Nine-year-old Sophia takes a delightful trip back in time with the old prospector Big Red and his trusty mule, Jack, to learn about John Muir (known as the father of the National Parks) and how he loved the land. It helps her discover a wonderful treasure herself. She also hears about the Native Americans that loved the land before him and how they were mistreated. Sophia visits important places and times in Muir’s life–a field of fireflies, the hills along his thousand-mile walk, the spectacular beauty of the Yosemite Valley. Sophia also raises questions (as will readers) about the way Native Americans were treated by the country and by Muir. With a revelatory and unexpected ending.
A Foreword by renowned Muir expert/archivist Mike Wurtz highlighting Muir’s love of nature (especially his beloved sequoias) and an Afterword detailing the mistreatment of the Native Peoples who lived in Yosemite before his arrival, help to inspire discussions about how people treat nature, and how we treat our fellow humans. Also included are a timeline and photo section of Muir’s life, as well as an extensive bibliography.
Part of the Sophia Saves the Earth series.
Lexile level 550, a perfect reading level for grades 2-3, 75 pages (which includes photo section and appendices).
Reviews:
Must read…Sophia Discovers the Real Treasure engenders a passion for the glorious wilderness and the indigenous people who once dwelled therein.
–Paulette Reefer, Reedsy Discovery Reviews
If only one book about John Muir were to be selected for a discriminating picture book collection, it should be Sophia Discovers the Real Treasure.
–D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
Sophia Discovers the Real Treasure will surely become a favorite with the young people in your life.
–Lisa Lickel, Wisconsin Writers Association Book Review
It reads with the drama and excitement of fiction, but packs in much information about Native American and natural history as it reviews the political and social forces that influenced Muir’s ability to save these lands for future generations.
–D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
This wonderful picture book provides ideal reading for children as well as persons of all ages who enjoy reading.
–Paulette Reefer, Reedsy Discovery Reviews
The artwork is just as vivid and diverse as the story that emerges-a blend of appealing, cartoon-like figures; artistic backgrounds; and lovely digitally-altered photos of California’s natural areas, which Muir loved and determined to preserve.
–D.Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
