The Gandy Dancers: And Work Songs from the American Railroad

author: Vanita Oelschlager
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2015/05/07
date added: 2015/05/07
shelves: children-s
review:
'The Gandy Dancers: And Work Songs from the American Railroad' is a beautifully illustrated book about working on the early American railroad. It includes songs from the period.

In 1910, there were about 1.7 million people employed by the railroad. The book briefly explains some of the jobs like brakemen, firemen, pullman porters and others. The main job of the book were the section gangs that worked to keep the tracks straight. One of these groups was known as the Gandy Dancers who sang work songs to help keep them working together. In between refrains, they would call out "huh!" to keep their rhythm and work aligned. There are lyrics to many famous folk songs of the era that the Gandy Dancers might have sung. Songs like Skip To My Lou, I've Been Working on the Railroad, and John Brown's Body among others. The lyrics to The Battle Hymn of the Republic are included. It's always been one of my favorite American songs. The book ends with a list of resources for further information.

Mike Blanc's illustrations are simply wonderful. The book's cover drew me in and I wasn't disappointed. The book tells a story that could be politicized or preachy and it's not. Kudos to Vanita Oelschlager for keeping the story interesting at a kid level. The songs work along with the illustrations. All in all, an interesting non-fiction picture book about a group of hard working Americans.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Vanita Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this interesting picture book for young readers.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://ift.tt/1H2IX5f