The Life of a Miner (Life in the Old West) [Paperback]

Bobbie Kalman (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Life in the Old West

Mining was one of the more difficult ways to earn a living in the Old West. Bobbie Kalman's new book The Life of a Miner details the work and hardships of the people who searched for valuable minerals such as gold, silver, and copper. Fascinating text reveals:

how the mining industry began how a hard rock mine worked a miner's tools different jobs in the mines hazardous working conditions underground miners' rights, homes, and families boomtowns and famous mines of the West

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Both of these well-researched titles take a thorough look at a particular aspect of living in the Wild West. Miner explains how the mining industry developed, beginning in the mid-1800s. Diagrams and photos take readers underground to find out how miners spent their time, and the dangers they faced daily are aptly discussed. The rise of labor unions is also touched upon. Women discusses the tribulations pioneer and Native American women faced. Each text is well illustrated with cartoon-style drawings and authentic period photographs. Brandon Miller's Buffalo Gals (Lerner, 1995) delves further into the lives of these rugged women. Suzanne Hilton's Miners, Merchants, and Maids (21st Century, 1995) covers more ground, but is much drier with fewer illustrations than Kalman's books, both of which offer realistic views of life in the old West, hardships and all. Good for report writers and casual readers.
Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

This series shows the settlers' homes and way of life and the changes they represented to the native population. Good coverage of each topic will make these books useful for research -- Resource Links, Feb. 1999 --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0778701093
• ISBN-13: 978-0778701095
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,557,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Business & Investing > Careers > Vocational Guidance

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars superior mining book for kids, January 3, 2001

By 

"booieb" (sacramento, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life of a Miner (Life in the Old West) (Paperback)

I loved this book! The way it explains the difference between lode mining and placer mining alone was excellent. The drawing and explainations of the stamp mill and how the gold is separated from the rock is my favorite part. There is also background on mining towns, miner lives, and areas mined. Drawings and explainations of how cradles, long toms, panning and sluice boxes work. This book is the cornerstone of my Gold Rush Unit. I have purchased 35, so my entire class can read them together. Wonderful and just right for 4th grade.