Those of the Grey Wind
From Fiction to the Crane Haven--Rowe Sanctuary, NE
Turning Stories to Memories
Authors oftentimes use writings as a way to explain to people their beliefs and views on certain subjects. In the fictional book, Those of the Grey Wind, the author Paul Johngard gives readers a better understanding of the life of a crane, while entertaining them with a fictional story.
SPRING
Fiction: The author creates a family to add to his storyline about the cranes. The readers get to understand the joy a young crane brings to the little girl who saves it from drowning in the river.
Non-Fiction: Johnsgard uses true facts, but still manages to keep a plot. He explains to readers about the migration route of the cranes: from Mexico to Alaska, with a quick stop in Nebraska. Also, he describes why the cranes need the Platte River; to fuel up for their long journey north. They eat leftover corn in the nearby fields, along with snails. The pictures in the book show that cranes travel together in families.
*>SUMMER<*
EGGS
The female lays 2 eggs and takes turns with the male incubating them.
Mating
The young cranes choose mates by dancing, and sounding one of their 8 calls.
Route
The summer route to Alaska marks the end of the crane's trip.
Summer (continued)
The above pictures show how nonfiction is used in the book, Those of the Grey Wind. In the section titled Summer, another fiction part is added to the story. The author describes how an Eskimo is on a journey to look for crane eggs. (Which are considered to be a delicacy)
My Trip to Rowe Sanctuary
My trip to the Rowe Sanctuary greatly enhanced my knowledge of cranes. The guide presented us with many new facts about cranes and their lifestyle. It was interesting to see how the cranes paralleled with the book Those of the Grey Wind.