A Civil War Drummer Boy: The Diary of William Bircher 1861-1865

This book includes exceprts from the diary of William Bircher, a fifteen year old Minnesotan who was a drummer with the Second Minnesota Regiment in the Civil War. Some of the major battles that he participated in include Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Sherman's March to Atlanta. The diary is supplemented with sidebars providing background information, suggested activities, and other resources.

Tell Me What We Did Today

With this simple statement, a father and daughter take time to talk about the activities (real and make-believe) that they've done that day. Written by Rick Kupchella, illustrated by Warren Hanson, this a a fun story to share with a young child.

A Home in a New Land

This book for independent readers, tells the story of Carl Erik and his family who have just moved to Minnesota from Sweden. His father files a homestead claim, and shortly thereafter, goes to work in a logging camp to raise money for supplies to build the family's cabin. Now Carl Erik must be the man of the house, and he learns a valuable lesson about sharing when an unexpected visitor arrives one day. Written by Joan Sandin, this provides a glimpse of pioneer life in Minnesota, for early readers.

The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song of the Bell

As the weather gets colder this time of year, and we hear the first winter storm warnings, I am often reminded of the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald. This book, beautifully created by Kathy-jo Wargin and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen tells the tragic story of the ore-laden ship that sank suddenly in 1975 in Lake Superior during a early winter storm. The oil paintings, in particular, capture the drama of this tragedy.

Horns and Wrinkles

Part of the Mississippi River near Blue Wing, Minnesota is under a spell. River trolls and rock trolls are wreaking havoc everywhere. Only twelve year old Claire dares to tackle this problem and try to get to the bottom of things. This is a fast-paced tale of fantasy and humor with a local setting (don't miss the directions to Blue Wing at the end), written by Minnesotan Joseph Helgerson and illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli, this may become the latest addition to Minnesota folklore.

Tracks in the Wild

Another beautifully illustrated book; written and illustrated by Betsy Bowen, this won the Minnesota Book Award in 1994. In this book, Bowen focuses on animals found in the northwoods. She provides basic facts, observations and insights about 13 animals that live near her home. Altogether, it is a handsome book and an excellent addition for a unit on Minnesota animals.

The Great Wolf and the Good Woodsman

The classic story by Helen Hoover has new woodcut illustrations by Betsy Bowen. Although he has a reputation as a creature to be feared; in this story a wolf summons help for an injured woodsman who has always provided food for the forest animals. The wolf was rewarded for his kindness, and ever since if you listen closely at Christmas, you will hear the howling wolf call "Nooooo-ellllll! in memory of the Great Wolf and the Good Woodsman.