Homes on the Water

This exciting book looks at homes built beside, over, or on top of water in cities such as Venice and Hong Kong, and high in the Andres Mountains on Lake Titicaca. Detailed photography shows what these kinds of homes are made from, what they look like inside, and how people living near water are affected by flooding, soil erosion, hurricanes, and water pollution.

Children's Literature

Even though people who live by the water face dangers from floods and hurricanes, an amazingly diverse group of people make their homes near water. From houseboats in Hong Kong to canal houses in Venice, this book shows the many ways people make a home near water. A particularly fascinating photograph shows the floating home of a fishing family in Vietnam in which the fish are kept in nets accessed through a hole in the floor of the house. Part of the "Homes Around the World" series, this book shares many important features with others in the series, such as wonderful, compelling photography from around the world to illustrate the homes, and interesting sidebars to further student understanding. Designed for younger readers, books in this series contain limited text and simplified research aids including a glossary, an index, and list of other resources. Chapters focus on definition, environment, school, play, work, and other information about people who live in homes near water. Key terms are in bold, and pictures are well captioned. A world map shows the location of some of the houses mentioned. An interesting activity at the end of the book shows children how to make a floating home. Teachers in primary grades who are studying neighborhoods will find this book particularly helpful. Reviewer: Sheryl O'Sullivan