The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: John Muir: America's First Environmentalist: Candlewick Biographies, Kathryn Lasky

John Muir: America's First Environmentalist: Candlewick Biographies

Kathryn Lasky

"A useful introduction to Muir, the founding of the national parks, and the broader idea of environmentalism." -- School Library Journal

John Muir loved the land. Born in 1838, he was a writer, a scholar, an inventor, a shepherd, a farmer, and an explorer. But above all, he was a naturalist. John Muir was particularly devoted to the high cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoia trees that, through his careful influence, were set aside as Yosemite, one of the first national parks in America. Here is the life story of the man who, moved by a commitment to wilderness everywhere, founded the Sierra Club in 1892, a conservation group that carries on his crucial work to this day.
Back matter includes an epilogue, a bibliography, and information about the Sierra Club.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
  • Publish Date: Mar 25th, 2014
  • Pages: 56
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 9.10in - 6.20in - 0.60in - 0.65lb
  • EAN: 9780763664701
  • Recommended age: 08-12
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography - Science & TechnologyScience & Nature - Environmental Conservation & ProtectionBiography & Autobiography - Social Activists

About the Author

KATHRYN LASKY is the acclaimed author of more than forty books for children, including VISION OF BEAUTY: THE STORY OF SARAH BREEDLOVE WALKER; A VOICE OF HER OWN: THE STORY OF PHILLIS WHEATLEY, SLAVE POET; INTERRUPTED JOURNEY: SAVING ENDANGERED SEA TURTLES; and SUGARING TIME, which was a Newbery Honor Book. Of JOHN MUIR: AMERICA'S FIRST ENVIRONMENTALIST, she says, "This book is a celebration of one man's imagination and prescience, as well as his capacity to live creatively in great solitude."

STAN FELLOWS studied at the Minnesota College of Art and Design and at the Art Center College of Design, in Pasadena, California. He has illustrated several books for children and has done editorial work for magazines. About JOHN MUIR, he says, "This book was an absolute delight to work on. Going to my studio each day to paint these pieces was like taking the day off to wander fields and mountains."

Praise for this book

Engaging . . . Muir's passion and sense of adventure are beautifully rendered.
--Washington Parent

Lasky not only outlines the course of [Muir's] life, but eloquently conveys his motivation - a profound delight in what he called 'wildness' in the natural world.
--Kirkus Reviews

A good starting place for science and biography projects, this book will also appeal to young activists with its message about people needing 'beauty as well as bread.'
--Booklist