Modern History Press is thrilled with the release of its latest title Douglass Houghton: Michigan’s Pioneer Geologist, Doctor, and Teacher by award-winning Upper Peninsula author Deborah K. Frontiera, with illustrations by Joanna Walitalo.
In the Victorian times, it was customary for a gentleman to wear a hat. One man in Michigan, however, wore many hats at the same time. Meet Douglass Houghton, the adventurous scientist who helped unlock the Copper Country’s natural riches and chart Michigan’s future. A medical doctor, a geologist, and a surveyor, who was also well-versed in botany, zoology, and chemistry, Houghton made history by becoming Michigan’s first state geologist.
Owing to Houghton’s landmark contributions in exploring the wilderness of both peninsulas of Michigan, Copper Country Author Deborah K. Frontiera committed to introduce him to contemporary young readers via her new book Douglass Houghton: Michigan’s Pioneer Geologist, Doctor, and Teacher. Written for upper elementary through middle school students, the book immerses readers in Michigan’s early statehood, when discovery and determination shaped the land and the people who called it home. Houghton’s story connects directly to the history beneath Copper Country feet—his surveys, discoveries, and untimely death on Lake Superior remain a vital part of the region’s identity.
Instead of passive learning by young readers, Frontiera’s book takes a more engaging approach by including discussion questions, classroom activities, and cross-curricular connections that make it ideal for Michigan history and science classes, as well as homeschool programs. Deborah Olson, Library Director, Lake Linden-Hubbell Schools Public Library, has called Frontiera’s work “a valuable resource for upper elementary/middle school/high school Michigan History courses or for your informative reading and enjoyment.” The book has seen a warm early reception at the local bookstores as well. In the words of Lloyd Wescoat, owner of Grandpa’s Barn Bookstore in Copper Harbor:
“Deborah Frontiera brings Michigan history to life for young readers, offering many entry points to tie classroom lessons into the story—natural history, physical science, geography, and our statehood. It’s a natural fit for every U.P. classroom and library.”
About the Author
Deborah K. Frontiera grew up in Lake Linden, Michigan. She taught in Houston public schools from 1985 until 2008 and then worked part time for Houston’s Writers In The Schools program (WITS) for six more years. In 2019, she and her husband moved back to the Copper Country. She has written for children and adults, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She is also the editor for the annual U.P. Reader, produced by the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA). Learn more about her on her website www.authorsden.com/deborahkfrontiera
