Panama

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

During the time of the First World War, one of the most amazing engineering projects in modern times was completed. After decades of stop and start efforts, a canal was dug across the Isthmus of Panama that connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Panama Canal stretched over fifty miles through rugged terrain that had stymied earlier efforts to cross it. In fact, prior efforts had cost the lives of tens of thousands of workers as malaria and yellow-fever—laden mosquitoes had contributed to this massive death toll. Despite the importance of the Panama Canal, it is but one aspect of this nation's topography. Indeed, the serpentine shaped nation of Panama is home to noteworthy human, plant, and animal diversity. In Panama, writer Byron Augustin takes his readers on a guided tour of this Central American nation. In the pages of this engaging study in cultural geography, readers will learn about the customs, climate, wildlife, economy, religions, and society that typify Panama. Throughout the text, the use of color photography heightens the reader's ability to come to grips with the nature of Panamanian life. In the end, this combination of a readable text and lush visual imagery makes Panama a worthwhile read and a book that will help youngsters better understand this neighboring land.