Intended for ages 8-14, this book reveals the past and uncertain future of the tasty banana. Various photographs and maps help explain who grows bananas, how they are harvested, and why the banana may soon become extinct. Other topics include: the spread of bananas through trade routes; where and how bananas are grown; and more.

This work is for ages 8-14. This book reveals the murky past and uncertain future of the tasty banana. Almost unknown in North America before the 1870s, bananas quickly became a popular fruit with a rocky history. Colourful photographs and maps help explain who grows your bananas, how they are harvested, and why the banana may soon become extinct. Other topics include: what is a commodity?; the spread of bananas through trade routes; where and how bananas are grown; the growth of the banana plantations and banana republics; technical and genetic improvements to the banana, including new varieties; environmental issues such as land use and pesticides; why bananas are becoming extinct.