Bull Whackers to Whistle Punks: Logging in the Old West (First Books_ Western U.S. History Series)

Grade 4-6?This readable and well-written look at the early days of logging in the American West includes descriptions of the tools, animals, and equipment involved, and specialized jargon. The Nelsons chronicle the day-to-day, often dangerous existence of the men who culled the forests of their valuable resources. They also discuss the effects of such technological advances as steam locomotives and trucking in the industry. Important terms are highlighted in bold or italicized type for easy identification. The black-and-white and full-color photos and archival reproductions are interesting and informative. The single map states that "shades of green indicate different forest types," but there is no key to clarify which trees grow where. Nonetheless, this book is an attractive and useful source for reports.?Julie Halverstadt, Douglas Public Library District, Castle Rock, CO
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 4^-6. The Nelsons do an admirable job of describing logging in the West during the last half of the nineteenth century and early part of the twentieth century. The daily lives of the loggers, their jobs, and the machinery and tools that were used are carefully explained in a lively, engaging style. Colorful logging terms are thoroughly defined, but the use of both boldface and italics to highlight words is distracting in the otherwise attractive book. Black-and-white or color photographs appear on nearly every page. The shots of immense trees and logs will amaze readers and may be useful in helping them understand the concerns of preservationists battling to save old-growth trees. A bibliography is appended. Chris Sherman