Paperback: 88 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company; illustrated edition (October 11, 1978)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0395273994
ISBN-13: 978-0395273999
Product Dimensions: 0.2 x 8.8 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #37,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #10 in Books > Teens > Education & Reference > Science & Technology > Earth Science #58 in Books > Teens > Historical Fiction > United States
Within moments of hatching in the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Minn, a female snapping turtle, loses a rear leg when a boy shoots her. She is rescued by a native American boy, who cares for her until she is well enough to go out on her own. She travels down the length of the river, avoiding turtle hunters, cruising over waterfalls and dams, laying eggs, and taking part in the life cycle of the river. The story follows Minn through her 25 year trip down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is told from the turtle's point-of-view and there are many charming full page color illustrations that the younger child will appreciate. Notes, pictures and maps in the margins of the text give details of the geography of the Mississippi, its animals, plants, cities, dams, bridges, that the older child and adult reader will find informative and meaningful.
At age 52, I can vividly remember discovering this book in my local library as a boy in 4th grade, especially the luminous color illustrations and drawings Hollings used to tell the story of the journey of a snapping turtle from the Mississippi's trickling source in Minnesota, to its fullness in the Gulf of Mexico. In following the life of "Minn," from hatchling to a veteran survivor of many predators and adventures, I learned the history and lore of the river and the animals and people who live in it and along its banks. This is a book that does not talk down to its young readers. I am buying one now to read again, and to share with any grandchildren who may come along in our family.
I read this book in elementary school and went looking for it again last year as a gift for a niece. Be warned that there's a scene that she found really sad (Minn gets hurt) -- and it made her cry. So maybe it's not for sensitive first-graders. Still, the story is wonderful and little Minn is a great character. There's also a lot of fascinating natural detail. And stunning illustrations. It's a children's book version of a top-notch Nature documentary. "Nova" in print, if you will. Also check out Holling Clancy Holling's other books. They're all great, even looking back at them after three decades.
I discovered this book when I was in fourth grade. I thought it was the best book ever written. I especially enjoyed the juxaposition of the biology of the snapping turtle with the history and geography of the Mississippi River
Holling's "Minn of the Mississippi" should rank among Beston's "Outermost House," Leopold's "Sand County Almanac," and Douglas' "River of Grass" as among the greatest nature writing. This is not a typical children's story book but a complete history of the Mississippi River. You learn about the geology, hydrology, history, biology, and anthropology of this great river told from the point of view of a 3-legged snapping turtle as it moves down the river from headwaters to gulf. Only some unfortunate stereotyping in one chapter mars this gem. (Though at the time this book was written, no one would have noticed.) You will spend hours perusing the beautiful illustrations, maps, and diagrams. Holling's pencil drawings that decorate each chapter are just exquisite. Highly recommended.
I read this story in grade school,and I am glad that it is still available! A great introduction to turtles, and the history of America's greatest river, the Mississippi. Fascinating tale, great ending!
I love this book because it teaches so much geography and history. The pictures are amazing.
Read this book as a child, and wanted it in my own personal library. Wonderful book!
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