John Muir Wrestles a Waterfall

TUMBLING, RUMBLING, TWISTING, MISTING, FOAMING, THUNDERING waterfall.

Conservationist and naturalist John Muir steps outside his cabin in California’s Yosemite Valley on a moonlit April night in 1871. Admiring the beauty of the nearby upper Yosemite Falls, he moves closer and closer to the waterfall until he reaches Fern Ledge. A gust of wind lifts the water away from the rock and John scoots behind the fall, with the rumbling of the powerful water pounding in his chest. Suddenly the wind stops and John finds himself pinned against the mountain. How will he escape the pounding, thundering hold that the water has on him?

Jamie Hogan’s beautiful pastel pencil illustrations capture the tranquility and majesty of John Muir’s surroundings in Yosemite Valley. Secondary text provides more detail on Muir's life. Information about Muir and the Yosemite Valley, a list for further reading, a bibliography, and an archival photo of Muir are included as backmatter.

After graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Julie Danneberg became a teacher. In her classroom, she read many children's books and witnessed the profound impact a good book can have on a child. "I was motivated to try and write books like the ones I enjoy reading." Julie earned great success with First Day Jitter—the funny and engaging story of Sarah Jane Hartwell's first day at a new school. The surprise ending charms and delights readers time and again. Teachers and students love the Sarah Jane Hartwell books, which are perennial school time favorites. Julie lives with her husband and two children in Denver. She teaches at a local middle school where she garners ideas for her books. When she's not writing, Julie enjoys reading, quilting, gardening, and spending time with her family.