Building the Sydney Harbour Bridge
John Nicholson
Allen & Unwin 2000
32p., hbk $28.50
1865082597
As the title suggests this
book tells the story of how the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built. The
information provided gives an interesting and very detailed account of
each stage of the building process, from its original conception to its
opening ceremony and the final payment.
The illustrations are the
most appealing thing about this book. The detail and fine art work are
interesting and attract the reader's attention. The labelling of these
drawings allows the reader to identify them easily. Centre fold outs
provide an excellently detailed view of the engineering. The layout is
excellent.
The text level is relatively
easy to read, accessible to children from Middle Primary upwards. The
book has a glossary which covers the technical terms and assists the
reader to fully understand the text. An index is also included.
I think this book has
something to offer anyone interested in engineering, or in Australian
history. It describes a feat in engineering and an important landmark in
our country.
Agatha Cranky, 12,
rural Victoria
The terrific illustrations help you to understand the text and to realise how important this structure was to the City of Sydney and to Australia.
The language is totally suitable for primary school students and maybe even for teenagers as well.
It is very interesting right to the end.
I liked the way that some pages are foldouts.
I'd recommend it highly to other children, especially anyone interested in history or technology or machines.
It was very disappointing to find a spelling mistake right near the beginning of the book. I don't think this is good in such an expensive book, especially when it is trying to win awards as well.
I would like to own a copy of this book because I could read it many times.
John, 11 yrs rural Victoria
It has fantastic information, is very easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. It is very disappointing that there is a typo in such a great book.
The illustrations are terrific and really help to portray the text carefully.
If I owned this book I would keep it for my grandchildren because I really loved reading it and it would be great to share Australia's history by using this book.
I might even buy this book with my own pocket money when I have saved enough.
Trent Whistle 12 yrs rural Victoria
