Michael Pollan’s writing has changed the way countless people think about what they eat, and his latest book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma For Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, aims to help a younger audience learn more about where our food comes from and how we can make smarter, more sustainable choices.

I haven’t yet seen a copy, and I’m eager to, but the junior adaptation of the widely-acclaimed book is supposedly packed with plenty of facts, photos, graphs and other visuals (pop-ups?!) to engage kids on the sometimes dense, politicized topics of food politics. 

I feel we are at a critical juncture in making a transition to a healthier, more sustainable food system, and if we expect to see lasting change, children must be a part of the national discussion.  Educating children on the importance of a healthy diet and the effect that our food choices have on our bodies and the planet will have a tremendously beneficial ripple effect, and I trust Mr. Pollan to help spread the good word.

So be sure to order up a copy and use the action link below to sign the petition to help ensure that the upcoming reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act assures healthy food choices in schools.

And since it’s Banned Books Week, let’s remember that while Mr. Pollan’s writing has not been added to the banned list, The (original) Omnivore’s Dilemma was nearly kept out of classrooms at Washington State University earlier this year due to pressure from some nervous folks in the agriculture industry.