American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Announces 19th Book of the Year

The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture presented its 19th Book of the Year award to author Shannon Anderson for “I LOVE Blueberries.” The award was presented at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 107th Convention.

Told through Jolie’s comical scrapbook-style journal entries and Margot’s creative sketchbook, “I LOVE Blueberries” teaches young readers how they can create a plan and work together to not only grow blueberries but also develop a new friendship.

Anderson is a TEDx speaker, certified brain coach and award-winning children’s book author who has spent over 26 years inspiring young minds as an elementary school teacher and professor. She wrote this year’s Book of the Year, “I LOVE Blueberries,” and its predecessor, “I LOVE Strawberries.”

“It is a huge honor for ‘I LOVE Blueberries!’ to be recognized by the Foundation. I am grateful for the support of the agricultural community and am proud to write stories that teach kids where their food comes from. This book was a team effort, and I share this award with Jaclyn Sinquett for her amazing illustrations, and with the wonderful team at Feeding Minds Press, who helped this book grow. Thank you so much!” Anderson said.

The Book of the Year award springs from the Foundation’s effort to identify “Accurate Ag Books,” a collection of nearly 500 books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately cover agricultural topics. Book of the Year selections are educational, help to create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives as well as tell the farmer’s story. The Accurate Ag Books database is available at http://www.agfoundation.org/recommended-pubs.

To accompany “I LOVE Blueberries,” the Foundation has created an educator’s guide and an Ag Mag Mini on blueberries. They are available here.

Financial Support of the Foundation

Several state Farm Bureaus were recognized at convention for exemplary financial support of the Foundation.

State Farm Bureaus receiving the Scholar Award are Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska and New Jersey. The Scholar Award is given to the six state Farm Bureaus with the highest total donations to the Foundation within their membership groups.

Twenty-four state Farm Bureaus qualified for an Apex Award: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia. The Apex Award is given to state Farm Bureaus that have increased total contributions to the Foundation by 10% or more over the previous year.

Thirty-four state Farm Bureaus qualified for the Leader Award: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. State Farm Bureaus are recognized with a Leader Award when each of their board members donates at least $50 to the Foundation.