My Mighty Journey
My Mighty Journey is the story of the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River—and the changes it has witnessed over twelve thousand years. Written from the perspective of the waterfall, the narrative considers the people who lived nearby, the ways they lived, and how the area around the waterfall changed drastically in the past two centuries.
Internationally acclaimed artist Gaylord Schanilec created stunning visual images featuring material collected along the riverbank to show the progression of the waterfall—eventually known as St. Anthony Falls—as it moved fifteen miles upriver from present-day St. Paul to its current location in downtown Minneapolis.
You may be surprised to learn that the falls has not always been locked in place. Perhaps more thought-provoking is that Europeans and their descendants have resided near the falls for less than three percent of the time people have lived here. My Mighty Journey helps readers realize that many of us are newcomers to this region and that there is so much to learn about the waterfall, this land, and our place in it.
Star Tribune
The scope of time is apparent from the first words of this impressive book, which traces a waterfall on the Mississippi River from the robust days of the woolly mammoth to its more restrained incarnation today: “For those who came before, those now, and those to come.”
John Coy’s rhythmic, pounding story of Owamniyomni, also known as St. Anthony Falls — which, over time, has migrated 15 miles upriver, an astounding fact — employs verbs that bring the surging power of the water to the page: “People pour in. … Booms break, logs escape, crashing … and jamming.”
Gaylord Schanilec’s collage illustrations and dramatic typography keep the pulsation going. Eventually, the falls grow calm, contained. “I am no longer as massive as I was. … But I am still powerful. I am still here.”
A note at the end explains how the book — years in the making — came about, with author and illustrator working closely together and with many others, walking the river, collecting bark, wood, roots, stone and other natural objects to use in the images.
Pioneer Press
So beautiful in words and pictures it is a worthy candidate for an adult’s library.
School Library Journal
The Falls of St. Anthony near present-day Minneapolis was the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River. Originating about 12,000 years ago, it rivaled Niagara Falls in size and volume. Over many years, erosion, industrialization, and natural changes moved the river 15 miles upstream. The narrative, told from the point of view of the waterfall, explains the evolution of this mighty force. From early hunters stalking woolly mammoths to the harnessing of its great power for wood and flour mills to its current location, the waterfall is witness to dramatic transformations taking place on its shores. Powerful stylized illustrations in muted tones of blue, gray, and brown depict the many transitions in the Fall’s history.
VERDICT Illustrations and poetic text work together to show the changes to the St. Anthony Falls. Good for research on the local history of Minneapolis/St. Paul.