Song of the Pines

Song of the Pines: A Story of Norwegian Lumbering in Wisconsin
First edition
AuthorWalter and Marion Havighurst
IllustratorRichard Floethe
Cover artistWinston
LanguageEnglish
GenreChildren's literature
Adventure
Publication date
1949
Publication placeUnited States
Pages205

Song of the Pines: A Story of Norwegian Lumbering in Wisconsin is a 1949 children's historical novel written by Walter and Marion Havighurst and illustrated by Richard Floethe. The book was part of the "Land of the Free" series of children's books and highlights the contribution of Norwegian immigrants to the Wisconsin logging industry.[1][2] The book focuses on 15-year-old orphan Nils, who emigrates to America in the 1850s. Nils is a trained knife sharpener who sets up a business making and selling cant hooks, a traditional logging tool. The novel became a Newbery Honor recipient in 1950.[3]

References

  1. ^ Gillespie, John T.; Naden, Corinne J., eds. (2006). The Newbery/Printz Companion: Book Talk and Related Materials (3rd ed.). Libraries Unlimited. pp. 152–153. ISBN 1-59158-313-6.
  2. ^ Ruth A. Gordon (June 19, 1949). "Norwegian Pioneers: 'Song of the Pines,' a Story of Norwegian Lumbering". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  3. ^ "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved December 20, 2025.

Other sources

  • Schmidt, Gary D. (2013) Making Americans: Children's Literature from 1930 to 1960 (University of Iowa Press) ISBN 9781609382216
  • Silvey, Anita (ed) (2002) The Essential Guide to Children's Books and Their Creators (Houghton Mifflin) ISBN 061819083X