I am Made of Mountains
This review was written by: Amanda Schmieder
About the Book
In I Am Made of Mountains, 16 national parks use their own voice to share what makes them special and differentiates them from all the others. Highlighting interesting facts and the diversity of the parks through lyrical prose, this book educates young readers⸺both orally and visually⸺about the offerings in national parks, while challenging them to think about what makes them and others unique.
I Am Made of Mountains is a fun and easy read that showcases a mix of the most popular parks (Yosemite, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains) and the lesser-known national parks (Congaree, Wind Cave, Cuyahoga).
Diversity is at the heart of this book. Written as a series of rhymes laced with the facts, this picture book highlights the differences in landscape and location of each park featured; diversity in the activities offered to park-goers; and, diversity in races and abilities of individuals exploring the parks.
Just when one thinks the book is coming to a close, more voices emerge. First, the author dives deeper into the creation of national parks, the people who inhabited the lands, and the parks today. Next, real, park-loving, children between the ages of 3 and 12 open up about what they’ve seen and loved about the national parks they have visited.
One of my favorite parts of I Am Made of Mountains is these three open-ended questions the author leaves readers to explore on their own:
- What are you made of?
- What places have helped make you you?
- How can we connect with each other to share and honor our differences?
Whether you’re interested in introducing your child to national parks or exploring the theme of diversity, I Am Made of Mountains is a great addition to your bookshelf.
About the Author
Alexandra Hinrichs is a middle school librarian and children’s book author. She published her first picture book in 2016, and has three new titles scheduled for releases in 2023. History, books and travel have been prominent themes in her life and professions which have included among other things, a historical researcher at American Girl, a children’s librarian and a children’s bookseller. Hinrich has a Master’s degree in United States History and Library & Information Studies and undergraduate degrees in History and French. Hinrich has called Massachusetts, France, Thailand, and now Maine, home.
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I am Made of Mountains
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I am Made of Mountains
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