The Boy Who Grew a Forest

link related to the story that can be used as a resource

Sophia Gholz

Author Qualification(s): Helps oversee the Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability (SEEDS) National Field Trip Endowment, passion for outdoors

Illustrator Qualification(s): Loves animals, but otherwise no ties to India or its inhabitants

Genre(s)

Picture Book

Nonfiction

Diverse / Multicultural Topic(s)

Indian Culture & its relation to habitat loss in India

Awards

Crystal Kite Award (2020)

SC Children's Book Award Nominee

NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Plot Summary

This story is about a boy named Jadav Payeng who helped solve the deforestation problem on his island in the middle of a river in India by planting gradually more and more trees over his lifetime. He believed that if there were more trees, there would be more animals and more people would also thrive as a result. The boy, now a man, planted a total of 12,000 acres of forest!

Connections & Representation

Students that grew up in remote villages in India or other countries where deforestation of rainforests is occurring will be able to relate to this book. They are more likely to understand the cultural significance of trees as a food source, as shelter, and as a way to combat erosion.

Stereotypes

Jadav Payeng is represented just as he is seen in pictures and videos, except that he is depicted as younger in the book, maybe to appeal to a younger set of readers.

Conflicts

Jadav met with many obstacles along the way of creating his forest. Floodwaters constantly threatened to destroy his forest. He also had to protect its inhabitants from poachers, the villagers were afraid of the tigers, the elephants ate some of the neighboring villages' crops, some wanted to cut the trees down to build houses, and it was very hard work.

Insider/Outsider

This story mostly portrays Jadav as an Insider in his village; however, some did not believe that his plan would work.

Teachable Moment

This book teaches us that through hard work, patience, and perseverance, even when there are many obstacles in the way, one person can achieve great things.

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