IN SEARCH OF THE GRAND CANYON:
Down the Colorado with John Wesley Powell

A Redfeather Book

Written and Illustrated by Mary Ann Fraser
Published by Henry Holt & Company

Reading level 9-12, 70 pages
Hardcover ISBN 0-8050-3495-1; Paperback ISBN 0-8050-5543-6

*A School Library Journal Book of the Year
*A BookLinks Book of the Year
*An NCTE Outstanding Nonfiction Choice for 1995
*A California Collection selection for Middle and High School Levels

"Now as I write, the sun is going down, the shadows are settling in the canyon. The vermillion gleams and rosy hues, the green and grey tints, are changing to sombre brown above, and the black shadows below. Now 'tis a black portal to a region of gloom." 
John Wesley Powell at the Mouth of the Lodore, June 7, 1869

SYNOPSIS
Tracking the day-by day drama of Major John Wesley Powell's expedition to explore the Colorado River system, author-illustrator Mary Ann Fraser takes us through roaring rapids, terrifying whirlpools, and stunningly beautiful canyons. Using the journals and reports left by the crew, as well as her own on-site explorations, she takes us along on Powell's amazing adventure. But the major was not merely an explorer. He understood that new settlers were a threat to the Native Americans who lived near the canyons. And he saw that no one could survive unless they learned how to use water wisely. As Powell shows us the record of the world's past contained in the geologic layers of the canyons, and the remains of the many peoples who built their lives around the river, we also see how we must be careful custodians of this unique region for the future.

REVIEWS
STARRED REVIEW "Fraser places readers in the boats, and does an excellent job of conveying the excitement and dangers of the journey in vivid detail....An excellent selection on Western History and expansion." School Library Journal

"The thrill-a-minute adventure of the first expedition to navigate and chart the upper Colorado River and Grand Canyon. Fine illustrative material and excerpts from Powell's journals enliven the presentation." School Library Journal's Best Books 1995

"A compact volume follows John Wesley Powell and his crew on their 1869 expedition exploring the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. The simple, dramatic text, amply illustrated and black-and-white drawings, brings the historic event to life and depicts Powell as an adventurer with a concern for both Native-American peoples and the environment." The Horn Book, Inc.

"Fraser traces Powell's three-month journey down the river in this informative text, which also quite clearly conveys the danger, excitement, and nonstop action of the adventure." Booklist

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