Eliza's Cherry Trees: Japan's Gift to America by Andrea Zimmerman illustrated by Ju-Hong Chen

My friend recently shared this book on her blog.  Reading her blog entry about this book made me realize that I did not know the story behind the cherry trees that draw crowds of people each spring to Washington D.C.
Ms. Zimmerman reveals Eliza's upbringing, her education and her love for travel.  Her perseverance and determination was admirable as she pursued an education and careers that many women at that time would never consider.  These traits served her well when she continually proposed her idea about planting cherry trees in Washington D.C.  to the parks department for more than twenty years!
-Borrowed from the library.