In a majestic poetic voice the
mountain declares, “I am the mountain, Tall and grand. And like a sentinel I stand.” This is a most unusual science/social studies language rich non-fiction book. It gives the reader the feeling
of being on the mountain and seeing the plants and animals as it does. It discusses
the origins of mountains and the forces of nature that change them. Then it ends
with the choice man has in taking care of the mountain. School Library Journal says, “Siebert's measured, confident
verses convey the majesty of the speaker, the mountain personified, Sierra herself. She relates her geological birth and the
formative experience of the ice ages, and describes her present splendid appearance. Appreciatively, Sierra catalogs the rich
life she shelters, supports, and observes, from the tiny pika to the big black bear and untethered eagle. On the final page
a "new force" is introduced: MAN, ominously "changing nature's plan," yet, promisingly, able to care for the mountain environment.”
The lyrical
songlike verses in this book are splendid in conveying the majesty and beauty of the mountain and its environment. Ms. Siebert takes the reader from the beginning of the creation of a mountain range through the ice age
to the mountain of today in descriptive language:
”They
moved with every melt and freeze;
They shattered
boulders, leveled trees,
And carved,
upon my granite rocks,
The terraced
walls of slabs and blocks
That trace
each path, each downward course,
Where through the years, with crushing force,
The glaciers
sculpted deep ravines
And polished
rocks to glossy sheens.”
The writing
intertwines the subjects into an inter-disciplinary book for use across the curriculum:
Reading, English, Science, and Social Studies
The wonderful
writing and subject is almost overshadowed by the artwork. The paintings of Wendell
Minor are enjoyable and inspiring even without reading the text. School Library Journal
says, “He effectively exploits long shot, close up, unusual perspective, framing, and other techniques while employing
tender color to evoke the breathtaking beauty of his subject. Minor relies on the sculptural strength of his compositions
to balance the unabashed romanticism of his vision.”
Readers will
experience the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains when hearing and viewing this book.
1992 Teachers' Choices (IRA)
Notable 1991
Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1991(NSTA/CBC)
John and Patricia Beatty Award (California Library Association)
Dooley, Patricia. Review of Sierra
in School Library Journal. Available
from:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0064434419/qid=1096422624/sr=ka-1/ref=pd_ka_1/103-0793717-0123819.
Accessed 1 October 2004
