The True Story of Vanilla: How Edmond Albius Made History

by Ann Richards

In 1841, a 12-year-old enslaved boy, Edmond Albius, made history when he discovered how to hand-pollinate vanilla plants using a bamboo twig.

Until that time, only bees in Mexico could pollinate the plant--botanists couldn't figure out another way. With his master, Edmond travelled around R union Island to share his technique, le geste d'Edmonde (Edmond's gesture), which is still in use today. Despite his important achievement,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1459838440
• ISBN13: 9781459838444
• Release Date: May 2025
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
• Length: 104 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7