The Big Marsh


Book Description

Under the corn and soybean fields of southern Minnesota lies the memory of vast, age-old wetlands, drained away over the last 130 years in the name of agricultural progress. But not everyone saw wetlands as wasteland. Before 1900, Freeborn County’s Big Marsh provided a wealth of resources for the neighboring communities. Families hunted its immense flocks of migrating waterfowl, fished its waters, trapped muskrats and mink, and harvested wood and medicinal plants. As farmland prices rose, however, the value of the land under the water became more attractive to people with capital. While residents fought bitterly, powerful outside investors overrode local opposition and found a way to drain 18,000 acres of wetland at public expense. Author Cheri Register stumbled upon her great-grandfather’s scathing critique of the draining and was intrigued. Following the clues he left, she uncovers the stories of life on the Big Marsh and of the “connivers” who plotted its end: the Minneapolis land developer, his local fixer, an Illinois banker, and the lovelorn local lawyer who did their footwork. The Big Marsh, an environmental history told from a personal point of view, shows the enduring value of wild places and the importance of the fight to preserve them, both then and now.







Overheard on a Saltmarsh


Book Description

A goblin is happily making salt-crystal "bling" for himself, until he spots the nymph's green glass beads and is overwhelmed by desire for them. He asks for the beads, he demands the beads, he whines and begs for the beads. But the nymph has her own purpose for the beads, using them to do her science-magic ... Marcia Santore's colorful pictures retell the story of Overheard on a Saltmarsh, introducing Harold Monro's beloved poem to a new generation of children, while raising an important question: Just because some guy asks you for something, does that mean you have to give it him? Children (and adults!) will identify with the envy and desire of the tantruming goblin on the one hand, and with the serious-minded work of the gentle but firm nymph. The book also provides an opportunity to talk with children about when sharing is important and when maintaining personal boundaries is important, as well as the difference between "want" and "need." And that sometimes the right answer is "No." Don't miss the salt crystal-making activity in the back!







Up from the Marsh


Book Description

These stories and poems, written by a woman in her eighties, look back over a long real and imagined life, and deal with big issues: redemption, family love, the haunting past, the bonds of friendship, the importance of what remains of life on earth, and the dignity of aging and dying. The stories are told with plain, clear style, a graceful narrative arc, a fitting climax, and a satisfying resolution. The poems are skillfully crafted, whether in free verse or formal, whether the mood be whimsical or somber, about the folly of progress, the wisdom of simplicity, nature, love lost, and the presence of the past.




The Eye of the Elephant


Book Description

An “exciting” true account of battling the elephant poachers of Zambia by the author of Where the Crawdads Sing and her fellow biologist (The Boston Globe). Intelligent, majestic, and loyal, with lifespans matching our own, elephants are among the greatest of the wonders gracing the African wilds. Yet, in the 1970s and 1980s, about a thousand of these captivating creatures were slaughtered in Zambia each year, killed for their valuable ivory tusks. When biologists Mark and Delia Owens, residing in Africa to study lions, found themselves in the middle of a poaching fray, they took the only side they morally could: that of the elephants. From the authors of Secrets of the Savanna, The Eye of the Elephant is “part adventure story, part wildlife tale,” recounting the Owens’s struggle to save these innocent animals from decimation, a journey not only to supply the natives with ways of supporting their villages, but also to cultivate support around the globe for the protection of elephants (The Boston Globe). Filled with daring exploits among disgruntled hunters, arduous labor on the African plains, and vivid depictions of various wildlife, this remarkable tale is at once an adventure story, a travelogue, a preservationist call to action, and a fascinating examination of both human and animal nature.




Mophead


Book Description

An inspirational graphic memoir of growing up Pasifika in New Zealand, written and illustrated by our fast-talking PI Poet Laureate, Selina Tusitala Marsh. At school, Selina is teased for her big, frizzy hair. Kids call her 'mophead'. She ties her hair up this way and that way and tries to fit in. Until one day - Sam Hunt plays a role - Selina gives up the game. She decides to let her hair out, to embrace her difference, to be WILD! Selina takes us through special moments in her extraordinary life. She becomes one of the first Pasifika women to hold a PhD. She reads for the Queen of England and Samoan royalty. She meets Barack Obama. And then she is named the New Zealand Poet Laureate. She picks up her special tokotoko, and notices something. It has wild hair coming out the end. It looks like a mop. A kid on the Waiheke ferry teases her about it. So she tells him a story . . . This is an inspirational graphic memoir, full of wry humour, that will appeal to young readers and adults alike. Illustrated with wit and verve by the author - NZ's bestselling Poet Laureate - Mophead tells the true story of a New Zealand woman realising how her difference can make a difference.




JOHN BUCHAN – Ultimate Collection: 28 Novels & 40+ Short Stories (Including Poems, War Writings, Essays, Biographies & Memoirs) - Illustrated


Book Description

John Buchan's Ultimate Collection offers a comprehensive look into the literary world of this esteemed author. Featuring 28 novels, over 40 short stories, poems, war writings, essays, biographies, and memoirs, this collection showcases Buchan's versatility and talent across various genres. His writing style is characterized by a keen attention to detail, a mastery of suspense, and a deep exploration of human nature. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, Buchan's works provide valuable insights into the social and political climate of his time. The vivid illustrations included in the collection further enhance the reading experience, bringing Buchan's words to life. Readers can expect to be captivated from start to finish by this diverse and engaging collection. John Buchan, a Scottish author and politician, drew inspiration from his own experiences and observations to craft his compelling narratives. His background in diplomacy and government service lends a unique perspective to his writing, adding an extra layer of depth and authenticity to his storytelling. Buchan's literary legacy continues to resonate with readers today, making this ultimate collection a must-have for fans of classic literature and historical fiction. With its rich array of works covering various themes and genres, this collection is sure to captivate readers of all interests and ages.




Georgian Poetry, 1911-1912


Book Description