Minerva Hoyt Establishes
Joshua Tree National Park
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Calkins Creek
(Astra Books for Young Readers)
(pub. 3.5.2024)
40 pages
Ages 7 -10
Author: Lori Alexander
Illustrator: Jenn Ely
Character: Minerva Hoyt
Overview:
" Long before she became known as the Cactus Queen, Minerva Hamilton Hoyt found solace in the unexpected beauty of the Mojave Desert in California. She loved the jackrabbits and coyotes, the prickly cacti, and especially the weird, spiky Joshua trees.
However, in the 1920s, hardly anyone else felt the same way. The desert was being thoughtlessly destroyed by anyone and everyone. Minerva knew she needed to bring attention to the problem. With the help of her gardening club, taxidermists, and friends, she took the desert east and put its plants and animals on display. The displays were a hit, but Minerva needed to do much more: she wanted to have the desert recognized as a national park.
Although she met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and won him over, Minerva still had to persuade politicians, scientists, teachers, and others to support her cause. And, it worked! Minerva’s efforts led to what came to be known as Joshua Tree National Park in California, and saved hundreds of thousands of plants and animals. Now, the millions of people who visit each year have learned to love the desert, just as Minerva did.."
Tantalizing taste:
"Wide and wondrous, it was unlike anything Minerva had seen before.
Joshua trees dotted the desert in every direction. Straight. Twisty. Short. Tall. These strange plants grew nowhere else on Earth.
Minerva found herself visiting the desert more often, especially after the death of her husband in 1918.
She nestled inside her sleeping bag atop the sandy soil. The wind whistled through the Joshua trees. Bright constellations swirled overhead.
' I stood and looked. Everything was peaceful, and it rested me.'"
And something more: The author, Lori Alexander, shared in the Author's Note: "Learning about Minerva's mission was both inspiring and humbling. Her passion benefited not only the desert plants and animals but all of us who enjoy visiting this unique region. Vandalism, urban development, and the effects of climate change prove the fight is not over.
In 2020, a group of environmentalists raised their voices and wrote to the government - just like Minerva! They asked that Joshua trees be placed on the California Endangered Species list. The state agreed to temporarily protect all Joshua trees while a team further reviews the case."
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