Destination Valdez

Children's Literature - Joyce Rice

Valdez, Alaska is home to the fifth largest United States port in terms of overall tonnage handled each year. Only ports in Louisiana, Houston and New York handle more. Students reaching for this title probably will not remember the oil spill at Valdez in 1989 that captured the attention of an entire nation as the media presented images of oil-covered birds and beaches. Students will, however, learn about the environmental risks and the economic impact of the oil industry on Alaska. Part of the "Port Cities of North America" series, Farrell presents geographic, economic and historical information about this port and has included a glossary, index and pronunciation guide. Destination Valdez is an excellent addition to any study of the forty-ninth state.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-Two excellent titles that are full of information, excellent full-color photographs, and detailed maps. Each book includes a description and history of the port, as well as a lot of detail about the kinds of goods shipped in and out. One chapter in each title discusses several controversial topics and takes a look at the future. For example, in Valdez, Ferrell examines the effect a billion dollar business (oil shipping) has on a tiny, remote town in Alaska. In Vancouver, Hancock discusses the effect NAFTA has on trade at this port. The format of these books allows for much information to be compressed into a small volume. A thorough index and clear subheadings allow access to sections of the book not outlined in the rather cryptic table of contents. Boldface words are defined in the glossaries.-Lucinda Lockwood, Thomas Haney Secondary School, Maple Ridge, BC