Mike Graf has written over 70 books for children. He has backpacked in our most famous national parks, interviewed storm-chasers, rafted through spectacular caves, rock-climbed in Yosemite, explored ghost towns, hiked to glaciers, encountered scorpions, participated in dinosaur digs, and much more. Mike's books are inspired by these adventures and his love of the outdoors. They include both realistic fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing, Mike enjoys sharing his experiences through school talks and workshops on weather, science, national parks, caving, the writing process, and more.
Selected Reviews of Mike's Books
Grand Canyon National Park
Mike Graf
Created in 1919, the Grand Canyon National Park in northwest Arizona is probably the best known of the more than 50 national parks in the United States. In fact, with almost five million annual visitors, high traffic is one of the most concerning issues facing the park and its preservation. Some of the main attractions include the beauty of the canyon itself along with its North Rim and South Rim walking trails, several American Indian historical sites and rafting on the Colorado River. The main topics in the book consist of the preceding facts and many others organized neatly into subject areas such as general park information, geological formation, weather, people, animals, plants, activities, safety and park issues. Breath-taking photographs of the park's vistas along with the informative, well-written text will surely encourage further research and hopefully inspire our youth to explore this nation's natural treasures. Also listed are resources and map activities to be used for further investigation. This book is one of six (so far) in the "National Parks" series by Bridgestone Books. It is a highly interesting and recommended series for personal use as well as for school and public libraries. 2003, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $18.60. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature).
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Mike Graf
In 1934, the government set aside a small area of the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain, to create a national park. Located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this park is famous for the bluish haze that covers the mountains. It is home to several species of wildlife and its particular climate has even made it the "Salamander Capital of the World." It is also known for the over 4,000 plant types and five types of forests that are included in the park area. In fact, the area is such a magnet for nature walks that there is an annual event called the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. The main topics in this book consist of the preceding facts and many others organized neatly into subject areas such as general park information, geological formation, weather, people, animals, plants, activities, safety and park issues. Beautiful photographs of the park's splendor along with the informative, well-written text will surely encourage further research and hopefully inspire our youth to explore this nation's natural treasures. Also listed are resources and map activities to be used for further investigation. This book is one of six (so far) in the "National Parks" series by Bridgestone Books. It is a highly interesting and recommended series for personal use as well as for school and public libraries. 2003, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, $18.60. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Trina Heidt (Children's Literature).
The Nile River
Mike Graf
Whenever one thinks of the Nile, Egypt immediately comes to mind; however, this river, the longest in the world at 4,160 miles, flows through eight countries in Africa and is vitally important to all of them. This book covers the geographical features, the history, the people who live and have lived along its course, and how the river is used today. It is concisely well written, interesting, and illustrated with excellent color photos. There is a page of fast facts, a hands-on project for making a felucca (sailboat), a glossary, websites, and books for further reading. (Land and Water). Nonfiction (962). Grades 5 and up. 2004, Fact Finders, 32p., $16.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Willis R. McPherson (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 17, No. 2).
Mike Graf is an instructor in the Child Development Department at California State University, Chico. His background includes:
- Upper grade elementary school teacher for 10 years.
- Author of numerous books for teachers and children.
- Former weathercaster at 6 different TV stations.
Mike Graf is available for multi-class or single-class presentations at your school site for the following topics:
- Weather
- Realistic fiction
- Adventures in the outdoors, such as caves, rock climbing, national parks, etc.
Mike's fees begin at $250 for a single presentation. He is willing to do up to four presentations in a day. Travel and lodging - Travel and lodging costs to be paid by sponsoring organization.
To learn more about Mike and his publications please visit www.mikegrafauthor.com.
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