Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer

Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer by Ray, Deborah Kogan. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780374318383.

Although John Wesley Powells minister father always wanted his son to follow in his footsteps, young Wes had different plans for his future. Enraptured by the wonders of the natural world, he was determined to take the path of science. Even after losing his right arm below the elbow in battle during the Civil War, Wes would not be deterred from his dream of leading the first scientific expedition down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon. Braving treacherous rapids and perilous waterfalls, Major Powell would surpass all expectations and return home a national hero. With breathtaking illustrations and excerpts from Powells own journals, Deborah Kogan Ray brings to vivid life the exploits and explorations of one of Americas greatest conservationists. Down the Colorado is a 2008 Bank Street - Best Childrens Book of the Year.