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library_kb's review
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a pretty information dense graphic novel, chronicling the history of the National Parks system in the U.S. Since I have gone to many National parks before, I was familiar with some of the history, but this really brought a lot of the details together, especially how legislation changed and the conflict between preservation and conservation. The lighthearted narration is kind of in the style of the Nathan Hale graphic novels and definitely helps the reader navigate the dense historical details. I also really appreciated the acknowledgement given to the ways that Native American land was stolen and disrespected in order to create the parks--and how it is being navigated going forward. Recommend upper elementary and up.
melgonvyn's review against another edition
3.0
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 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.
chrissiemwright's review
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
bookiesncookies's review
informative
fast-paced
3.5
A Sasquatch, representing the National Parks, and a Bald Eagle, representing the USA, take you on a historical romp through the creation of the NPS in this wild fever dream.
brandyobrien9's review
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
elizabethlk's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
tattedlibrarian's review
5.0
History Comics makes history accessible and fun! This one was no different. Learning the history behind our National Parks is great for people of all ages.