Four to the Pole

Ann Bancroft has become famous in Minnesota and around the world for her work as an explorer of the North and South pole regions. This book tells the story of the American Women's Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1992-1993. Ann led an expedition of four women in an effort to traverse the continent on skis. The effort fell short, but became the first overland expedition to reach the Pole by women. Told in diary excerpts, letters, radio dispatches, as well as narrative by author Nancy Loewen, it was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2002. Now we just have to wait for the book about the 2001 expedition with Liv Arnesen where Ann did complete a trip across the continent.

Sam Who Was Swallowed By a Shark

Sam is a river rat who dreams of the sea. His practical neighbors remind him that he should be tending his garden and mending his fence. But Sam wants to go to sea, so he builds a seaworthy boat and sails away. While his neighbors worry about what happened to him, Sam happily sails across the "wild green waves". Written by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1995.

My Many Colored Days

It's amazing, a Dr. Seuss book with a Minnesota connection! Indeed, the illustrations for this book were done by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. This simple rhyming story describes each day in terms of a particular color, which is also associated with a specific emotion. This was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1997.

Runt; A Novel

Runt is the smallest in a litter of wolves born in northern Minnesota. The pups join their father, mother, two yearlings, and an adult male named Bider, who has been forced out of another pack. Each littermate seems to have a destined role, except for Runt. Although he tries hard to keep up with his brothers and sisters, he also frequently makes mistakes that get him into trouble. This story could be used as a companion to Julie of the Wolves, or as part of a science or animal unit on wolves. It won the Maud Hart Lovelace award in 2006.

Little Crow: Leader of the Dakota

This is a biography of Little Crow, the Dakota leader in early Minnesota history, who watched his way of life disappear as white people settled on the land; who negotiated treaties with the U.S. Government; and who eventually led an uprising in 1862 in which many settlers were killed. Thoroughly researched and documented, this book by Gwenyth Swain, is a useful resource for Minnesota history classes.

Humble Pie

Set in medieval times, this story introduces readers to Theo, a completely spoiled rotten, lazy, selfish little boy. Finally one day, when Theo has eaten his baby brother's birthday cake, his grandmother bakes a huge humble pie, and with a magic rhyme pops Theo inside. And getting out is not easy! Author Jennifer Donnelly combines medieval fable and modern wit with wonderful illustrations by Minnesota's Stephen Gammell to make this a winner.

Celebration!

The Fourth of July is upon us, and here is the perfect book.
It's the Fourth of July, and Maggie can't wait for the family picnic in her backyard. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and her special Granny all bring their favorite foods. Frisbees, jump rope, hula hoops, and squirt guns keep the kids occupied. Written by Jane Resh Thomas, illustrated by Raul Colo'n, it's a story to be enjoyed by all families. It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1998.