About This Book:
“The Nation’s First Superhighway” existed before the spread of cars… or even railroads! This immersive photo book ferries readers through the past and present of the Erie Canal, from impossible idea to groundbreaking reality.
In the twenty-first century, it’s hard to imagine a canal as cutting-edge technology. Yet even to the most scientifically-minded, the Erie Canal once seemed an unachievable dream. Thomas Jefferson himself called it “nothing short of madness;” one critic felt sure it was impossible as “building a canal to the moon.” Yet with eight years and nearly $185 million dollars in today’s currency, the Erie Canal opened in 1825 to celebratory cannon fire: an innovating—and enduring—marvel of engineering.
But as the Canal shaped the flow of American history, the sociopolitical impact reached much further than its shores. A largely untold tale of creativity and cowardice, sacrifice and greed, heroism and prejudice, the Erie Canal’s story is as complex and compelling as that of America itself.
Award-winning nonfiction author Laurie Lawlor captures the landmark achievements of the Erie Canal while diving deep into corporate greed, environmental devastation, poor working conditions, and its impact on the Haudenosaunee people. Pairing rich back matter (including maps, source notes, an index, bibliography, glossary, and timeline) with attention grabbing photographs, accomplished STEAM storyteller Laurie Lawlor connects the Erie Canal’s past and present to plumb the depths of unexplored American history.
*Review Contributed by Mark Buxton, Staff Reviewer*
What worked:
This is a comprehensive history of how the Erie Canal connects a quickly growing country. It takes many decades for actual construction to begin, and the book explores the many conflicts involved in the process. European countries fought over the lands, and indigenous people fought to preserve their homes and cultures. Funding the project and determining a route for the canal took years to complete. Qualified engineers can’t be found in America at this time in history, and finding the thousands of workers needed is an additional challenge, including young children. Once construction finally begins, the book delves into the technology and design of the canal and the dangers the workers face. Weather, insects, explosions, and drowning take the lives of thousands of workers. The book winds up by covering the years following the canal’s completion and sharing its status and conditions today.
The abundant facts and information are accompanied by numerous graphics and book sections. Actual drawings, maps, and a few photographs allow readers to see locations, people, working conditions, and canal designs. A bibliography and source notes share the author’s sources if readers want more information about different topics. A timeline gives readers a quick summary of key dates shared in the book. A couple of pages provide suggestions for people wanting to visit the area today. An index helps readers looking for pages about specific topics.
What didn’t work as well:
The vast amount of information may be a bit much for young readers. There are many names, dates, countries, cultural groups, and political figures involved in building the canal. The narrative may be challenging for middle-grade readers, as it’s not simplified for younger minds. It’s probably most appropriate for upper middle-graders or teens.
The final verdict:
This book will make a wonderful resource for the Erie Canal information, but it’s most appropriate for mature readers. It seems to encompass every topic related to its construction and is supported by relevant citations. Overall, I recommend this book for young readers doing research. It’s not light reading.
*Find More Info & Buy This Book HERE!*
