The Panama Canal: The Story of How a Jungle Was Conquered and the World Made Smaller

It seemed so simple. Panama was less than fifty miles wide. How difficult could it be to build a canal across it?

Tragically difficult. Panama was a disease-ridden death trap. Its mountainous rain forest was a challenge to the most brilliant engineers. Its oppressive heat exhausted the hardiest workers.

Somehow the Panama Canal was built. Engineers found ways to cut through the rain forest. Medical visionaries conquered the diseases. Workers endured the jungle.

Yet side by side with genius and selfless heroism were broken treaties, the domination of a small nation by a large one, and tens of thousands of black West Indian workers forced to live in second-rate, segregated conditions. This, too, is the story of the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal captures the spirit of an age when no task was thought impossible, and no price too high to pay.

Wonders of the World series

The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture.

"One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."
- Booklist

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Mikaya Press
Published: 10/01/1998
ISBN: 9780965049344
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 10.34h x 10.34w x 0.47d

Review Citations: School Library Journal 12/01/1998 pg. 140
Kirkus Review - Children 11/01/1998 pg. 1601
Booklist 02/01/1999 pg. 971

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 32045 / Panama Canal
Reading Level: 7.1 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 1