9 to 12

Giving new meaning to the phrase “food for thought,” this revealing activity guide summarizes the history, science, and culture of what kids eat day after day. Presenting a fascinating array of projects and activities, this exploration demonstrates how certain foods evolved as well as how modern technology plays a part in food production, packaging, and delivery. From the methods vegetarians use to balance their diets to why some cultures rose and fell based on a single food source, this fun-filled investigation also illustrates the traditional route from farm to table, the impact of eating locally grown foods, the importance of nutrition, and even the role of food in ancient times. Going beyond the basics of the food pyramid, this comprehensive examination encourages children to understand their daily diets from both a local and global perspective.

Kathleen M. Reilly is a science teacher and award-winning author. Her work has been featured in Family Circle, FamilyFun, National Geographic Kids, Parents, Woman’s Day, and Wondertime. She is the author of Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power & How We Get It and The Human Body: 25 Fantastic Projects Illuminate How the Body Works. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Samuel Carbaugh is the illustrator of Discover the Desert. He lives in Vermont.