Did you know that this week is National Park Week? Every April, the U.S. National Park Service dedicates a whole week to celebrating some of the most incredible places in the world: our national parks! This includes the Grand Canyon, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and hundreds of other landmarks. Because these parks and landmarks are considered America’s treasures, National Park Week is recognized annually with a resolution from Congress and a presidential proclamation.
So, for today’s throwback, I went looking for books and articles about national parks in the Archive. Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t find any vintage books about the (few) parks I’ve personally visited—which means that I have a lot of road tripping to do around this country! I did however come upon the True Book series, which tells the stories of actual places and events in the United States, including various national parks.
Check out my findings and see if you’ve visited any of the parks mentioned below:
“Yellowstone After the Fires,” ScienceWorld, December 15, 1989
For decades, fire-scarred, shovel-slinging Smokey the Bear warned us, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” But Mother Nature teaches a different lesson: fires actually help some forests grow.
“Howl About Wolves,” ScienceWorld, February 8, 1991
A plan to put gray wolves back into Yellowstone Park has ranchers howling.
“The Man Who Saved Yosemite,” Scholastic Update, April 15, 1994
Without John Muir, the beauty of Yosemite National Park might have vanished long ago. “Any fool can destroy trees,” he said. But to save them—that took undying passion.
Isle Royale National Park by Joan Kalbacken, 1996
The only island national park in the United States covers 842 square miles of unspoiled wilderness with forests, harbors, lakes, and ponds.
Denali National Park and Preserve by David Petersen, 1996
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the richest wildlife regions in North America.
Petrified Forest National Park by David Peterson, 1996
Have you ever heard of a forest with trees made of stone? Would you like to see one?
You can, because such a place really exists. It’s called Petrified Forest National Park, and it’s located in northern Arizona.
Summer of Fire: Yellowstone 1988 by Patricia Lauber, 1991
In the summer of 1988, huge forest fires raged in Yellowstone National Park. As the flames spread, many people feared the park would be destroyed.
The Bunyans by Audrey Wood, illustrated by David Shannon, 1996
Now I suppose that you have heard about the mighty logger Paul Bunyan and his great blue ox named Babe. In the early days of our country, Paul and Babe cleared the land for the settlers, so farms and cities could spring up.
Special thanks to Gina Asprocolas and the Scholastic librarians for their help with this series!
Raisa Masood
