A new three-part book series, Sorgho Squad, seeks to inspire a passion for sustainability and ancient, climate-resilient grains in young readers. The fictional adventure story comes from agriculture expert and author Nate Blum, whose real-world career has focused on solutions to food insecurity and the promotion of heritage crops.
“Kids have told me they never realized how their choices for products made with these special grains can help make a difference,” said Blum on the enthusiastic response from young readers to his thrilling tales.
At the heart of the series is Professor Sorgho, an archeologist who spends his life searching for solutions to pressing global issues like hunger, nutrition deficiencies, and environmental sustainability. His research leads him to clues left behind by an ancient civilization that could unlock climate-smart agricultural practices key to feeding the future.
To decode these clues before time runs out, Professor Sorgho and his apprentice, Alice Atlas, must race to track down members of a lost legendary team of heroes known as the Sorgho Squad. Each book follows the duo as they crisscross the globe on this urgent quest.
Beyond its riveting adventure plotline, the series spotlights real-world science and innovations advancing crop resilience and usage. The central character, Professor Sorgho, was influenced by actual agricultural researchers who have pioneered advances in nutrition and renewable uses of ancient grains. Other heroes showcase specialized expertise in the industrial applications, health and nutrition benefits, and the environmental impacts of crop diversity, including sorghum and millet.
The books integrate broader themes of biodiversity, renewable materials, strategies for climate adaptation, and global food security. Young readers get an accessible introduction to the labor, science and technologies feeding the world – from seed breeding innovations to precision agriculture.
Entertaining Illustrations and Relatable Characters Bring Themes to Life
Vibrant illustrations by artist Alyssa Perry, coupled with relatable kid heroes, help bring to life the series’ themes in an approachable way for the target 8-12-year-old demographic. But the books have proven engaging across generations.
In fact, Blum created the series after seeing firsthand how creative storytelling could inspire interest in sustainability topics typically considered boring or too complex for young learners.
“I’m a huge comic book nerd. So the idea to write these books in a graphic novel style format was one that came to me very easily,” he said. “They are intended to be educational but not so dry as to be unreadable. I hope the stories provide entertainment to young people in addition to presenting information.”
The series title itself hints at a key focus area. Sorgho refers to sorghum – an ancient cereal grain known for its drought resistance, health benefits, and ability to improve climate resilience. Blum’s expertise in these heritage crops helps lend authenticity to the book’s themes.
Series Immerses Young Readers in Adventure and Intrigue
The first book pulls readers into the globetrotting adventure. In From the Ruins Come Jowar! Professor Sorgho discovers ancient clues that could unlock sustainable solutions. But to decipher them, he needs to enlist help from the legendary experts of the Sorgho Squad – if he can find them.
The second title ratchets up the intrigue and conflict. In The Rumors Are True…Introducing Mashilla! The team encounters Mashilla, a brilliant plant geneticist whose seed-breeding knowledge proves critical to their planet-saving mission.
The newly released third installment provides a final push as the team races to find the last remaining member and finally solve the agricultural puzzles key to feeding the growing population. Titled The Milo Mystery, this page-turner promises to satisfy series fans, new and old.
Message of Sustainability and Passion for Agriculture
While packed with adventure, Blum ultimately hopes the takeaway for readers is centered on sustainability. He aims to build curiosity around crops that can better support both human and environmental health – such as climate-smart grains, which use fewer resources while providing key nutrients.
“I hope readers will want to learn more and will begin to request sorghum and millets-based products from their grocers and other businesses,” Blum stated regarding his motivations.
Beyond interest in specific crops, Blum strives to foster a passion for innovation and advancement in global agriculture more broadly – areas he has devoted his own career to.
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“I am passionate about improving regional food systems and access to healthy foods to combat hunger and food insecurity,” he said. Through an unlikely children’s book series, Blum strives to plant the seeds to inspire future generations in the mission.
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