John Muir Bibliography

Children's Books

Note: Items shown in boldface are believed to be available for purchase at the time this bibliography was last revised. No attempt has been made to include entries from encyclopedias or similar reference works.

Children's Books    

Albay, Diana T., et al., John Muir: Life and Journeys/Vida y Viajes (Earlimart, CA; Earlimart School District, 1990). Illustrated by Edward Campos, Jr.
This book was written by students in the 8th Grade Honors Science Class (Dr. Bruce K. Boaz, Science Teacher) at Earlimart Intermediate School, for students at Earlimart Elementary School. Notably, this paperback biography is bilingual, with both English and Spanish text. Chapters include "Early Years", "The 1,000 Mile Walk", "California", "Earthquake", "Stickeen", "More Adventures", and "The Sierra Club". Includes an excellent one page chronology listing events in Muir's life and specifying years, U.S. President, and notable contemporaneous historical events.

Anderson, Peter, John Muir: Wilderness Prophet (New York: Franklin Watts, A Division of Grolier Publishing 1995). A First Book. Color and black and white photographs, Bibliography, Index. 62 pp. Paperback: $5.95; Hardbound School and Library Binding: $19.90.
A nice biography for primary grade readers, with colorful illustrations (even black and white photos have color borders). The design qualities of this book are a definite plus.

Archer, Jules, To Save the Earth: The American Environmental Movement (Chapter on John Muir) (New York: Viking, 1998). Illustrated, lists environmental organizations you can join, bibliography, index, 198 pp.
This book for young people features lively biographies of four environmentalists: John Muir, Rachel Carson, David McTaggart, and Dave Foreman, wrapping up with a "Short History of the Environmental Movement," and concluding with a chapter on "The Fight to Save the Earth Today and Tomorrow." The chapter on John Muir begins with Muir's exciting adventure with Stickeen on a perilous glacier in Alaska, then continues to tell all of Muir's life in a very lively way. Does an outstanding job of explaining his role as a pioneer of the conservation movement and as the founder of our national park system. Other chapters cover Rachel Carson, the biologist who brought widespread visibility to the effects of pesticides and chemical wastes; David McTaggart, the organizer of Greenpeace, who introduced the tactic of nonviolent resistance into the struggle, while Dave Foreman, co-founder and former leader of the activist group Earth First!, shook up a movement that had grown complacent.

Armentrout, David and Patricia, John Muir (Vero Beach, FL: Rourke Publishing LLC, 2002) ("People who Made a Difference"). Available in hard back or paperback. 24 pages, Dimensions: 0.29 x 7.36 x 7.90 inches.
The publisher appropriately identifies this book as suitable for Grades 2-3, but Amazon.com (mistakenly) claims it is for grades 4-8. This book is designed with a full-page photo - either color or black-and-white - opposite each page of text. The historical photos and color shots of wild places are high-quality. In the simple, fact-focused text on each page, key words are in bold face, with the definition provided in the accompanying glossary. Also includes a very brief index, chronology, bibliography, and a link to the Sierra Club's history page for John Muir which now automatically redirects to the John Muir Exhibit.
A Spanish language version of this book from the series Personas Que Cambiaron La Historia is also available.

Byrnes, Patricia, Environmental Pioneers (Chapter on John Muir) (Minneapolis, Minn., the Oliver Press, Inc., 1998). Illustrated, includes Introduction, summary of America's Public Lands, Sources for Information, Bibliography, and Index. 160 pp.
Part of the publisher's "Profiles" series, this book features illustrated biographies of modern environmentalists; in addition to John Muir there are chapters on Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling; Rosalie Edge; Aldo Leopold; Olaus and Margaret Murie; Rachel Carson; David Brower; and Gaylord Nelson. The Chapter on John Muir is a good straight-forward account of his life, emphasizing his work preserving the wilderness.

Clark,Margaret Goff John Muir, Friend of Nature (Champaign, Illinois, Garard (Discovery Books), 1974). Illustrated by Cary.
A short, illustrated biography, suitable for third to fourth grades or read aloud to younger grades. 80 pg.

Cobblestone Magazine, "John Muir: Friend and Protector of Nature", in Cobblestone Magazine , August, 1989. Available from Cobblestone Publishing , 30 Grove St., Peterborough, NH 03458.
The theme of this special issue of the Children's history magazine is "The Environmental Movement". In addition to the story about Muir, other conservationists such as Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson are highlighted, along with photographs and a highly readable account of the growing environmental movement up to the present day. Includes student project ideas.

Cornell, Joseph John Muir: My Life with Nature (Nevada City: Dawn Publications, 2000) Illustrations by Elizabeth Ann Kelley and Christopher Canyon. Paper, $8.95, ISBN 1-58469-009-7, Ages 10-16, 72 pages, 34 photo/illustrations, includes "Further Reading" and credits, 6" x Ê9."
An unique "autobiography" of John Muir for children and adults, delivers John Muir to us through the "Sharing Nature" outdoor education philosophy. Author Joseph Cornell of Sharing Nature with Children fame explains, "To stay true to the spirt of Muir as clearly and fully as possible, I have told his story as if he were alive, using his own words and colorful expressions as often as possible. I have, however, simplified and condensed his words to make them more accessible to young readers." Cornell includes about ten journal-writing activities that assist in appreciating Nature through the inspiration of John Muir.
There is a book jacket summary and photo of book cover for this book.

Dines, Glen, John Muir (See & Read Biography) (New York: Putnam, 1974).
A short, illustrated biography for primary grade children. 64 pp.

Douglas, William O., Muir of the Mountains (San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1993). Illustrated by Daniel San Souci.183 pp. Hardcover.
A reprint of the 1961 classic children's biography of Muir by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, himself a noted mountaineer and conservationist. Ages 9 -12. New illustrations. Highly recommended.
Available for this book :
Book Jacket Summary
Excerpt: "John Muir's Public Service"

Dunham, Montrew, John Muir: Young Naturalist (Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merill Co., 1975; (New York: Aladdin Paperbacks (Simon and Schuster), 1998). Illustrated by Al Fiorentino.
This children's biography, part of a "Childhood of Famous Americans" series, is suitable for 3rd to 6th grades. Includes appendices entitled "When John Muir Lived" (other events in history during Muir's lifetime); "Do You Remember" (questions testing the reader's memory about Muir's life); "Its Fun to Look Up These Things" (leading questions about geography and conservation); "Interesting Things You Can Do"; "Other Books You May Enjoy"; and "Interesting Words in This Book".

Julie Dunlap & Marybeth Lorbiecki; Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth, John Muir and Stickeen: An Icy Adventure with a No-Good Dog (NorthWord Press, October, 2004).
Upcoming - See Publisher's Website

Force, Eden, John Muir (Englewood Cliffs: Silver Burdett Press, 1990). Part of "Pioneers in Change" series. Paperback, $7.95, 145 pp.
This new inexpensive children's biography, mostly text but with a number of historical photographs, is suitable for older elementary through junior high readers. Includes a chronology of Muir's life, a bibliography, and an index.

Graves, Charles, John Muir (New York: Thomas Crowell Co. 1973). Illustrated by Robert Levering.
This children's book, well-written with a modern theme of ecology, is especially suitable for second to fourth grade readers. Highly recommended.

Greene, Carol, John Muir: Man of the Wild Places (Chicago: Childrens Press, 1991). A Rookie Biography. 48 pp., illustrated, paperback, $4.95
Color and black-and-white photographs on literally every page enhance this simple biography suitable for grades 1-3. This book fills an important gap, providing an excellent biography of Muir's life for younger readers, for a very reasonable price. Large print. Includes chart of Important Dates and Index.

Grossman, Adrienne Moss and Beardwood, Valerie, Trails of His Own: The Story of John Muir & His Fight to Save our National Parks (New York: Longmans, Green & Co. 1961).
An imaginative biography of Muir, suitable for 6th to 8th graders. 206 pp.

Haines, Madge and Morrill, Leslie, John Muir: Protector of the Wilds (New York: Abingdon 1957). Illustrated by Avery Johnson.
This biography is suitable for fourth to sixth grade children. 128 pp..

Ito, Tom, The Importance of John Muir (San Diego, CA: Lucent Books 1996). Part of "The Importance Of... biography series. 109 pp.
Billed as "Quality Nonfiction for Libraries and Classrooms" this book differs from many children's biographies in that the quotations are all from original sources, and there is no fictionalized dialogue. Each chapter is sub-divided into sub-sections, with frequent excerpts directly form Muir's writing set off by attractive borders. Amply illustrated with photos and maps. Includes footnotes, bibliography, and index.

Kallen, Stuart A., Earth Keepers (Chapter on John Muir) (Edino, MN: Abdo & Daughters 1993). Part of the "Target Earth TM Earthmobile SM Environmental Science Library." Illustrated, hardbound, 47 pp.
A chapter on John Muir (nearly half the book) is included in this book which also describes the lives of environmentalists Rachel Carson and Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The book is severely marred by its full-page introductory picture definitely being someone else with a beard -- NOT John Muir! The text, however, is mostly accurate and serves as an useful introduction to Muir for young readers, within the context of environmentalism. Includes Glossary and Index.

Koehler-Pentacoff, Elizabeth, John Muir and Stickeen: An Alaskan Adventure Illustrated by Karl Swanson. (Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2003). 0.40 x 11.50 x 8.66; available in both hardbound and paperaback; 32 pages.
One of two illustrated children's books about Muir's exciting and dangerous adventure on a glacier with a brave and loyal dog. The author tells the story in the present tense, which may discomfit some: "Mountain streams crash upon boulders. Trees bend in the wind. John loves the excitement. He enjoys nature's fierce weather." Full-color illustrations by Karl Swansons are intended to highlight the hostility of the environment and the incredible courage of Muir and his canine companion. The acrylic and colored-pencil illustrations portray the Alaskan wilderness, whether forest or glacier, in an often indistinct, ghostly, lightly-tinted bluish-mauve texture, giving the effect of everything - especially Stickeen himself - being coated with hoarfrost. This approach emphasizes the rugged weather, but lacks naturalism. A one-page end note tells about Muir's life and contributions to wilderness preservation. For Grades K-3. For older grades, see Donell Rubay's book, Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog below.
For more information and to see a larger view of the cover:
Book Jacket Summary

Krensky, Stephen, Four Against the Odds: The Struggle to Save our Environment ( Chapter on John Muir) (New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1992). Illustrated, paperback, bibliography, index, 105 pp.
This book is about four people who realized the peril to our environment, and vowed to do something about it: John Muir, Rachel Carson, Lois Gibbs, and Chico Mendes. The John Muir chapter nicely tells the story of Muir's life and his campaign to preserve America's wilderness, including Yosemite National Park. Each chapter incorporates valuable historical context that clarifies the political and economic opposition each of these environmentalists faced. Although each of the four people covered in this book came from different times and backgrounds, each of them bravely acted to protect the environment in the face of great opposition by those with economic interests. Other Chapters cover Rachel Carson, the biologist who fought the chemical industry to tell them how pesticides were not only killing insects, but wildlife and people as well; Lois Gibbs, who battled bureaucracy and ignorance to help her neighbors in Love Canal, a neighborhood built on a toxic waste dump; and Chico Mendes, a rubber tapper in Brazil who was murdered because he fought to save the rainforest.

Lasky, Kathryn, John Muir: America's First Environmentalist (Candlewick Press, 2006) Illustrations by Stan Fellows; 48 pages, ages 4 to 8.
This richly illustrated picture book tells the story of John Muir (1838-1914). Kathryn Lasky writes that Muir "was drawn to the mountains as if by a magnetic force." Muir was drawn not only mountains, but to all of nature - the shores and moors of Scotland, the backwaters of Florida, the glacial bays of Alaska, the giant Sequoias of California, the Deodars of India, the Eucalyptus forests of Australia -- each was a wonder in his eyes, each a responsibility to protect and preserve. Lasky quotes liberally from Muir's journals.

Ledbetter, Cynthia E. and Richard C. Jones, John Muir (Vero Beach, FL: Rourke Publications, Inc., 1993). Rourke Biographies: Pioneers, 112 pp., 14 color & 16 b&w photographs, Index, Hardcover.
This children's book (Grades 5 & up) is less of a biography than a persuasive argument for environmental protection, using Muir's life as the inspiration. The first chapter describes Muir's environmental philosophy, and the story of his life does not begin until the second chapter. The final chapter, Muir's Legacy, describes modern environmental issues, highlighting those in which the Sierra Club is active. Unfortunately, the book and accompanying maps are marred by several geographical inaccuracies. Appendices include: Organizations, Time Line, Glossary, Bibliography, Media Resources

Locker, Thomas John Muir: America's Naturalist (Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing, 2003); 32 pages; 11 x 8.5 inches; full-color paintings; hardbound with dust jacket. Forward by Dr.Edgar Wayburn, Honorary President of the Sierra Club. Includes two pages of quotations from John Muir.
This is the first true "picture book" focusing on John Muir. Fifteen full page landscapes are featured, each depicting Muir in the context of wilderness. One image shows Muir writing at his study desk, the rest show him as an usually small figure in a glorious natural landscape. Like many children's picture books, adults will enjoy the high-quality paintings and accompanying text as well. Each painting is accompanied by two or three sentences in simple language about milestones in Muir's life, placed on a color background matching the painting on the right. Also, on the bottom right of each text page, there is a short John Muir quotation.
Also available as a companion to this book from the same publisher: Teacher's Guide to Thomas Locker's John Muir: America's Naturalist, by Joan Franklin Smutny, 8.5 x 11, Grades 4-8, Blackline Masters, tie-in to national standards, language arts exercises, 22 pages, $9.95, ISBN 1-55591-492-6. The teacher's guide primarily focuses on questions and activities to stimulate ideas for daily nature journal entires. The questions encourage students to write not only from Locker's paintings, but from their own experience in the outdoors. A second part offers ideas for student essays, poetry, short stories, and biographies and autobiographies. One page includes some ideas for science, but assumes the teacher independently has the science information needed for the exercise.

Mara, Wil, John Muir (Children's Press, A division of Scholastic, Inc., 2002). ("Rookie Biographies") Available in School and Library binding or Paperback: 32 pages; Dimensions: 0.08 x 7.06 x 6.08 inches.
A very easy-to-read book suitable for grades 1-2. The book design consists of a photo on one page, with a single-sentence text on the opposing page. The photos include high-quality color and black-and-white historical photographs. The text briefly tells the story of Muir's life, including formation of the Sierra Club. Some of the longer words, like "naturalist" and "Roosevelt" include a pronunciation key. An unique substitute for a glossary at the back of the book is a section entiteld "Words You know" accompanied by smaller versions of the photos used in the main body. Includes a brief index, a two-line "About the author" and photo credits.

Maruca, Mary, A Kid's Guide to Exploring John Muir National Historic Site (Tucson, AZ, Western National Parks Association, 2000). 14 pp., illustrated, paperback, $3.95. Available from John Muir National Historic Site Bookstore.
Multiple color photographs and graphics on each page enhance this beautiful little booklet. Despite the book's title, the book is primarily a very brief biography about John Muir, with just the last one-third emphasizing his fruit ranch home in Martinez. The author and designers did a great job of making Muir a friendly, human person of interest to kids. Highly recommended.

Maynard, Charles, John Muir: Naturalist and Explorer (New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc., 2003) 24 pp., hardbound, illustrated, Timeline, Glossary, Index, Primary sources, Web Sites.
For K-3 readers, this is one of the most visually stunning of all children's biographies of Muir. The layout is artistic and imaginative, with each page displayed with an attractive circling gold-leaf ribbon. Many sketches, letters, and maps as well as photographs are included, arranged in a "scrapbook" like fashion. Notable are some of Muir's own sketches, including a color sketch of his "early-rising machine" nowhere else available in print. Good coverage of most of most Muir's life, but the book shares a common weakness with many juvenile biographies in completing omitting Muir's epic, but losing battle, to save Hetch Hetchy Valley from being flooded. It also makes a mistake in the last chapter on "Muir's Legacy" by incorrectly stating that Earth Day is observed on April 21, Muir's birthday, when Earth Day is actually observed on April 22. For the "Websites" feature, the publisher indicates that due to the changing nature of Internet links, they have developed an online list of Web sites related to the subject of this book. Ironically, as of this writing (August, 2003) the link provided is not working: http://www.powerkidslinks.com/feaw/muir/

McCully, Emily Arnold, Squirrel and John Muir (New York: Farrar, Strauss & Giroux, 2004) 40 pages; Size: 8 1/2 x 11 1/2. Full-color pictures throughout; Author's note, bibliography; for ages 4-8).
This nice picture book imagines Muir through they eyes of a young girl, Florence (Floy) Hutchings, nicknamed Squirrel due to her wild tomboyish ways. Based on historical fact, 7 or 8 year-old Floy met 30-year old Muir when he became a hired hand at her father's Yosemite Valley tourist hotel. Author and illustrator McCully creatively imagines Muir and Squirrel taking hikes and studying rocks, plants, insects, and birds together. Large watercolor paintings throughout the book vividly capture the beauty of Yosemite. Blending colorful art-work, natural history, and a moving personal relationship, this is a wonderful book for young readers. An author's note at the end explains how this fictionalized retelling of an actual relationship is based on the true character of the famous Scotttish naturalist. Both his gentle personality and steely determination to see his beliefs recognized by his peers come through clearly. The note also tells what eventualy happened to the real Florence Hutchings, who was determined to never grow up "if it meant being a lady." McCully doesn't mention it, but, intriguingly, this is not the first time Florence Hutchings has been depicted in fiction: In ThérèseYelverton's 1872 novel, Zanita: A Tale of the Yo-Semite, the character of Zanita is only a thin disguise for Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Hutchings' young daughter Florence (Floy).
A book jacket summary is available.

Naden, Corrinne J. and Blue, Rose, John Muir: Saving the Wilderness (Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press, 1992). (Distributed by Houghton Mifflin) A Gateway Biography, 48 pp., illustrated, paperback, $4.95.
This well illustrated biography is suitable for the late primary grades. Excellent choice of modern and historical photographs, except for one mistakenly identifying a much larger reservoir as Hetch Hetchy. Includes "Important Dates" in Muir's life, bibliography, and index. The bibliography emphasizes not history but current conservation issues.

Norman, Charles, John Muir, Father of our National Parks (New York: Messmer 1957).
Although currently out of print, still widely available in many libraries; this biography is suitable for junior high to adult readers.

Rubay, Donnell, Stickeen : John Muir and the Brave Little Dog (Sharing Nature With Children Book) (Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 1998). Illustrated by Christopher Canyon. $16.95 hardcover; $7.95 paperback - U.S.; $24.50 hardcover; $11.50 paperback - Canada
A wonderful "picture book" with outstanding, full-size, full-color illustrations of John Muir's famous story of Stickeen. Although recommended for children ages 4 to 12, adults will appreciate the beautiful illustrations. Donnell Rubay greatly simplifies and shortens Muir's story for young readers, yet retains many direct passages from Muir's original work and the essence of his exciting story. For more information and to see the cover:
Book Jacket Summary
Publisher's Press Release

Silverberg, Robert, John Muir: Prophet Among the Glaciers (New York: Putnam, 1972).
Part of the publishers "Lives to Remember" series, this modern biography is suitable for 6th to 8th grade students. 255 pp..

Stanley, Phyllis M., American Environmental Heroes (Springfield, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc, 1996). Illustrated, with index, 128 pp.
This well-designed, illustrated book features ten environmental heroes from the past and present - both 19th century and 20th century figures. John Muir is covered in chapter 2 as the Sierra Club Founder. Other environmental heroes included are: Henry David Thoreau, Ellen Swallow Richards, George Washington Carver, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson, David Brower, Barry Commoneer, Sylvia Earle, and Frances Moore Lappé. For grades 6 - 9.

Swift, Hildegarde Hoyt, From the Eagle's Wing: A biography of John Muir . (New York: William Morrow & Co., 1962). Illustrated by Lynd Ward.
An excellent biography for older elementary and junior high to high school readers. Highly recommended.

Talmadge, Katherine S., John Muir: At Home in the Wild (New York: 21st Century Books, Henry Holt & Co., 1993). Illustrated by Antonio Castro. Hardcover, 80 pp.
Suitable for grades 3-5, this new biography is a good introduction to Muir, emphasizing his accomplishments as a conservationist. Part of the publishers "Earth Keepers" series which portrays many noted historical and contemporary environmentalists, it includes numerous black & white sketches, a glossary and an index.

Tolan, Sally, John Muir: Naturalist, Writer, and Guardian of the North American Wilderness (Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Children's Books, 1990). Part of "People Who Have Helped the World" series. Hardcover, $12.95, 68 pages.
An excellent new biography for the 90's for fifth and sixth grade readers. Illustrations and a creative design greatly enhance this book, with color and black and white photographs, charts, and maps; also including quotations by and about Muir and conservation philosophy. Does an excellent job of relating Muir's life and work to contemporary environmental issues and concerns. Includes addresses for further information, a short bibliography, a glossary, a chronology of Muir's life, and a one-page index. Suitable for either home or classroom use.

Topp, Patricia, Call Him Father Nature: The Story of John Muir (Nevada City, CA, Blue Dolphin Publishing, 2001) Paperback, Illus., 97 pages, Dimensions: 0.32 x 8.48 x 5.56 inches.
For ages 8-12, this book is simple, entertaining and well-written. The text emphasizes the young John Muir, and ends about 1880 when Muir was age 42, except for a brief epilgue about his achievements. Except for two photos of Muir, the illustrations are clip-art. This book's lack of coverage of the Hetch Hetchy battle is a major weakness. Otherwise, it is a readable book for this age group. Also includes two outline maps of California and Alaska showing Muir's travels.

Wadsworth, Ginger, John Muir: Wilderness Protector (Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Co., 1992). Hardcover, $15.95, 144 pages.
Superb modern biography of Muir, with emphasis on his conservation efforts. Grades 5 and up. Contains extensive photographs, many never before published. Includes index, quotation sources, historical map of Muir's Yosemite, and bibliography. A thorough and readable juvenile biography.

Warrick, Karen Clemens, John Muir: Crusader for the Wilderness (Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2002).
128 pages, Illus., black and white photos, Chronology, Chapter Notes, glossary, Further Reading and Internet Addresses, Index.
A thorough and entertaining modern biography of Muir, covering his entire life. For Grades 5 to 10. A thorough and readable juvenile biography. Although there are quite a few photos, few are of Muir himself, except for the front cover image used as a frontispiece.
Includes URL for the John Muir Exhibit as one of four Internet addresses.

Weitzman, David, The Mountain Man and the President (New York: Steck- Vaughn Co., 1993). Illustrated by Charles Shaw, Paperback, $4.95, (also available in hardcover), 40 pages.
This short story-book for elementary school readers focuses on the 1903 Yosemite camping trip shared by John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt. The book is excellent in explaining how this historical event relates to the importance of wilderness in our lives today, and the continuing need to protect wilderness for the future.

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