John Deere: Blacksmith Boy

by Margaret Bare, Robert Doremus (Illustrator)

Discover the inspiring childhood story of John Deere, the farm boy who became one of America’s greatest agricultural innovators. This engaging biography introduces young readers to Deere’s early life, his apprenticeship as a blacksmith, and the invention of the steel plow that revolutionized farming. A classic title from the beloved Childhood of Famous Americans series, this collectible book blends history, storytelling, and character lessons—perfect for collectors, homeschool families, teachers, and young readers.

Genres: History, Biography, American History

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a three star for me, but my seven-year-old said it was one of his favorites, so I'll rate it four stars. I didn't feel it really made John Deere come alive in terms of a personality that seemed distinct, but I did appreciate how it showed how some of his ideas and activities as a boy influenced his pursuits as an adult, particularly with his ideas on making a better plow, the steel plow. Children who are used to the John Deere name on tractors etc. will perhaps be surprised and disappointed to learn that this book has nothing to do with anything like that (Deere himself passed away in 1886). His major accomplishment is the steel plow. This was huge in its time but perhaps not quite so exciting to modern young audiences as the tractors. Fortunately, we already knew this from reading John Deere, That’s Who!. This book includes some good back matter and teacher resources.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a vague memory of reading this in elementary school and loving it. So glad I re read it.

[Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was another quick read at an elementary reading level. John Deere was an interesting person in history. That is about all I can say for this book. The reading level was low so I expected the writing to be simple... It was, at times, painful. The author emphasized John Deere's youth and the lessons that shaped him. This is logical; the readers are young children. Just the same I was a little disappointed that John Deere's major life achievements weren't given more detail.
Published in 1964.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was younger! We had an old, torn up, hardback copy that was Green with Yellow binding.