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Our National Parks

Illustration book cover of Redwoods with Asian boy looking up at trees

The United States is a young country but diverse and fascinating nonetheless. Much of its landscape is ancient and its history is rich in stories. National Parks are one way to preserve and protect the country's wonders, both natural and man-made. Read about how the Everglades were formed, meet a young woman who survived the Alamo, and visit with a mail carrier who takes mail and more to his village in the Grand Canyon. These and other treasures await you in the pages of these books.

All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer

All Aboard! National Parks: A Wildlife Primer

By: Haily Meyers, Kevin Meyers
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Introduce very young children to our National Parks with this colorful board book. Explore the nation’s beautiful national parks from Acadia to Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon to the Grand Tetons. (Part of the All Aboard geography series for tbabies and toddlers.)

America's National Parks Lonely Planet

America’s National Parks

By: Lonely Planet Kids
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

From Acadia's seaside cliffs and coves to Zion's enchanting red valleys, take a journey through America's National Parks. Through fcts, photos and illustrations on every page, you'll discover erupting geysers, exploding volcanoes, howling wolves, soaring eagles, mountains, glaciers, rainforests and more. Meet the animals roaming each park, including gators, bison, gray wolves, spotted salamanders, great horned owls, bald eagles and grizzly bears, and find out the best activities, like snorkeling, white-water rafting, hiking, winter sports, exploring ghost towns and geyser watching.

Everglades

Everglades

By: Jean Craighead George
Illustrated by: Wendell Minor
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

As an Indian storyteller guides a boat of children down the sea of grass, he reveals the story of the landscape's formation of what was to become a subtropical national park home to many unique animals. This carefully crafted and handsomely illustrated cautionary tale urges conservation, as the future of the Everglades depends on it.

High Tide in Hawaii

High Tide in Hawaii

By: Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca
Illustrated by: Sal Murdocca
Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Hawaii is home to no less than 8 national parks where magic abounds in natural wonders such as the Volcanoes National Park. In this Magic Tree House installment, Jack and Annie are instructed to find a "special magic" in old Hawaii. They find it in Hawaii's beauty and the drama of natural disasters!

If I Were a Park Ranger

If I Were a Park Ranger

By: Patrick Corrigan
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

If you were a national park ranger, you'd spend every day in one of the most treasured places in America. You'd wear a special uniform, a hat, and a badge ― but sometimes you might also need snowshoes or a life jacket. Maybe you'd track the movements of wild animals. You could help scientists make discoveries. You might even be part of a search and rescue team! You'd have an amazing job protecting animals, the environment, and our country's natural and historical heritage, from the wilds of Denali to the Statue of Liberty.

Mule Train Mail

Mule Train Mail

By: Craig Brown
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

The Grand Canyon is a national park established in the early 20th century. At the bottom of the canyon is the remote village of Supai, accessible only by helicopter, horse, or mule. Join Anthony the Postman as he delivers the mail to his hometown on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, leading a mule train down the steep, striking canyon.

National Geographic Kids National Parks Guide

National Parks Guide U.S.A

By: National Geographic Kids
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Read all about these greatest of American treasures — from Acadia to Zion — in preparation for a parks visit sometime soon. Filled with color photos, information on animals, fascinating lists, fun facts, maps, cool things to do, conservation tips, and much more.Think of this book as your trusted guide to these most majestic of places.

Redwoods

Redwoods

By: Jason Chin
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Giant redwoods are usually found in the Northwest United States, so how does a boy on a New York subway get to the redwoods canopy? That's just what happens in this informative, illustrated journey from underground to atop the world's tallest trees. The redwoods can be found in national parks in northern California and southern Oregon.

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

By: John Jakes
Illustrated by: Paul Bacon
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Many people have heard of Davy Crockett and the Alamo. But this story is based on a real but little known woman named Susanna Dickinson who survived the battle at the Alamo in San Antonio. This dramatic, illustrated story is told to engage young listeners (or readers) and bring history to life.

The Camping Trip That Changed America

The Camping Trip That Changed America

By: Barb Rosenstock
Illustrated by: Mordicai Gerstein
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Caldecott medalist Mordicai Gerstein captures the majestic redwoods of Yosemite in this little-known but important story from our nation's history. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks. [Good Reads]

The National Parks: Preserving America's Wild Places

The National Parks: Preserving America’s Wild Places

By: Falynn Koch
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Travel back in time to 1872, when Congress established Yellowstone National Park as an area of unspoiled beauty for the "benefit and enjoyment of the people." Meet the visionaries, artists, and lovers of the American wilderness who fought against corruption and self-interest to carve out and protect these spaces for future generations. (Part of the History Comics graphic novel series.)

When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone

When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone

By: Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Illustrated by: Cassie & Dan Hartman
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Stunning photographs combine with a clear text to show how early use of Yellowstone, changed it completely. The elimination of a predator altered wildlife and vegetation and had other unforeseen consequences until the process started to be reversed in the 20th century. "Returning the wolf is helping to make Yellowstone whole again."

Who Pooped in the Park? Yosemite National Park

Who Pooped in the Park? Yosemite National Park

By: Gary D. Robson
Illustrated by: Elijah Brady Clark
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Join Michael, Emily, and their parents as they explore Yosemite (and other National Parks in the series). The kids quickly learn that there are animals all around — even if they can't see them — who leave behind scat and tracks. Before long, the kids are able to identify animal tracks and determine what a creature has eaten recently. 

Yellowstone Moran: Painting the American West

Yellowstone Moran: Painting the American West

By: Lita Judge
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Tom Moran dreamed of seeing the western United States, painting places that were unknown to most. He was allowed to join a team of geologists heading to "the Yellowstone," the year before it became a national park. Read about what early explorers saw and how they recorded it in picture book biography.

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