Henry David Thoreau for Kids: His Life and Ideas, with 21 Activities

By Corinne Hosfeld Smith

Hands-on nature activities for the budding transcendentalist
 
Author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau is best known for living two years along the shores of Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. He is also known for 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 thinker. In addition to learning about Thoreau’s contributions to our culture, young 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—which offer even more opportunities to connect with this fascinating man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Release date: Feb 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781613731482

Reviews for Henry David Thoreau for Kids

[karen59_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Henry David Thoreau for Kids is part of the "For Kids" series published by the Chicago Review Press. I have read many books in this series and on the whole found them to be informative and engaging and beautiful to read. The pictures and the activities make it a perfect way for children to learn about historical events.Henry David Thoreau for Kids have many of these same qualities. Even though I live in Boston, and know some general facts about Thoreau, this book enabled me to understand his personal and political philosophies and the passions that drove him. From his views on nature and solitude, his call for and active participation in civil disobedience, his relationships to the Emersons and Alcotts and his business and civic involvements were clearly and vividly explained (I see this book being read by 5-8th graders). I especially enjoyed reading about the milieu in Concord and the friendships and communities he was part of, Transcendentalists, etc. I thought the activities were relevant, engaging and fun and gives the material more weight and substance. I did find myself dragging a bit in the middle of the book but overall, if guided by an enthusiastic teacher, I think kids will learn so much about this original thinker and appreciate what he brought to all of us.Thank you to Edelweiss and Chicago Review Press for giving me the opportunity to review this book for an honest opinion.

[bucketofrhymes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for a free copy of Henry David Thoreau for Kids!

I wish I had this book when I was younger. I was homeschooled, into philosophy and nature, and would have been all over something like this.

Henry David Thoreau for Kids describes Thoreau and his work in a clear, easy-to-understand, and engaging manner. There are a number of activities included that bring the information to life, making the information immersive and personally relevant. Whether it's creating a quiet space for yourself or going on a nature walk, the activities are educational and perfect for inquisitive kids.

I'd highly recommend this book for any parents looking for resources on Thoreau or just looking for activities for their children that involve becoming politically active or more observant of nature.