American Indian Games  •  Jay Miller CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1997 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A look at traditional games played by Native American children for elementary school children, featuring color photographs. (SWU28, $6.95)
The Ancient Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde  •  Caroline Arnold  •  Richard Hewett ARCHAEOLOGY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Caroline Arnold recaps what we know about the Anasazi -- and what we don't know -- in this informative reference for kids. Color photographs depict archaeologists at work in the Four Corners region and some of the artifacts they've unearthed. Ages 9-12. (SWU105, $7.95)
Born to Be a Cowgirl  •  Candace Savage HISTORY •  2001 •  PAPER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A lively tale of unsung wranglers, cattle drivers and rodeo queens, illustrated with archival photographs. For this engaging, well-illustrated history of women of the Old West, Savage brings together dozens of archival photographs and drawings, interviews, journals and newspaper accounts. Ages 9 to 12. (USW412, $10.95)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon  •  Marguerite Henry  •  Wesley Dennis LITERATURE •  1991 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Originally published in 1953, this classic is based on the real-life adventures of a much-adored burro who lived at the Grand Canyon from around 1892 to 1922. This tale of murder captures the scenery of the Grand Canyon through the adventures of Brighty, who touched the lives of all those he met -- including Teddy Roosevelt. Written for readers ages 9-12. (USW330, $5.99)
The Butterfly Dance  •  Gerald Dawavendawa LITERATURE •  2001 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) To bring rain to the parched land of the Southwest, a young Hopi girl and her family, part of the "Rabbit Clan," perform the "Butterfly Dance." This tale, which depicts the characters as animals in wonderful illustrations, is geared for young readers ages 4-8. (SWU25, $14.95)
Chaco Canyon  •  Margaret Anderson ARCHAEOLOGY •  2002 •   • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This nicely illustrated account in the Digging Into the Past series introduces middle schoolers to Chaco Canyon and its archaeology. The book includes sidebars on archaeological techniques, timelines, related sites, photographs and illustrations of the sites and artifacts, along with an interview with archaeologist Gwinn Vivian who grew up in the canyon. 34 color maps & 14 black-and-white illustrations. (SWU118, $23.95)
Chaco Culture National Park, A True Book  •  David Petersen ARCHAEOLOGY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A nicely illusrtated fact book for kids ages 7-9 with color photographs. (SWU116, $6.95)
Children of Clay, A Family of Pueblo Potters  •  Rina Swentzell  •  Bill Steen CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1993 •  PAPER  • 40 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A Pueblo family finds, prepares and shapes clay, in this photo-essay on pottery traditions. Part of the "We Are Still Here" series for children 9-12. (SWU24, $6.95)
Cowboy Stories  •  Barr Moser LITERATURE •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 181 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Twenty action-packed tales of cattle drives, gunfights, ranching, and survival for teens. With excerpts from classic novels (Shane, The Virginian), new short fiction, stories from real-life cowboys, and bold black-and-white illustrations. (USW533, $16.95)
The Cowgirl Aunt of Harriet Bean  •  Alexander McCall Smith  •  Laura Rankin MYSTERY •  2006 •  HARD COVER  • 80 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Nine-year-old sleuth Harriet Bean sets off to solve the mystery of her missing-in-action Wild West aunt Formica, in this book for ages 4 to 8 by the author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. (USW477, $9.95)
The Desert is Theirs  •  Byrd Baylor  •  Peter Parnall LITERATURE •  1987 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) In his descriptive text, Byrd Baylor conjures the desert and its residents, both human and animal. With evocative watercolor illustrations by Peter Parnall. A Caldecott Honor Book. (SWU106, $7.99)
Digging Into Southwest Archaeology  •  Susan E. Goodman  •  Michael Doolittle ARCHAEOLOGY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Lucky kids. This book documents a week-long 8th grade field trip to Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, where the class digs and learns about the environment and the Pueblo people. With color photographs thoughout. This is Ultimate field Trip 2 in a series, excellent for a family trip to Mesa Verde or other sites in the Southwest. (SWU114, $14.99)
DK Guide to Dinosaurs  •  David Lambert NATURAL HISTORY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A colorful, oversize survey of dinosaurs and their world for ages nine and up, featuring striking 3-D models of dozens of species. The extensive accompanying text is by popular science writer David Lambert. With chapters on dinosaur ecology, evolution and behavior. (GEN243, $19.99)
Downriver  •  Will Hobbs LITERATURE •  1996 •  PAPER  • 204 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Ditching an outdoor survival program for troubled youth, eight teens embark on an unsupervised journey along the Colorado river and through the Grand Canyon. Full of mishaps and near disasters, this fast-paced story is written for readers 12 and up. (USW328, $6.99)
Exploring the Grand Canyon, Adventures of Yesterday and Today.  •  Lynne Foster NATURAL HISTORY •  1990 •  PAPER  • 150 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A vivid overview of the geology, history and wildlife of the Grand Canyon, for readers ages 9-12. The winner of an Award of Excellence from the National Park Service. Illustrated with photos and drawings, it also contains several activities such as Canyon crossword puzzles and "Fold a Raven" origami. (SWU03, $15.95)
Feathered Dinosaurs  •  Christopher Sloan  •  Philip J. Currie SCIENCE •  2000 •  HARD COVER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) It is now a commonly accepted notion that birds evolved from dinosaurs, but that wasn't always the case. This wonderfully illustrated book, designed for middle schoolers and published by National Geographic, takes a look at some recently discovered fossils that confirm what some scientists have thought for years -- that some dinosaurs had feathers! (SCI59, $17.95)
Here Is the Southwestern Desert  •  Anne Coe  •  Madeleine Dunphy FIELD GUIDE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A poem celebrating the biodiversity of the Sonoran desert and the intricate relationships between living things. Accompanied by lovely paintings of its flora and fauna. Part of Dunphy's Web of Life series of illustrated ecosystems for ages 4-8. (SWU252, $9.95)
The Higher Power of Lucky  •  Susan Patron LITERATURE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) The orphaned 10-year-old Lucky and her dog, HMS Beagle, make their way in Hard Pan, California (population 43) in this 2007 Newbery Medal-winning novel for ages 9-12. Among the pleasures of this intricate novel (with winning small town characters) is the desert southwest setting. (FRN737, $16.95)
How We Crossed the West  •  Rosalyn Schanzer EXPLORATION •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Published by the National Geographic Society, this book brings the U.S. Exploring Expedition to life for young readers (ages 6-10). It includes excerpts from the journals of Lewis and Clark as well as lively, light-hearted color illustrations, depicting the explorers, and the people, wildlife and landscapes they encountered. (PNW40, $18.00)
In Search of the Grand Canyon  •  Mary Ann Fraser EXPLORATION •  1997 •  PAPER  • 80 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An account of John Wesley Powell's expedition down the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon in 1869, written for readers ages 9-12. With drawings and photographs. (USW329, $9.95)
Keepers of the Earth, Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children  •  Michael J. Caduto  •  Joseph Bruchac  •  John Kahionhes Fadden CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1999 •  PAPER  • 240 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) An activity book and introduction to the relationship between Native American culture and the environment, written for elementary school children. (USA33, $21.95)
Kinaalda, A Navajo Girl Grows Up  •  Monty Roessel CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1993 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This children's book follows Celinda McKelvey, a 13-year-old Navajo girl, as she performs and celebrates Kinaalda, a traditional Navajo rite-of-passage ceremony. Clear color photographs and an informed text (the author is a Navajo), make this a helpful window in to the traditions of Native Americans and how they are practiced today, for middle school children. (SWU23, $6.95)
The Magic of Spider Woman  •  Lois Duncan  •  Shonto Begay LITERATURE •  2000 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A Navajo legend about weaving and moderation, illustrated and retold for children ages 4-8. In this legend Spider Woman, the world's first weaver, passes her knowledge on to a human, who weaves a beautiful blanket from the fibers of her own soul. (SWU97, $5.99)
Meet the Wild Southwest: Land of Hoodoos and Gila Monsters  •  Susan J. Tweit  •  Joyce Bergen NATURAL HISTORY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 124 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A lively compendium of facts and trivia on the plants, animals, birds and bugs of the Southwest, for readers 9-12. It includes appendices of wildlife checklists, a list of the region's museums, cultural centers and other interesting places, and a glossary. (SWU06, $14.95)
National Geographic Dinosaurs  •  Paul Barrett SCIENCE •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 192 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An illustrated, encyclopedic reference to dinosaurs, designed for children 9-12. Along with detailed profiles of 50 species, it includes an introduction to paleontology, an overview of behavior, and enough color illustrations to satisfy any young dinosaur enthusiast. (SCI60, $29.95)
Navajo Long Walk, The Tragic Story of a Proud People's Forced March from Their Homeland  •  Shonto Begay  •  Joseph Bruchac HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A shameful chapter of American policy, the Navajos' forced relocation in the 1860s, is introduced to a new generation of readers in this handsomely illustrated history. Told from the Navajos' perspective, Bruchac recalls the treacherous 470-mile march to a desolate reservation in New Mexico in this oversized picture book for older readers. Bruchac also studies the events leading up to this relocation and its impact. The story comes to life with the acryilic paintings of Shonto Begay. Ages 9-12. (SWU131, $18.95)
Old Father Story Teller  •  Pablita Velarde LITERATURE •  1994 •  PAPER  • 54 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A collection of six Tewa Indian legends from a famous Native American artist, written down and illustrated for very young children. (USW317, $24.95)
Prairie Grasslands  •  Wayne Lynch NATURAL HISTORY •  2006 •  PAPER  • 64 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Through personal anecdote, fact-filled passages, and magnificent full-color photographs, celebrated author and photographer Lynch brings to life the countless wonders of prairie grasslands. Lynch examines the ecology of prairie grasslands, discussing the climate, animals, and plant growth of wetlands, badlands, river valleys, and rolling prairies. (GEN481, $8.95)
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird  •  Phillip Hoose NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 208 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An engaging and well-researched history of the ivory-billed woodpecker, and the struggles surrounding its survival. It's a suspenseful and entertaining book about modern conservation and environmental issues for middle-school readers, featuring John James Audubon and others. The bird, only recently rediscovered, once ranged across the southeastern United States. With black-and-white photographs throughout. (BRD30, $21.00)
The Ranger's Guide to the Grand Canyon, Insider Advice from Ranger Jack  •  Susan Frank GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 220 PAGES • FAMILY Ranger Jack answers the 100 most common questions for visiting the Grand Canyon National Park in this fun guide, including photographs, cartoon illustrations and excellent tips. (SWU244, $16.95)
Sing Down the Moon  •  Scott O'Dell LITERATURE •  1998 •  PAPER  • 137 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A historical novel about the forced migration of the Navajos from their homeland in Arizona to Fort Summer, New Mexico in the mid-1800s. The story is told through the experiences of 14-year-old Bright Morning and her friend Running Bird, who are captured from Canyon de Chelly by Spanish slavers. For readers ages 9-12, this book received the Newbery Honor Award. (USW162, $6.50)
Songs from the Loom, A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave  •  Monty Roessel CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1995 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An introduction to Navajo weaving for children 9-12 and presented in the form of a photographic essay depicting the author's daughter learning the traditions of her ancestors. Part of the "We Are Still Here" series, this book also draws heavily from Navajo folklore. (SWU22, $6.95)
Turtle Dream, Collected Stories from the Hopi, Navajo, Pueblo, and Havasupai People  •  Gerald Hausman  •  Sid Hausman LITERATURE •  1991 •  PAPER  • 112 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A collection of five stories, each depicting a young Native American's link to both the physical and spiritual worlds. For readers ages 12 and up. (USW161, $11.95)
Wagons Westward, The Old Trail to Santa Fe  •  Armstrong Sperry LITERATURE •  2001 •  PAPER  • 224 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Sperry's classic, Newbery Award-winning novel depicts the Western settler's movement through the eyes of 15-year-old Jonathan Starbuck, who leaves Independence, Missouri with a wagon train heading to Santa Fe. Enlivened by a dozen of the author's own full-page illutrations and smaller drawings throughout. (SWU259, $14.95)
Walker of Time  •  Helen Hughes Vick LITERATURE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 205 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Two Hopi teens travel back 750 years to their ancestral home, visiting the world of the Sinagua people. They discover that the Sinagua are threatened by drought and illness, and are in need of a leader to the fertile mesa of the Hopi. It's a well researched adventure, sensitively presenting the Hopi and Sinagua cultures. For young adults, ages 12-16. This is the second book in the second book in the series Walker's Journey Home. The third volume is Tag Against Time. (USW160, $13.95)
What Makes the Grand Canyon Grand? The World's Most Awe-Inspiring Natural Wonders  •  Spencer Christian  •  Antonia Felix NATURAL HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 116 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An entertaining grand tour of seven natural wonders of the world, for young scientists ages 9-12. Popular weather forecaster Spencer Christian explains the scientific principles behind the famous Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, Carlsbad Caverns, Giant Redwoods, Paricutin Volcano and the Nile River. With maps, illustrations and hands-on activities. Parents, get ready to be peppered with fascinating facts. (SWU05, $12.95)
When Clay Sings  •  Bird Baylor LITERATURE •  1987 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Bird Baylor's book, first published in 1972, endures as a remarkable evocation of the southwestern landscape and its ancient inhabitants. Tom Bahti illustrated; ages 4-8. (SWU103, $6.99)