Wild at Heart: The Story of Olaus and Mardy Murie, Defenders of Nature

Ages 7 to 8, Grades 1 to 4

Mardy and Olaus Murie fell in love in--and with--Alaska. Then set out on an adventure across the Arctic for Olaus's work as a biologist, encountering the beauty and danger of the wilds along the way. They learned from Indigenous communities to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living creatures and understood that the way humans were moving in on wild land was threatening the natural world. So they shifted the focus of their work to conservation, fighting to protect the land and animals--and lobbying for the creation of what finally became the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, nine thousand square miles of protected land!Mardy and Olaus's story of passion and hard work will inspire all readers to fan their spark of purpose into flame. Backmatter includes additional information on Mardy and Olaus, their legacy, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

About the Author

Evan Griffith's books include Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist. His stories often draw upon his love of nature. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Anna Bron is an award-winning artist. Her love of the wilderness runs deep, her parents having first met in the Siberian woods. She lives in Vancouver, Canada.