Did you really live in National Parks?
Yes. In My National Park Backyard is written about my experiences living in six different National Park sites (Grand Canyon NP, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Virgin Islands NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Badlands NP, and Death Valley NP). The last two parks in the book, Historic Jamestowne and Yellowstone NP, are my family's favorite parks. Interestingly enough, my great-grandfather, grandfather, and parents all worked at Yellowstone.
My parents, both retired National Park Service employees, "encouraged" me to be outside. As a result, I spent A LOT of time outside running around the parks, using my imagination to pass the time! Of course, I was very young in a couple of these parks. So I've really taken advantage of my imagination in the book!
Are the characters in the book real?
The majority of the characters in the book were real people. A few of them were people I knew growing up. But other are really cool historical people I wish I could have met. Death Valley Scotty would have some wild tales to share! My illustrator Nazar Horokhivskyi did an amazing job bringing these characters to life!
Q & A
About In My National Park Backyard
Hover over each picture to see the actual person.
Click and drag on the photos to see more!
Granny Irene
Mrs. Irene Buchanan
(1904 - 1990)
Mr. Prince
Mr. Herman Prince
(1913-1997)
Family
The Winters
John Wesley Powell
(1834-1902)
Source: wikipedia.com
Death Valley Scotty
(1872-1954)
Source: nps.gov
Pocahontas
(c. 1596-1617)
Source: "Portrait of Pocahontas, from painting by Wm. Sheppard." loc.gov
Why are there different scientists mentioned?
I love science, math, and building stuff! (And writing too!) Some of my fondest memories growing up are building odds and ends out of scrap wood, and watching my dad build or fix anything. My mom is a sewing whiz too! When I lived in Death Valley National Park, I dreamed of being a marine biologist. Ironic huh?!
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What made you write the book?
People sometimes ask me where I'm from. So when I tell people I was raised in the parks, they probably think I'm making it up. Really I'm not. I'm really lucky to be raised the way I was. I want to share how cool National Parks are, especially since my backyard was someone else's vacation destination! Anyone can visit a National Park. You never know who you'll meet or what you'll learn on your visit!
Do you have a favorite Park?
Tough question! If I had to choose a top park, I'd probably go with Death Valley NP. It's name alone is eerie and makes your mind wander to ghoulish things. The geology is amazing, especially being able to go below Sea Level at Badwater. But the stories of pioneers in the valley are pretty fascinating too. Deserts attract many interesting people to them! I have many fond memories of flying over the valley floor with my dad and working various jobs inside of the park too!
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Four! Devil's Golf Course in Death Valley
