About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Thirteen-year-old Chloë left her whole life back in Montreal, including her mom and her best friend.
Now she's stuck in Victoria with her dad and her estranged grandfather, Uli, who recently had a stroke. When Chloë agrees to help Uli look after his garden, she's determined to find out why he and her dad didn't speak to each other for years.
For decades Uli has collected seeds from people in the community, distinct varieties that have been handed down through generations. The result is a garden full of unusual and endangered produce, from pink broccoli to blue kale to purple potatoes. But Chloë learns that the garden will soon be destroyed to make way for a new apartment complex. And the seed collection is missing! Chloë must somehow find a way to save her grandfather's legacy.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- , Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards
- Short-listed, The National Chapter of Canada IODE Violet Downey Book Award
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
- Commended, New York Public Library (NYPL) Best Books for Kids
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews
"A science or biology teacher could use this book…[it] does a good job of exploring the joys and importance of gardening."
— School Library Connection
"An engaging middle school novel about family relationships…There are powerful lessons about coping with adversity."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"The Vegetable Museum follows a family and its unique heirlooms—vegetable seeds from all over the world 'that all mean something to somebody somewhere.' It is a heartfelt story of family history, memory and food security—as engaging and contemplative as a sun-dappled garden."
— Alison Hughes, Governor General's Award–nominated author of <i>Hit the Ground Running</i>
“This heartwarming story will engage and entertain young readers. It is well written and tells an honest story about family and relationships, and values.”
— Must Read Literature: K thru 12
"Scenes of Chloë and her grandfather are poignant and realistic and might even spark some agricultural interest in middle-graders…the characters are warm, and the concept of seed vaults is made wonderfully personal. Families are complicated, but gardening usually isn't."
— Kirkus Reviews
"The Vegetable Museum is not just a middle-grade novel, it is a testament to the power of a garden to bring generations together. It might even inspire some future gardeners! Mulder has created a love story for families, a tribute to the ability of seeds growing more than just plants. Wishing there had been more than 181 pages."
— Resource Links
“A great story about the complicated relationships between parents and children.”
— Kiss the Book blog
"In this story of family, friendship, loss, love, forgiveness, and hope, Mulder also introduces readers to the little-discussed topics of heirloom vegetables, seed banks, and gardening."
— Booklist
"A deeply satisfying story about family, friendship and the power of community."
— The Globe and Mail
