughly 12 million potatoes Barnes & Noble!

What makes Junius's story so special? He was a true scholar-farmer who valued knowledge as much as toil. He maintained a personal library in his home—rare for any farmer of his era—and constantly studied and applied cutting-edge agricultural technology for growing, harvesting, storing, and shipping his crops. He understood that excellence requires both sweat AND strategy!

Why are we offering this book? It has...:

• STEM in Action: Real-world agriculture, mathematics (the book even includes "Potato Math"!), and innovative farming technology
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: From worker to foreman to renter to landowner to empire-builder
• Community Building: Junius built Groves Park, the community of Groves Center, a church, a store, and even a golf

• Family Legacy: Raised 12 children while building his agricultural kingdom
• Perseverance Personified: Faced doubters and naysayers but never wavered from his dream

What Makes This Book Special: Award-winning author Tonya Bolden's "engaging, lyrical language" and Don Tate's "delightful yet earnest illustrations" Goodreads bring this incredible journey to vivid life. The narrative is warm, accessible, and uplifting—perfect for reading aloud or independent reading.

Accolades:

• ⭐ Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
• ⭐ School Library Journal Starred Review
• CCBC Choices 2019
• NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book

For Parents, Educators, and Gift-Givers:

This is the book to give when you want to inspire children to dream BIG and work steadily toward those dreams. Junius G. Groves proves that where you start doesn't determine where you finish—and that with courage, knowledge, hard work, and perseverance, anyone can build their own kingdom!

Whether you're building a home library celebrating Black excellence, seeking authentic African American history, or simply want to share a story that will light a fire in a young person's heart, No Small Potatoes delivers in every way.

Condition: Like New—crisp, clean pages ready for years of inspiration!

Start them young. Dream them big. Show them that their potential is NO SMALL POTATOES! 🥔👑

Purchase your copy today and plant the seeds of greatness in the next generation!