Because, as I said before, I accidentally got behind on California history, I am not actually scheduling this book. I’m just giving it to my son as a free read. And, by the way, if you’re looking for an interesting, masculine, nonfiction, lively, and unconventional free read for around ages 10 or 12, this book is in order.
John Muir lived from 1838 to 1914, so I think a collection of his most famous of adventures is a great way to finish up Year 5. I’m scheduling it for Term 3 with all of my future students, and I’ll be pasting the schedule below.
But before I do, I simply must tell you how I discovered this book. On our tenth anniversary, Si and I went away for a night to a bed and breakfast right outside Sequoia National Park. The owners of the place had an extensive collection of books about California. It was truly a treasure trove! We were sitting in the parlor with the windows open that night, chatting and listening to the water in the river. I picked up a copy of a book and started reading.
I had never even heard of John Muir before, at least not in a way that I remembered him.
But I read and I read and I kept thinking that my son would love this book.
I don’t know if the book is really for kids or for adults. As an adult, I truly enjoyed it. Muir was lovable and the stories were engaging. As my child’s teacher, I can only say that this is a fun introduction to John Muir, whose naturalist writings he’ll read (thanks to AO!) when he is older.
Now, in case some of you are beginning Year 5 Term 3 and would like a fitting selection, I give you my weekly schedule for the book. I’m assigning two chapters a week on average. Please note that my students will not be reading those chapters on the same day–I would have them read one on, say, Monday, and then a second chapter later in the week.
The Wild Muir: Twenty-Two of John Muir’s Greatest Adventures
by Lee Stetson
(fits with AmblesideOnline, Year 5, Term 3)
Week 1: Good Scootchers and Near Drowning
Week 2: At the Bottom of the Well and Blind!
Week 3: Fever! and The Brink of the Yosemite Fall
Week 4: An Interview with a Bear and In the Midst of the Yosemite Fall
Week 5: Climbing the Ice Cone and  The Snow Avalanche Ride
Week 6: Rattlesnakes and The Earthquake
Week 7: The Ascent of Mount Ritter and A Geologist’s Winter Walk
Week 8: The Tree Ride and A Perilous Night on Mount Shasta
Week 9: Mono Lake Windstorm and Thirst
Week 10: The Rescue on Glenora Peark and Stickeen
Week 11:Â A Sled Trip on the Muir Glacier
Week 12:Â Nearly Crushed by an Iceberg
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