Champion: The Comeback Tale of the American Chestnut Tree

by Sally M. Walker

American chestnut trees were once found far and wide in North America's eastern forests. They towered up to one hundred feet tall, providing food and shelter for people and animals alike. For many, life without the chestnut seemed unimaginable―until disaster struck in the early 1900s.

What began as a wound in the bark of a few trees soon turned to an unstoppable killing force. An unknown blight was wiping out the American chestnut, and scientists felt powerless to prevent it.

But the story doesn't end there. Today, the American chestnut is making a comeback. Narrative nonfiction master Sally M. Walker tells a tale of loss, restoration, and the triumph of human ingenuity in this beautifully photographed middle-grade book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, History, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Environment

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2018

About the author

Sally M. Walker has written science books for children, including Earthquakes, an NSTA/CBC Best Science Trade Book of 1997. She lives in DeKalb, IL.

Reviews

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Champion gives a brief history of the American chestnut tree and the blight that all but wiped these majestic plants from the face of the earth, and then delves into ongoing efforts to breed blight-resistant trees and reintroduce them into North American forests. Walker sounds a cautiously optimistic note. I'm not so sure … I read it with a lump in my throat; like the demise of the passenger pigeons and ivory-billed woodpeckers, I think of the loss of those massive trees as one of the great tragedies of US history. Have we learned anything at all? This book was written for older children. It's a quick and informative read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating topic to read about in a short, digestible book. I kind of love youth non-fiction, especially when I don't know anything about a topic and want to learn just a little bit more.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was -such- an enjoyable read. I finished the book genuinely loving the American Chestnut and deeply concerned about its restoration. I even found myself staring hard at every tree along the roadside, hoping I might see catkins blooming. (If I find a chestnut tree in person, I will feel like I found a treasure chest filled with gold - no exaggeration.) I can't wait to share this book with my son.

I'm grateful to the author for sharing this story in such an accessible way (she didn't even take for granted that the reader understood DNA or pollination, but explained it in a way that didn't feel demeaning either). In fact, I enjoyed her writing so much that I plan on reading the rest of her works!

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who still believes that the American Chestnut is extinct, this is an excellent introduction to the history, blight, survival and tenuous return of this most important indigenous tree. There is a great deal of on-going science attempting to rectify the human-introduced blight and return this tree to its place in our North American forests (and timber industry).

Book Pairings:
This children's non-fiction book is a great introduction for readers of any age who would like to know more about the American Chestnut, especially if intrigued by its presence in The Overstory by Richard Powers.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fine upper elementary/middle grade nonfiction on the history and rehabilitation of the American Chestnut tree. I loved the combination of science and history. Excellent author notes on sources and inspiration will help young readers understand the writing and research process. I enjoyed learning about chestnut trees and how they were the dominant tree before the blight hit in the early 20th century. The science behind research to bring the tree back is explained clearly and respectfully. A wonderful book that encourages curiosity and appreciation for our complex natural world.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Global warming and climate change make it clear that many plants and animals will not be able to survive changes in temperatures and the oceans' acidity, making this comeback story of a tree that seemed all but gone one of hope for the future. The author carefully takes readers through the history of the American chestnut tree, its demise, and its possible comeback. And who doesn't love an underdog even when it's a tree? I can remember my father telling me about these trees and how they could no longer be found it our woods, and feeling a deep sense of loss. The author manages to evoke that same response with her detailed descriptions here. Massive American chestnut trees were once abundant in the eastern forests of the country. But a blight destroyed almost all the chestnuts with scientists and tree-lovers helpless to do anything to stop it. Eventually, through some innovative techniques, they figured out a way to help these beautiful trees make a comeback. While some readers may find that the text goes on for too long, I was enraptured by the prose and rooting for those chestnut trees to start filling our forests again. There are several photographs that allow readers to see for themselves what we came so close to losing as well as some of today's efforts to nurture those trees. I felt as though I had become one with the American chestnut tree by the time I finished the book, inspired by the author's deep reverence for the tree and gratitude to those that worked to save it.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
What age group does this target? It's definitely appropriate for adult readers who want an overview of the blight that struck the American Chestnut tree. Some science, but not too much. Some history, could have had more.

Being from Colorado, I knew next to nothing about American Chestnut trees when I moved to the NE for a couple of years. Within the first few months, I met a man who was passionate about the chestnut tree problem. I learned all about the blight, and I heard all about the various research approaches to rescuing this species. And now, finally, here's an update. (I wonder why I didn't think to do a google search on this project many years ago.)

p 64 - good summary chart, impact of backcrosses on genetics of offspring

p 22
The wood from American chestnut trees was a crucial part of the expanding nation's infrastructure. Because it was rot resistant, it was the preferred wood for railroad ties and telegraph poles, ...

p 31
By 1940, the loss of nearly four billion American chestnut trees had had far-reaching effects. In a forest, a single mature tree could produce as many as 6,000 nuts a year. That vanished as a food source. ...

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea that trees could be so fascinating. But Sally Walker's account of the near extinction of the American chestnut tree and the numerous efforts being made to save it was informative and intriguing. She starts by giving an introduction to the tree itself and what made the tree valuable to so many people and creatures. Then she discusses the blight that attacked the trees and started killing them off rapidly. The rest of the book is spent explaining the various methods different scientists have and are using to re-establish the tree in it's former habitats. Walker does a nice job of explaining some complicated science concepts in a reader-friendly way. And she makes it clear the tremendous amount of work that has been put into saving this species of tree. The appendices at the end cover various related material such as a study of rodent nut preferences and an elementary classroom's participation in growing American chestnut trees. A great book that shows the good that science can do when it's used properly.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Champion: The Comeback Tales of the American Chestnut Tree is true story about a species of tree that was brought back from almost extinction through determined scientists. One forester in the early 1900s discovered a few of the America chestnut trees has these ugly scars or wounds that were identified as a disease of blight fungus. Through the years, no one could figure out a remedy or cure for this disease. They did discover that the diseases was originated from Asia, from crossbreeding of the American and Asian chestnuts. The scientist go back to restoring the American Chestnut by backcross breading, using virus-infected fungus to attack strains that were lethal, and transgenic engineering for the tree. This is a great read for those who have an interest in the science of tree species and other plant life. This would be a great lesson for a classroom looking at plant species/life as well as a science lesson of crossbreeding or engineering plan structure for a superior plant.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading this book, I had no knowledge of American Chestnut trees and their history. When you think about how prevalent they were in America and how many different things they were used for it is very strange to not have this information be a bigger part of American history somewhere. It also made me think about how much we hear about animal species but not plant species that are endangered or almost extinct! The first part of this book was a very easy read and would probably be the section I would use with students to teach them about the tree's history. The latter third of the book gets a little "scientific" and while interesting, I'm not sure it would hold all readers' attention unless they were really into science or this particular tree. As a great example of narrative nonfiction and a lesson in how many stories there are in our past that we don't hear about unless we search for them this will be a great book to use in my classroom.

[Emily McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a nonfiction picture book with an immense amount of information about American Chestnut Trees. I think this would be a great book for elementary school students who are interested in plants and science. The book makes it easy to follow along with beautiful pictures of the chestnut trees, the ways we can save the endangered trees and the benefits of doing so. It would also be cool for young students to read early on about conservation because it could make them more conscious of global warming, recycling, littering and saving the environment at a young age. I personally don’t care for nonfiction books especially about trees, but I will say that it was very informative and would make a great addition to my future classroom. Not all students like fiction chapter books, or silly picture books, some enjoy nonfiction books and this one would be great for them.

[Alexa Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thrilling story of a blight that killed most of America's chestnut trees! It's thrilling! It's orange! Actually, it is. That's what's so amazing about this book about a kind of tree I now want to see in person. Yes, a tree. This book opens like a thriller--there's a problem and no one knows how to solve it. What to do? It's secondary that the problem is in a tree, although that certainly impacts the timeline of this story. It's really amazing to see the kind of work and time that goes into saving a plant from something that was introduced by a non-native species...which is also kind of the answer to the problem. I will never have to read another book about the American chestnut tree, and I won't need to because I know a ton about them.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The eastern United States had billions of chestnut tress. Animals and people depended on them for food and wood, but in the early 1900s a blight attacked these trees killing most of them. Scientists, arborists and volunteers have worked tirelessly for over 100 years to save these survivors and try to make a stronger tree, better able to fight off this invasive fungus.

Full of science and conservation, this would make a terrific addition to either an elementary or middle school library. The story is more exciting than you would think, and I loved how classroom experiments have been incorporated into finding a solution. Contains color photographs, appendices, source notes, glossary and bibliography.

Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughout the Eastern part of the United States, volunteers and forestry experts have planted many new Chestnut trees to take the place of old, blighted trees that died and almost became extinct. New methods were required to make the saplings healthy again. Although this book is listed as children's literature, it is at a higher level of scientific knowledge. It's perfect for arborists, botanists or naturalists.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and clearly written book about the mighty American Chestnut tree, seemingly felled by a fungus. Thanks to researchers, volunteers, and the rare chestnuts that have survived the blight, strides are being made to help bring them and their place in the food chain back. I certainly learned a lot and think middle school botanists would enjoy this book. I do wish I could see a full grown chestnut tree - they were magnificent.

[Steve Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. It iks an account of the efforts to bring back the American chestnut tree to America. I found the book enthralling. It is suitable from advanced middle school on through adult. I am anxious to get some seedlings to plant now. this book gave me some hints about that. Highly recommended

[Heather Tweed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for upper elementary students, teens and adults interested in plant science. The simple narrative style paints a picture of scientists’ struggles and successes in saving the endangered chestnut trees of America. Be sure to read the appendix about the author and another cool experiment that tests animals’ nut preferences!

[Darlene Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT read. Lots of information about the American chestnut tree blight and what scientists have done to reestablish blight-resistant trees. Easy to read. Understandable, but detailed science. The story begins with a fifth-grade boy who sees a problem to fix and ends with that scientist and others working with a new generation of school children to address the continuing needs of the trees.

[Bonita Slovinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very assessable science story of the history and efforts to restore the American Chestnut tree to American forests. Walker’s narrative style allows middle grade readers to understand the importance of this once dominate tree it’s impact on the environment, animals, people: as well as the scientific work being done to understand why it began dying out and how to preserve it.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

great information filled read. very concise and a quick read. very understandable explanation of technical aspects. and thank you for properly inserting additional information within the text!! (e.i. no 2 page info spreads dividing a sentence.)

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walker, Sally M. Champion : The Comeback Tale of the American Chestnut Tree, 136 pages. NON FICTION. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2018. $18.

EL, MS - ADVISABLE

https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having just finished "The Death and Life of the Great Lakes," I really wanted to like this book. I heard a wonderful book talk about it and was very motivated to read it. However, I didn't capture my attention. It felt like some parts were overly simplistic and then others were too scientific.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. I wanted to read another book on chestnut trees, but wasn’t able to find it at the library and this ya book was available. It told me what I needed to know about the ongoing efforts to restore the American chestnut tree.

[Janit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle school book is a fun, quick read for anyone who wants to learn more about the Chestnut tree. Understanding the magnitude of change the chestnut tree had to our forests is an important story that should not be lost to future generations.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting topic and filled with lots of great science, fells a little dated though wish it was had more of the current happenings.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great science title for young readers, and a fascinating history of this important American tree. Inspired me to plant disease-resistant American Chestunt trees!

[Katya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The appendices are the best part of this book!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written scientific and personal look at the efforts to resuscitate the American Chestnut. Great introduction to the scientific method for students as well.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The chestnut tree almost died out due to a fungus. Scientists have been trying to find a way to save it. Almost all black and white. Photos, maps, good science.
2.5 stars

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic find for our forestry classes! Genetics, history, technology, research, this book has it all and is concise and interesting enough for students.
Highly recommended!