From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5–The intriguing, cross-section painting of the New York City subway on the endpapers promises an interesting trip, one that is fulfilled by the history that follows. Brimmer begins with a description of opening day, October 27, 1904, and provides a brief account of the development of subways in Europe. He then explains clearly and chronologically how New York's system was envisioned, financed, and built. Portraits, depictions of street life, and representations of artifacts from the era add interest and historical specificity to the text. The beautifully executed pen-and-ink, watercolor, and acrylic paintings, with meaningful captions, expand the text. The book is well designed with a large and clear font, wide margins, and generous white space. Interesting tidbits of information in small italics are set off in sidebars in the margins. The book is not as detailed or informative as Lesley A. DuTemple's The New York Subways (Lerner, 2002) but, accessible to a much younger audience, Subway is a solid addition to most collections.–Ellen Loughran, Library Consultant, Brooklyn, NY
From Booklist
Gr. 3-6. Published exactly 100 years to the month after the opening of the New York City subway, this book offers a brief, intriguing history of the "marvelous people mover" that transformed a city. Introductory chapters touch on the innovations and cultural influence that shaped the development of New York's rapid transit system, including London's Thames Tunnel and Underground, the influence of electrical power, and the political forces that intervened. Brimmer's straightforward text sometimes feels perfunctory, and the page layouts don't enhance the often too-small illustrations, which include handsome archival photos, prints, and drawings, as well as Waldman's original portraits and paintings. Better verbal and visual explanation of building techniques, such as the "cut and cover" method, would have been useful; for these turn to David Macaulay's Underground (1983). But Waldman offers a solid overview of why subways developed and how they have changed life in New York and in other cities around the world, and his anecdotes about inventors demonstrate how great changes begin with small moments of inspiration. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
