A Weird and Wild Beauty

"This book, with lively writing, great research, and wonderful photographs, maps, and other graphics, deserves a much wider readership than its intended audience, and should find a place in libraries and classrooms everywhere." —San Francisco Book Review

"If Peabody's impassioned, vividly written chronicle of how Yellowstone became a national park does not make readers want to visit, nothing will....The dramatic, picturesque descriptions of the expedition read very much like an adventure story.... A lively, richly detailed account of exploration, conservation, and natural history." —Kirkus Reviews

"This thorough and insightful history of Yellowstone chronicles an 1871 scientific expedition to—and the eventual creation of—what would become the first U.S. National Park. Peabody, a former ranger who has worked at several national parks, explores how shifting views of nature—and support from the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and John Muir—contributed to the region’s preservation. Vivid descriptions, numerous sidebars, and color photographs highlight Yellowstone’s dramatic geological features, including hot springs, waterfalls, and canyons; in fact, when explorers wrote about the terrain they encountered, 'Yellowstone’s turquoise pools, mud puffs, and jetting geysers' helped earn it the nickname Wonderland, after Lewis Carroll’s recently published book. At its core, Peabody’s narrative explores how wilderness became an integral part of the American identity. Ages 12–up" —Publisher's Weekly

“This excellent title is recommended for any collection in need of quality creative nonfiction in the area of natural history.” —School Library Journal

“Peabody uses her own experiences as a park ranger to write with authority on the landforms and geothermal features that are hallmarks of Yellowstone, and the end matter includes a guide to the most unusual attractions. By emphasizing the uniqueness of Yellowstone through the eyes of men like Hayden, who experienced it in its rawest form, this is a call for conservation neatly packaged as a high-interest historical narrative.” —Booklist

“Perfect for students interested in exploration, adventure, and nature.” —VOYA

“Yellowstone National Park is beautifully portrayed as an historical, astounding, and simply magical place filled with natural wonders that proudly display America’s unique landscape. Written from an historical point of view, Peabody uses accounts from various adventurers and explorers to spin the tale of the exploration, establishment, and highlights of the awesome national park. Sidebars are snugly and smartly incorporated into the book to provide more insight on animals, sights, famous people, and fun facts. 4Q, 4P.” —Shirley Yan, Teen Reviewer, VOYA

"This book, with lively writing, great research, and wonderful photographs, maps, and other graphics, deserves a much wider readership than its intended audience, and should find a place in libraries and classrooms everywhere." —San Francisco Book Review

"If Peabody's impassioned, vividly written chronicle of how Yellowstone became a national park does not make readers want to visit, nothing will....The dramatic, picturesque descriptions of the expedition read very much like an adventure story.... A lively, richly detailed account of exploration, conservation, and natural history." —Kirkus Reviews

"This thorough and insightful history of Yellowstone chronicles an 1871 scientific expedition to—and the eventual creation of—what would become the first U.S. National Park. Peabody, a former ranger who has worked at several national parks, explores how shifting views of nature—and support from the likes of Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and John Muir—contributed to the region’s preservation. Vivid descriptions, numerous sidebars, and color photographs highlight Yellowstone’s dramatic geological features, including hot springs, waterfalls, and canyons; in fact, when explorers wrote about the terrain they encountered, 'Yellowstone’s turquoise pools, mud puffs, and jetting geysers' helped earn it the nickname Wonderland, after Lewis Carroll’s recently published book. At its core, Peabody’s narrative explores how wilderness became an integral part of the American identity. Ages 12–up" —Publisher's Weekly

“This excellent title is recommended for any collection in need of quality creative nonfiction in the area of natural history.” —School Library Journal

“Peabody uses her own experiences as a park ranger to write with authority on the landforms and geothermal features that are hallmarks of Yellowstone, and the end matter includes a guide to the most unusual attractions. By emphasizing the uniqueness of Yellowstone through the eyes of men like Hayden, who experienced it in its rawest form, this is a call for conservation neatly packaged as a high-interest historical narrative.” —Booklist

“Perfect for students interested in exploration, adventure, and nature.” —VOYA

“Yellowstone National Park is beautifully portrayed as an historical, astounding, and simply magical place filled with natural wonders that proudly display America’s unique landscape. Written from an historical point of view, Peabody uses accounts from various adventurers and explorers to spin the tale of the exploration, establishment, and highlights of the awesome national park. Sidebars are snugly and smartly incorporated into the book to provide more insight on animals, sights, famous people, and fun facts. 4Q, 4P.” —Shirley Yan, Teen Reviewer, VOYA