Bison - (Orca Wild) by Frances Backhouse (Hardcover)

About the Book

Part of the nonfiction Orca Wild series for middle-grade readers and illustrated with color photographs throughout, this book introduces kids to North American bison. It discusses bison history, habitat, biology and threats to survival, and how scientists, conservationists and young people are working to protect bison everywhere.

Book Synopsis

Bison are North America's largest land animals.

Some 170,000 wood bison once roamed northern regions, while at least 30 million plains bison trekked across the rest of the continent. Almost driven to extinction in the 1800s by decades of slaughter and hunting, this ecological and cultural keystone species supports biodiversity and strengthens the ecosystems around it. Bison: Community Builders and Grassland Caretakers celebrates the traditions and teachings of Indigenous Peoples and looks at how bison lovers of all backgrounds came together to save these iconic animals. Learn about the places where bison are regaining a hoof-hold and meet some of the young people who are welcoming bison back home.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Praise for Frances Backhouse:

★"An important book for helping kids see past the sterotypes of terrifying grizzly bears and join the call for conservation."--School Library Journal, starred review for Grizzly Bears

"The impressively comprehensive text is chatty and entertaining...This illuminating avian introduction is sure to make an owl out of anyone."--Booklist, review for Owls

"An engaging book that will leave readers spouting facts about beavers. Students will have a new appreciation for these innovative builders and their significant impact on the landscape and ecosystems of North America."--School Library Journal, review for Beavers

From the Back Cover

Meet the Herd Bison are North America's largest land animals. Thirty million plains bison once ranged across the continent, but overhunting in the 1800s almost drove them to extinction. Since then bison lovers have been working together to save this keystone species. Bison support biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems around them. Discover the places where bison are regaining a hoof-hold. Explore the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and these iconic animals, and meet young people welcoming bison back home.

Review Quotes

"Brief narratives by young people recounting their connections to the bison enhance the factual focus of this middle-grade reference book."

-- "BC Books for Schools"

"Engaging from the very first page...The details shared will leave readers savvier about [bisons'] history, their body differences, and the roles they play in creating room for animals and plants to flourish."

-- "Sal's Fiction Addiction"

"This engaging entry in the Orca Wild series is impressive in its level of detail...A promising ecological tale of near-eradication and recovery."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Backhouse packs both educational and enlightening information in this comprehensive guide to the largest land animal on the continent. Spotlights on young people studying and living among bison make these topics more relatable and inspiring. A well-rounded study of bison and their extensive impact on the environment."

-- "Booklist"

"Engaging and informative...The authors' enthusiasm for their subjects comes through clearly. First-rate animal nonfiction for middle school readers."

-- "School Library Journal (SLJ)"

About the Author

Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. Her other Orca Wild series books include Owls: Who Gives a Hoot?, Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness and Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers. She is also the award-winning author of six books for adults. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.