Helpful Score: 2
This national park is one of the least visited by tourists yet may be least touched by time. The park has three sections to it in North Dakota; having the map earlier in the book would help readers understand the parks location. Theodore Roosevelts influence is very evident and not just in the parks name. His cabin stands behind the park visitor center and holds some of Roosevelts personal things. In spite of Roosevelts large influence on national parks and particularly this one, it is a bit confusing about why the chapter about Roosevelt is the books longest. It might have strengthened the book if more information had been devoted to the current park. The book ends by mentioning several challenges: increased pollution, managing certain animals and various invasive plants. The books glossary is too brief and could describe better various words that might not be familiar to early elementary students. The length of the book could be appropriate for second or third grade yet the vocabulary fits better a fourth to sixth grade. The beautiful photographs could appeal to reluctant readers in the upper elementary grades.
