John Muir: My Life with Nature

Reach for this book when your child expresses a restless desire for exploration or shows a deep, sensitive empathy for animals and the natural world. It is the perfect companion for a child who feels most at home outdoors or for those navigating the transition from childhood play to finding a personal sense of purpose. This firsthand narrative provides a gentle yet adventurous bridge between historical biography and environmental philosophy. The book follows John Muir's journey from a nature-loving boy in Scotland to the influential protector of America's wilderness. Through Muir's own simplified words, readers experience his awe of the Sierra Nevada mountains and his harrowing survival stories, including a famous glacier crossing with a small dog named Stickeen. It celebrates the emotional themes of wonder, resilience, and the idea that one person's passion can change how a nation views its treasures. It is highly appropriate for mid-to-upper elementary readers who are ready for slightly more complex vocabulary but still enjoy short, manageable chapters.