Theodore Roosevelt
Nature and History Association

"The Prairie Guide was my late night reading for a month. It has a great description of the geology of the area. The book will make visit each of the prairie sites."

“There’s no better way to enjoy Roosevelt’s experiences in the Badlands than through his own words. I love his narrative of his experience apprehending boat thieves along the Little Missouri and his description of life at the Elkhorn Ranch.”

"The Rise of TR discusses the important events in Theodore Roosevelt's life prior to becoming the 26th President.  Morris' quality of writing and scholarship is outstanding, which is evident by the Pulitzer Prize awarded for his work."

"This biography allows readers to experience the closely guarded thoughts and feelings of a very private woman, who devoted her entire life to the man she loved, Theodore Roosevelt, and their children. I highly recommend this book; it is a quick read, and Morris will keep you interested right up until the last page." 

“Every child will be able to relate with Little Blaze as his dad picks his older brother to lead the buffalo over the buffalo jump.  Each time I have read this book to a group of children they have hung on every word."

“This is the ultimate field guide for identifying birds because of its detailed depictions of adults, juveniles, and regional plumage variations for birds of the entire United States.  Those who want a smaller, more specific book should check out The Sibley Guide to Birds of Western North America.  Sibley is heavy on illustrations and light on natural history, so its emphasis is more on identification than on understanding the behaviors and habits of the birds.”

“I really like this field guide because it is so easy to use.  It contains full page photos of only Dakota birds.  There is no need to search through photo after photo of birds that don't even live in our area.  The color guide is really easy to use, too.  If you see a mostly red bird, you just turn to the red section to find it.   The descriptions are very informative and contain range maps to help you determine where the bird may most likely be found in the Dakotas, as well as what time of year.  A very easy to use, informative field guide.”

“Great field guide for identification of a wide variety of animals from bats to whales. Uses actual photos instead of drawings. A wonderful accompaniment for wildlife watching in the park or anywhere in North America that your travels may take you."

"This is a great book because it answers a variety of questions about Native Americans that many folks have.  It also debunks many myths that have been around for years. The information is presented in an easy question and answer format.  You can read several questions and answers, give yourself time to absorb the information and pick the book back up again and you don’t have to worry about what happened earlier.   Some questions included in the book are:  “Should I say Tribe or Nation?”  “Did Indians really use smoke signals? Do they today?” “What is counting coup?”  and “Do Indians have to pay taxes?”  It is a great book to learn more about the Native American cultures."

"David McCullough is a master at revealing history as it truly took place, and people as they truly were. His account of Theodore Roosevelt's remarkably innocent childhood debunks the myths that have long clouded Rooosevelt biographies. David McCullough's voice is so entrancing, and his capture of detail intricate, that we come to feel that we really understand his subjects. When they are tossed about by fate, we regard their misfortunes with empathy. McCullough knows how to make history as readable as fiction."

" Many people come into the visitor center and ask for a good book detailing Theodore Roosevelt’s time in the badlands of North Dakota. My answer to them is Clay S. Jenkinson’s book “Theodore Roosevelt in the Dakota Badlands: An Historical Guide.”
     The book is set up in a handy question and answer format. This makes finding information quick, easy and even fun!  Questions answered include: “Why did Roosevelt choose the Badlands of Dakota Territory and not somewhere else?” and “How did people in Dakota react to Roosevelt?”  Mixed in with the questions and answers are, several, “picture this” sections that go into greater detail into specific events. Theodore Roosevelt had many interesting experiences and encounters throughout his life. His time in Dakota Territory was no exception. There were several events during Roosevelt’s time in Dakota Territory that, indeed, were “made for the silver screen” and Jenkinson has done a wonderful job telling those stories. So, if you are looking for a book about Roosevelt’s time here in the Badlands that is packed with information, handy and fun this book is it."

More Ranger Recommended books coming soon!