Hero for the Hungry: The Life and Work of Norman Borlaug

Norman Borlaug grew up on a farm in the Midwest in the early 20th century. His grandparents came from Scandinavia when the potato blight chased them from their home. Norman grew up knowing hunger could devastate, and he vowed he would see as little hunger as possible. He was able to attend college largely because he was great at sports, but he focused on science and became a plant scientist.

He was hired to help find ways for Mexico to increase their crops to match the increase in their population. He worked hard to develop disease-resistant wheat and to teach the farmers in Mexico to make their fields healthier and use more successful methods. When famine struck in Pakistan and India, Borlaug fought hard to improve things there, saving millions of lives.

Peggy Thomas has really done her homework, and her impeccable research and beautiful writing have led to a biography that will excite young readers and keep them engaged. The story is a compelling one. Illustrator Sam Kalda has populated the pages with realistic illustrations to complete the story. In addition, there are plenty of sidebars and some back-matter to give readers even more information.