I loved this graphic novel. I have never read any of the other books in this series, but I can definitely see why it has taken off in recent years. Not only are graphic novels a huge hit for current readers, showing the history of the national parks is best done with pictures in hand. This book was a perfect blend of informative writing meshed with the "story" of our historical figures as they discovered new national parks and worked to protect them.

I devoured this graphic novel and it's safe to say I'll gladly pick up other graphic novels that are in this same series (History Comics). I am so thankful for all these authors and publishers making more stories in graphic novel format. Not only are they hugely popular with younger readers, they are more accessible, and for me, more fun to read than a traditional nonfiction text.

History Comics the National Parks provides an in-depth look into a topic that isn't frequently covered, but also may not initially appeal to the targeted middle-grade audience. It does not whitewash the problematic decisions made by the parks administration in the past, but provides a thoughtful analysis about the evolution of the system. This would be great for middle graders and scouts.

Nonfiction just adapts so beautifully to the graphic novel medium. I learned a lot about the formation of the National Park Service - the good and the bad - and found Falynn Koch's illustrations lovely.

I found some of the content to be dense as an adult, so I imagine that some kids might struggle if the National Parks (nature, science, early America, etc) weren't something they were interested in.

Thank you to Netgalley, First Second Publishing, and Falynn Koch for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I really enjoyed this comic adaptation of the National Parks. The unexpectedly best parts for me were when the narrative pointed out the different purposes of the national parks and the way culture has shaped how we use, understand, and preserve different parts of the parks.

A solid introduction to the national parks. An Eagle takes you around the various parks in the United States while explaining how they came about, expanded under various presidents like Theodore Roosevelt, and the issues that happened over the years. For example, people raised animals on national parks and logged which put the park in danger. This book does touch on the complicated history of Native Americans and displacement which was a great touch. Overall, a solid introduction for older elementary readers on National Parks and their evolution to what they are today.

There is a ton of material packed into this 128-page book, with new information on almost every page. A Sasquatch introduces us to how national parks can include scenic vistas, natural wildernesses, and historic sites, answering an eagle’s questions about who creates parks and why there are so many different kinds.... The cartooning is gorgeous. We get a good idea of how beautiful these locations can be, as well as plenty of humor in the caricatured schemes of various people.... History Comics: The National Parks can be read multiple times, with new facts standing out to the reader each time through.

I've been a fan of Science Comics for awhile and was privately hoping First Second would do a History Comics series. They made my secret wish happen and by the time I remembered "hey I should read those" several of them had already been released. That said, The National Parks is my first time reading on of the History Comics, although I don't intend for it to be my last.

I went into this not knowing much of anything about the history of the National Parks. I'm Canadian, but I'm familiar with the USA's National Parks System, basic details of a few specific parks, and the essentials of USAmerican history, but that didn't amount to much specific knowledge about the history of national parks. This is a surprisingly decent introduction. With lively artwork, the narrative has a sasquatch and an eagle going through the history of how the national parks were made, why they were made, who the important people were, and the many changes over the years. It doesn't shy away from the horrible truths that Indigenous people were forcibly removed from lands that became national parks, nor does it try to excuse it. It offers up the honest truth to children and other readers to give a more nuanced picture than is often shown. It was really interesting to see how the entire system came to be, and how it continues to change as the population changes.

Overall, History Comics: The National Parks was a fun and informative introduction to a historical topic that isn't widely known. I would definitely recommend it for curious readers interested in the parks, in nature, in science, in history, in learning through comics, or in being outdoorsy. I look forward to making my way through the rest of the series.

This was a beautiful graphic novel and fun for any age. There was a lot of history covered also, it was a little more like a history lesson at times, but I love history so it wasn't an issue for me, but I could see how others might start to tune out.

This was a fantastic comic. I loved every second of it. Yes this is a comic for ages 9 plus. But that doesn't mean adults can't read and enjoy it because I loved it. I could really appreciate the messages this comic was trying to get across. I'm from the UK and didn't know any of the history of national parks in America. So I actually learnt alot from reading it. It was a great introduction to America's great history. Plus it's an excellent medium to use to get across to children of all ages. It's pictures was brilliant and loved the fact they used icon animal characters such as an Eagle and bigfoot. I really do recommend this comic to everyone who likes to learn history in a fun and exciting way. This book would be fantastic to any school library. I will definitely be looking out for more titles in this fantastic series to read and review for you all.

So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating this fantastic comic series that I just know children and adults will just love. 

The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/history-comics-the-national-parks-by-falynn-kock-first-second-books-5-star either under ladyreading365 or lady Reading365 or ladyc reading

A graphic novel history presented by a sasquatch and an eagle of how the US National Parks system developed, the debates over what parks should and should not do, how they came to preserve both nature and history, the key people integral in getting certain concepts adopted and programs or parks started, and the growth and development of the National Parks Service.

A marvelous look at the ups and downs that led to the National Park System the US has today. The book doesn’t shy away from hard topics related to the parks system from what we’d now see as mismanagement of nature and land to the abysmal way people indigenous to those lands were treated. As the author says on p.92 of the ARC, “If we don’t reexamine the past and face these grim truths, we can’t learn from them and make a better future.” Later in the author’s notes the author also eloquently says, “It’s important to recognize that history, all history, is filled with imperfect people. Even those with the best of intentions are capable of bad things, and flawed people can create positive changes.” Very well said. And this book does an excellent job of celebrating accomplishments while also acknowledging flaws. This was a fascinating history, and I had never heard about many of these struggles or instrumental people in making the park system into what it is today. I have enjoyed visiting many national parks and monuments, and I’m very grateful to those people who help preserve it so I could visit these beautiful places and see them not trashed or logged or eaten away. I can’t wait to have this on our shelves and get readers excited about visiting national parks in the US or other nations.

Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. No sexual content. Historic deaths of people and animals in violent and natural methods are mentioned (none shown on page, though some animal carcasses appear on page).

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting history. More than I expected.

This is my first comic from the History Comics series and I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. It was honestly very interesting and educational but I wasn’t expecting that much information. And while I learnt a lot, the content felt at times a touch dry.

The art was great. And I always enjoy seeing nature and landscapes drawn in comic books and the illustrator did quite an amazing job in this one.

Overall a good read, but perhaps I should’ve been more prepared for the history lesson!

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the author, the publishers and the NetGalley team for providing me with an Advanced copy. I cherished this opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun graphic novel that is fun for all ages. Great for elementary school kids to adults alike! Fun for classrooms to road-trips and would look great on a coffee table or a backseat of the RV!

A beautifully illustrated introduction to our national parks system for the littles, sure to spark a lifelong love.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

*Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for supplying a copy of this e-book in return for an honest review.*

I really loved this graphic novel and would recommend it to adults and kids alike. The graphic novel is narrated by bigfoot and a bald eagle who takes the reader through the history of National Parks in the US. The novel pulls no punches in pointing out the negative aspects of park history from the original dispossession and genocide against Indigenous peoples who called many of these lands home to the destructive practices that have divided the parks moment throughout time. All in all, the book shows how parks are truly a microcosm of the history of the US as a whole. A must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

I did not like this book. It was good covering some history of the US National Parks. However, the book glossed over so many historical issues that I could barely finish reading it. I would not recommend.

What a wonderful guide to the National Parks. This would be a wonderful addition to any classroom or home library. I can’t wait to share this with my kids who are my students!

What a fun read about the National Parks! Our family is big fans of the National Park Service and we have visited many National Parks, Monuments and Historic Sites. While I had a vague idea about how the NPS came to be and that Yellowstone was the first National Park in the United States, this book provided a much more thorough background of the history of the national parks that not only looked at the challenges faced with managing the national parks but also included information about the indigenous people who called those lands home. I really enjoyed that the author included this important recognition in the book.

The comic book style was a really fun way to share information - the illustrations were bright and entertaining, along with being visually appealing to the reader. They really pulled the book together - while we haven't delved into any of the History Comics before, they definitely are going on our graphic novel loving daughter's list.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read that not only provided me with new, interesting information but also introduced me to a whole new series for us to explore.

If you are looking for a fun and entertaining way to learn about the National Parks - you need to get this book! What a cute way to read through the history of the parks, foundations, heartbreaks, and so much more! You can see some of the wildlife, protective acts, the building of Hetch Hetchy (much to the dismay of John Muir), and get an idea of the importance of National Parks.

I enjoyed multiple aspects of the book, and it fit in perfectly with some of the books that I have been reading on the National Parks lately. I look forward to seeing this book in print, and highly recommend it for home libraries as well as schools!

Get kids interested in history the fun way - with a comic book!

I, for one, am glad that graphic novels are becoming more popular. They are a great format for history books, as they make things more visually-appealing to kids (and usually more entertaining, with a humorous narrator thrown in).

History Comics: The National Parks covers one of our family's favorite topics. Our kids have been to quite a few of the National Parks, plus a few National Monuments along the way. The history of how they came to be, including the familiar story of Muir and Roosevelt camping at Yosemite, is told simply -- with the illustrations taking center stage.

My youngest, who loves graphic novels and wants to be a park ranger, will enjoy this!

Cute book that presents our national parks while also provided education on white privilege and how early discoverers were savage to the natives who inhabited the USA wayyyy before it was “discovered” by Europeans.