Miners and Drillers

Children's Literature - Barbara Troisi

"Extreme Jobs" is a series designed to acquaint students with careers where people work in dangerous and risky situations every day. This title explores the variety of jobs associated with miners or drillers. Each bright orange-and-white, one-to-two page presentation examines aspects of the job, including the life, training, risks, and dangers. An added bonus, "Digging into History," portrays historical information describing the dangers of humans digging and drilling throughout time in search of resources for tools, weapons, and fuel. Included is the fascinating work of specialists—underground coal miners, open cut miners, opal miners, oil drilling crews, offshore oil rig workers, offshore oil engineers, oil well firefighters, mining geologists, and engineers. The easy-to-read content is comprehensive, sparking interest for readers searching to gain an overview of the profession. Each page of text features a color photograph accompanied by a brief caption that depicts everyday activities and responsibilities. Interviews with men and women specialists make the guide especially personal as each summarizes personal roles in the field. The factoid boxes "Extreme Info" (provide facts) and "Risk Factor" (highlight risks involved) add detail to the adventuresome job descriptions. A table of contents, a glossary, and an index supplement the text. Not included in the book are suggested resources for expanded research, including book lists, web sites, articles, or organizations. This appealing title will assist students looking for information about a future career path.