Broadening horizons

In 1817, workers first began shoveling dirt for the 363-mile canal that would connect Buffalo, N.Y., with Albany. Many Voices: Building Erie, the Canal That Changed America (Holiday House, 224 pp.) begins two centuries before the Erie Canal’s construction, explaining how geological and societal factors led to the project. Author Laurie Lawlor writes that in the late 1600s, “to send a letter overland from New York to Boston … could take longer than sending the same letter by ship to London and then back to Massachusetts.” After the canal’s completion, travel from Lake Erie to New York City took only six days, compared with 17 days of overland travel.

The book’s engaging text outlines the financial enormity of the project, the unexpected setbacks such as malaria, and the life-threatening dangers that canal workers faced during construction. Lawlor, who lauds the wisdom and ingenuity of leaders like George Washington for addressing the growing pains of the fledgling nation, deftly but simply explains the geographic challenges and historic setbacks to the construction project as well as the canal’s effects on the economy and social reforms. In the era of westward expansion amid poor interstate infrastructure, the canal helped the new country lessen its dependence on Great Britain and boost the inter­dependence of its states.

However, parents should know that early chapters make references to millions and even 1 billion years of geological history. The book also includes a negative reference to the “Christian Doctrine of Discovery,” which the author says some historians call “legal cover for theft.” Also, accounts of Native American tribes paint Americans and Europeans as intruders and one-sided aggressors.

Charlotte Mason spearheaded a new education method in the late 1800s that many teachers and homeschooling parents still use today. Leah Boden’s The Angel Orphan (Moody, 168 pp.) begins with Mason’s happy childhood and takes readers through her entire life while emphasizing Mason’s Christian faith and how her beliefs influenced her work and ideas about education. This biographical novel weaves in descriptions of Mason’s methodology—such as ­narration or the incorporation of nature and famous artwork—that children educated under her methods will likely recognize.

Boden’s writing includes many adjectives and description-heavy sections, which Charlotte Mason would likely have applauded but some young readers may find boring. Angel Orphan includes little to no references to Mason’s personal weaknesses or shortcomings, creating a glowing picture that can sometimes seem unrealistic. Focusing on her orphan status instead of her educational accomplishments in the book’s title also seems an odd choice. Still, this book may spur some young readers to dig deeper into Mason’s works or her life story. For students experiencing her education methods, it encourages a deeper appreciation and respect for their own education.

In Elsewhere in Odyssey (Focus on the Family, 96 pp.), author Evan David invites longtime fans and new readers to experience the fictional town of Odyssey through his comic storybook. The stories start off short and light, incorporating devotional-style applications complete with Bible verse references. A couple of longer stories point back to major Odyssey nemeses, stirring up questions about whether they are still hatching evil plans. These stories lack a neat and tidy wrap-up with Bible verse references and clear application, but older readers will be able to discern the lessons embedded in the plots.

Odyssey fans will appreciate the dialogue that matches characters’ personalities from the classic radio drama and will enjoy some surprising appearances by beloved characters. But readers unfamiliar with the radio series will not know the huge amount of backstory that the pages leave out. The book includes enough information to follow the comic storyline, and the panels are peppered with episode numbers and names that will explain more of each story arc, making it a fun introduction to the world of Odyssey.