John Muir: Protecting and Preserving the Environment

Voices for Green Choices-environmental pioneers whose vision and actions have inspired millions to help our planet's resources remain in abundant supply for generations to come.

Children's Literature

John Muir "was one of America's most influential naturalists." His early activism (he fought passionately for the passage of laws to protect the wilderness) helped save Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and his influence on President Teddy Roosevelt led Roosevelt to "establish 148 million acres of national forest, five national parks and..." Muir was the founder of The Sierra Club which works today to preserve the wilderness. From the "Voices for Green Choices" series created to introduce environmental pioneers who have inspired people to protect our planet's resources, this book traces the life of Muir from his childhood in Scotland and Wisconsin to his death in California (fighting a losing battle to stop the construction of a dam). It describes his keen observation of nature and his growing belief that everything in nature is connected. It tracks his 1,000 mile walk from Indiana to Florida. Most importantly, it introduces readers to Muir's views on nature and his determination to "to make the mountains glad." Frequent sidebars give readers much additional information on relevant topics; these also include quotes from Muir's notebooks and occasional suggestions for readers' activities. Well illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs as well as sketches by Muir, this book will appeal to many tastes. At the end of the book, readers will find a chronology, a glossary, a list of books and websites for further information and an index. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen