Marveling at the mystery of sandstone

December 3, 2015
A brownstone rowhouse in Brooklyn. More brownstones remain in Brooklyn than anywhere else in New York City. (Photo credit: By SteveStrummer/Wikimedia Commons

A brownstone rowhouse in Brooklyn. More brownstones remain in Brooklyn than anywhere else in New York City. (Photo credit: Steve Strummer/Wikimedia Commons)

“From one grain of sand, I became a mountain.”

Those words are part of my tribute to sandstone in Sand to Stone and Back Again.

Beginning in the late 1800s, New York City began forming the same way a mountain range would, using a sandstone variety known as “brownstone.”

Nancy Bo Flood

As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more...