American author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau is best known for
living two years along the shores of Walden Pond in Concord,
Massachusetts, and writing about his experiences in Walden; or, Life in
the Woods, as well as spending a night in jail for nonpayment of taxes,
which he discussed in the influential essay "Civil Disobedience." More
than 150 years later, people are still inspired by his thoughtful words
about individual rights, social justice, and nature. His detailed plant
observations have even proven to be a useful record for 21st-century
botanists.
Henry David Thoreau for Kids chronicles the short but influential life
of this remarkable American thinker. In addition to learning about
Thoreau's contributions to our culture, readers will participate in
engaging, hands-on projects that bring his ideas to life. Activities
include building a model of the Walden cabin, keeping a daily journal,
planting a garden, baking trail-bread cakes, going on a half-day hike,
and starting a rock collection. The book also includes a time line and
list of resources--books, websites, and places to visit that offer even
more opportunities to connect with this fascinating man.