Desert Almond Farmer

Book excerpt: Desert Almond Farmer is a true story about Frederick Godde (1863-1930) who received 160 acres of land in the Mojave Desert under the Homestead Act of 1862. His new life began without water, electricity, or roads. In the end, he had a wife, nine children, thousands of almond trees, and a role in California history. This is the family's story-how they survived, how they conducted their daily lives, and how they grew almonds in the desert. Author-illustrator Mary Kaye Godde Stamets grew up in the almond orchards on the land her grandfather Frederick homesteaded. She combined photographs and art to create an authentic representation of a bygone era; the book is a piece of folk art. Number of pages: 248 Dimensions: 8.25" W x 8.25" H; Weight: two pounds; Printing method: 4-color process; Language: English; Suggested age level: eight through adulthood; Cover: Softcover; Extras: Full-width cover flaps with photographs 15" W x 8.25" H