River and Canal

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8 An introduction to the design, construction, and operation of canals in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th Century. Boyer has invented an imaginary navigation company and told its story, based upon the similar histories of real canals. He explains why canals were essential to westward expansion and how the development of railroads greatly reduced their usefulness. Emphasis is placed on the technology that was needed to construct these canals. Perhaps he goes into too much detail here for most students; although the pencil diagrams and illustrations are attractive, they sometimes do not readily clarify the complicated mechanics discussed in the text. A brief explanation of life on the canals rounds out the text. The list of sites where remains of canals, locks and dams may be viewed is a thoughtful addition. Students wanting more general information will need to refer to Ralph K. Andrist's The Erie Canal (Harper, 1964). Canals (Watts, 1983) by Cass R. Sandak and The Big Ditch Waterways (Parents' Magazine Pr, 1977; o.p.) by Solveig P. Russell are for younger readers and provide less detailed but broader geographical and historical information. While the gap this book will fill is narrow, this look at a specific aspect of American history is unique. Allen Meyer, Vernon Area Public Library, Prairie View, Ill.