Fighting for the Forest
How FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps Helped Save America
By P. O’Connell Pearson
Table of Contents
About The Book
In an inspiring middle grade nonfiction work, P. O’Connell Pearson tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps—one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal projects that helped save a generation of Americans.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933, the United States was on the brink of economic collapse and environmental disaster. Thirty-four days later, the first of over three million impoverished young men were building parks and reclaiming the nation’s forests and farmlands. The Civilian Conservation Corps—FDR’s favorite program and “miracle of inter-agency cooperation”—resulted in the building and/or improvement of hundreds of state and national parks, the restoration of nearly 120 million acre of land, and the planting of some three billion trees—more than half of all the trees ever planted in the United States.
Fighting for the Forest tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corp through a close look at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (the CCC’s first project) and through the personal stories and work of young men around the nation who came of age and changed their country for the better working in Roosevelt’s Tree Army.
When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933, the United States was on the brink of economic collapse and environmental disaster. Thirty-four days later, the first of over three million impoverished young men were building parks and reclaiming the nation’s forests and farmlands. The Civilian Conservation Corps—FDR’s favorite program and “miracle of inter-agency cooperation”—resulted in the building and/or improvement of hundreds of state and national parks, the restoration of nearly 120 million acre of land, and the planting of some three billion trees—more than half of all the trees ever planted in the United States.
Fighting for the Forest tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corp through a close look at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (the CCC’s first project) and through the personal stories and work of young men around the nation who came of age and changed their country for the better working in Roosevelt’s Tree Army.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (October 8, 2019)
- Length: 208 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534429345
- Ages: 10 - 99
- Lexile ® 1080L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
Raves and Reviews
"A well-researched, informative introduction to a topic seldom discussed in books for young people."
– Booklist, starred review
"An informative, inspiring look at desperate times and how government can achieve great things through cooperation and good leadership."
– Kirkus Reviews
Awards and Honors
- CBC/NCSS Notable Children's Book in Social Studies
- Jefferson Cup Award Honor Title (VA)
- TX Triple Crown Nominee
- Topaz Nonfiction Reading List (TX)
- Children's History Book Prize Finalist
- Triple Crown Lamplighter Award Nominee
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Fighting for the Forest eBook 9781534429345