CAMPING WITH THE PRESIDENT
With illustrations by Karen Dugan
Imagine a U.S. president on a camping trip. It seems unlikely today, but in May 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt dismissed his Secret Service men and sent away reporters and dignitaries to go camping with John Muir, the world-famous naturalist. During three glorious nights and four days in California's Yosemite National Park, the two men talked about birds, giant sequoia trees, glaciers, as well as the importance of preserving wilderness for future generations.
SURVIVAL IN THE SNOW
With illustrations by Craig Orback
Seventeen-year-old Moses was ready for an adventure. In 1844, he joined a wagon train traveling from Iowa to California. But as winter approached, the wagon train ran into trouble. Oxen started dying and supplies were running low. Some people went ahead for help. Moses stayed behind with the belongings. Can he find a way to survive on his own in the mountains during the long, cold winter? (Ages 7 and up)
Published by Millbrook Press
"This is the story of [Moses Schallenberger's] winter of survival. The story is a compelling one: near starvation, Moses seeks solace in news and literature, and faces loneliness, fear, and boredom." BAY VIEWS, ASSOCIATION OF CHILDREN'S LIBRARIANS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
"This volume from the On My Own History series offers independent readers a straightforward tale of rugged adventure and survival in the snowy area that, according to the appended historical note, challenged the Donner party just two years later. Told with concrete details that bring the experience to life and illustrated with dramatic narrative paintings, this book puts a human face on the sometimes-anonymous image of the pioneer and tells a tale of courage in the face of possible death from starvation or exposure." BOOKLIST
"Moses's struggle to survive on his own in the harsh environment of one of the 'snowiest places in the world' will engage new readers. . . . The story complements a unit on the Western Migration, giving students a glimpse of the personal side of this important historical event." - CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
WORDS WEST: Voices of Young Pioneers
Between 1830 and 1870, tens of thousands of pioneers hit the trail in covered wagons, leaving behind everything they had ever known and heading for an unknown future in the American West. Many of these pioneers were children and young people. Here are the moving stories of these young pioneers, told in their own words through letters home, diaries, and memoirs. Their writings provide a window into what life on the trail was truly like. (Ages 10 and up)
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ALONG THE SANTA FE TRAIL
With illustrations by James Watling
When Marion Russell was an elderly lady, she wrote her memoirs describing her many trips along the Santa Fe Trail. This book, in Marion’s own voice, is about her first journey in 1852 when she was seven years old. James Watling’s illustrations capture Marion’s love of wagon train life and her family’s experiences during the trip. (Ages 8 and up)
Published by Albert Whitman & Company: Find this book at your local library or a previously-owned book outlet like Abebooks.
A NCSS/CBC Notable Children’s Trade Book
"The flowing text is complemented by evocative paintings of placid buffalo, the wagon train in a storm and the bustle of Santa Fe. A solid choice as a personalized view of westward expansion or a browser for history buffs, told from a woman’s point of view." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"Lively with authentic detail. Excellent source material." KIRKUS REVIEWS
TOMORROW IS DADDY'S BIRTHDAY
With illustrations by Maxie Chambliss
Daddy’s birthday is almost here, and Rachel has a very special present—but it’s a secret! She whispers her secret to the rooster, the roly-poly bug, her pet rabbit Fluffy, her baby brother Andrew, and all her closest acquaintances. You are kept in suspense until the end. Artist Maxie Chambliss keeps Rachel’s secret, too. Facing each full page of art, sequential boxes show all the recipients of Rachel’s secret. This story reflects all the joy of birthdays and gift giving. (Ages 3 and up)
Published by Boyds Mills Press: Find this book at your local library or a previously-owned book outlet like Abebooks.
" . . . strong, enjoyable story of family giving and sharing." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
