The Prairie Monster

About the Book

History surrounds us, but we don’t always know where to find it. Would we even think to look in our own backyards? In author Ronald S. Martinez Sr.’s book, The Prairie Monster, two children are playing, just like they do every day. But this time, they discover tracks that resemble the lizard creatures they play with. In their imaginations, they make connections, visualizing a creature stranger than reality. But with the help of a priest, who shares their enthusiasm, they learn the prairie monster actually existed! When their discovery of dinosaur tracks is made in the riverbeds of the dry prairies south of what is now La Junta, Colorado, the children and priest go on a wild expedition to expose the existence of the prairie monster to an unknowing world. The Prairie Monster is an entertaining story with historical references. As the children and the priest undertake this journey of discovery, they also witness—and contribute to—Colorado history in the making.

About the Author

Ronald S. Martinez Sr. attended Colorado State University–Pueblo and graduated from Metropolitan State University–Denver. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colorado. He is a former journalist for the Pueblo Chieftain & Star-Journal and a retired educator. He has written several articles about Hispanic achievements. He currently lives in Pueblo, Colorado.