Parks for the People: How Frederick Law Olmsted Designed America

National Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge reveals the life and work of Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park, the United States Capitol building’s landscape, and more.

Nobody could get Frederick Law Olmsted to sit still. He was filled with energy, adventure, and dreams of changing the world. As a boy, he found refuge in the peace and calm of nature, and later as an adult, he dreamed of designing and creating access to parks for a growing and changing America. When New York City held a contest for the best park design for what would become Central Park, Olmsted won and became the father of landscape architecture. He went on to design parks across America, including Yosemite National Park and even the grounds for the United States Capitol.

This scenic biography is lavishly illustrated by Becca Stadtlander, and National Book Award finalist Elizabeth Partridge brings her renowned lyricism and meticulous research to the visionary who brought parks to the people.

Elizabeth Partridge is a National Book Award finalist, Printz Honor Winner, and author of several nonfiction books for children, including Restless Spirit: The Life and Work of Dorothea Lange; This Land Was Made for You and Me: The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie; John Lennon: All I Want is the Truth; Marching for Freedom: Walk Together, Children, and Don’t You Grow Weary, and Boots on the Ground: America’s War in Vietnam. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area.

Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist inspired by the beauty of everyday objects, the comforts of home, and the lush colors and landscapes of far-off places. Her work is featured in children’s and adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home-decor products, and book covers. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and currently lives and works in her hometown of Covington, Kentucky.