Michelle's Real Reads

Younger Nonfiction 

 

The Camping Trip That Changed America: Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, and our National Parks by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein 

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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. 

Fresh Water Fishing by Carol K. Lindeen  

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An angler sets the hook and begins to reel in the line. Did the angler land a monster bass? Anglers know that freshwater fishing takes skill, patience, and the right equipment. Get the inside information on the rods, reels, bait, and safety skills you'll need to catch a record fish. 

Get Outdoors: A Mindfulness Guide to Noticing Nature by Paul Christelis, illustrated by Eilsa Paganelli 

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It's a beautiful day, but Jada and her brother Michael are staying indoors--until Dad invents a game to get them exploring nature: whoever notices the most interesting things is the winner. At first, they just see grass and flowers. But by slowing down, looking closely, and using all of their senses, they soon begin to notice lots more about the natural world. Through practicing mindfulness this way, Jada and Michael find that small things they might not have noticed before seem so much more interesting. 

Great Smoky Mountains by Sara Gilbert 

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A young explorer's introduction to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering its mountain landscape, plants, animals such as salamanders, and activities such as horseback riding. 

Mountain Chef: How One Man Lost His Groceries, Changed his Plans. And Helped Cook Up the National Park Service by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Rich Lo 

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The true story of a Chinese American mountain man who fed thirty people for ten days in the wilderness--and helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service. 

Yellowstone by Sara Gilbert 

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A young explorer's introduction to Wyoming's Yellowstone National Park, covering its geyser-filled landscape, plants, animals such as bison, and activities such as camping and fishing. 

Yosemite by Sara Gilbert 

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A young explorer's introduction to California's Yosemite National Park, covering its mountain landscape, plants, animals such as black bears, and activities such as rock climbing. 

 

Older Nonfiction 

Backpacking Hacks: Camping Tips for Outdoor Adventures by Raymond Bean 

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Don't just survive, thrive in the great outdoors! This handy guidebook provides unique tips and tricks to transform any camping trip into a glamping vacay, including defense against weather extremes, hygiene hacks, and unplugged entertainment options  

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Feeling outdoorsy? Get ready to bust boredom with nature and the world outside! Learn how to whip up sidewalk chalk spray paint, go on a photo safari, build giant lawn games, and much more. With clear instructions and helpful photos, busting boredom in the great outdoors has never been more fun. 

Campfire Chef: Mouthwatering Campfire Recipes by Tyler Omoth 

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Campfire cooking doesn't have to be limited to hotdogs and s'mores. With a little know-how and the right tools, everything from deep-dish pizza to cheesecake can be made over the campfire. The easy-to-follow recipes and creative tips in this book teach beginning cooks all about cooking over a fire and how to make a variety of delicious meals. 

Get Outside Guide by Nancy Honovich and Julie Beer 

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This fun-filled guide inspires kids to get out of the house and explore the great outdoors where they can discover the wonder and amazement of the world around them, whether in their backyard, across the country, or around the world. 

Maker Lab Outdoors : 25 Super Cool Projects : Build, Invent, Create, Discover by Jack Challoner 

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Twenty-eight science projects and experiments to be done outside will spark kids' creativity and help them develop science skills through hands-on learning. 

My Great Outdoors Book: The Kids Guide to Being Outside by Josie Jeffrey 

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Whether its bug hunting in a city courtyard, counting stars, planting a neat little window box or building a cool woodland hideout, this brilliantly innovative activity book will open childrens eyes to an awesome outdoor playground. Packed with exciting stuff to do, make and discover, the activities are arranged in themed sections, from the garden, the woods, and the shore, through to rainy days, sunny days and night-time. 

The Kids Campfire Book written by Jane Drake & Ann Love, illustrated by Heather Collins 

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This collection of outdoor activities, games, stories, songs and more is for kids and families to share around the campfire. It includes tips on how to find the best campfire site, identify animal cries at night and locate constellations. Kids will also find out how to make pizza over an open fire, tell a spooky ghost story, or create musical instruments for a sing-along. With more than 125 pages of fun things to do around a campfire, this is the perfect book for every camper, canoeist and camp counsellor. 

The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World by Temple Grandin 

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Dr. Temple Grandin introduces young readers to geologists, astrophysicists, oceanographers, and many other scientists through a series of projects to understand the world around them.