Farmers Unite! Planting a Protest for Fair Prices

Accessible prose and quotations from primary sources enrich this nonfiction photo-illustrated picture book, which recounts the American farmers’ protests that took place in the 1970s and ’80s. Using variations on a refrain (“the farmers planted a plan... /... to send in the tractors”), Metcalf details how tractors became a significant symbol and tool in farmers’ fight to seek governmental policy change and assistance as well as public support. Paragraphs of text on monochrome backgrounds face photos from the time, for example of an old tractor set on fire. The volume has a visually institutional bent, but its coverage of lesser-known protests makes it a solid school or library resource. Back matter includes an author’s note, a farm protest timeline, a table detailing U.S. farm prices through the years, and a list of sources. Ages 8–12. (Nov.)