Legends of Landforms: Native American Lore and the Geology of the Land

by Carole G. Vogel

Exploding volcanoes, earth-rattling quakes, mammoth floods, as well as a myriad of other geological and meteorological events have shaped the landscapes of North America. Long ago native Americans attributed these events to fearsome dragons, bloodthirsty serpents, helpful giants, and other spirit beings with earth-sculpting capabilities. These interpretations were passed on in the form of legends. This book retells some of these legends and also provides dynamic scientific explanations of earth-shaping forces. Together, the legends and science contribute to the enjoyment and appreciation of landforms more than either kind of account could on its own.

This book was made possible, in part, by the assistance of the Anna Cross Giblin Nonfiction Work-in-Progress Grant given to Carole G. Vogel by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

 

Accolades:

• Selected as a Society of School Librarians International (SSLI) 2001 Honor Book
  
• Selected as a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People for 2000 by the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children’s Book Council, and distinguished as a “Selector’s Choice”
  
• Placed on the Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List for 2000-2001
  
• Named a Storytelling World Awards 2000 Honor Title
  
• Two chapters to be reprinted in 4th and 5th grade social studies textbooks to be published by McGraw-Hill in 2003

 

 

• Published by Millbrook Press, 1999
• 96 pages
• Grades 4-9
• ISBN 0-7613-0272-7
• hand-painted photographs
• map