Earth Heroes: Champions of the Wilderness

REVIEWED BY: Wayne S. Walker, reviewer with Stories for Children Magazine Who do you think can be considered a hero or a champion? In Earth Heroes: Champions of the Wilderness, authors Bruce and Carol L. Malnor introduce us to eight "Earth heroes" who have done things to preserve the environment and are thus "champions of the wilderness" because they have protected wild places around the world. Some of the names will be fairly familiar, such as Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, and Theodore Roosevelt. But you may not recognize others like Richard St. Barbe Baker, Margaret Murie, and Wangari Maathai. We often think of Teddy Roosevelt charging up San Juan Hill as a Rough Rider or speaking softly but carrying a big stick as President. But did you know that as child he was "sickly and delicate" due to asthma and that he "was home-schooled by tutors"? Everyone undoubtedly recognizes the need for young people today to be concerned about protecting the environment. One great way to accomplish this goal is by looking at the real-life examples of others who did what they could to help the causes of conservation and preservation. The eight biographical sketches in this book are fascinating reading, as they first focus on the childhood events and early experiences that shaped the subjects' lives and influenced them to care about the environment and then describe the lasting contributions that they made. The black-and-white illustrations by Anisa Claire Hovemann that are based on careful research are a perfect complement to the highly readable text. There are also several photographs, and each entry has a page of fast facts and a timeline of important events to give perspective. In addition, the back of the book contains some suggested activities and additional resources for further study. Future Earth Heroes volumes will include Champions of the Oceans and Champions of Wildlife. Children and adults who are already conscious about environmentalism will certainly enjoy this book, as I did, but everyone should read it because all of us need to be more concerned about what happens to the planet on which we live. I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Sara McGinn (age 9) for Reader Views (7/09) Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, Aldo Leopold, Richard St. Barbe Baker, Margaret Murie, David Suzuki and Wangari Maathai. These are eight people who protected what they loved. Forests are saved from losing millions of trees, a village in Kenya becomes peaceful, and books are written about the environment. David Suzuki's twelve-year-old daughter, Severn, shows a kid that no matter how old or how young you are anything is possible. "Champions of the Wilderness" brings us fascinating stories of childhood experiences that shaped how these individuals look upon nature. This book is inspiring as well as infuriating. It made me think more about the environment but there are only two girls mentioned in it! I am an eco-friendly girl who would like to read more about important things that other girls have done. The illustrations in this book are phenomenal! They are so detailed they come alive. I learned about a lot of people and more about Theodore Roosevelt. I also learned not to give up on what you really want, because you just might inspire others. Carol and Bruce Malnor have really impressed me with "Champions of the Wilderness" and I hope they continue inspiring kids with their books.