van Allsburg, Chris Queen
of the Falls
Houghton
Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2011 unp 18.99 978-0-547-31581-2 elm/ms E-BN
With the recognizable drawings of Van
Allsburg, he captures the personality, drama, and events about the first
person, a 62 year old woman, to survive going over Niagra Falls in a barrel.
The text will thrill students who are into extreme sports. Grades 3-7.
Students may think that extreme sports are
a modern day phenomenon, but Van Allsburg perfectly captures a woman who tried
the impossible in 1901. She went from being a teacher of manners and dance to
building a barrel that would allow her to successfully cascade over Niagra
Falls and come out alive at the bottom.
The spunk and determination of this 62 year old woman will amaze
students. The construction of the barrel, padding, and difficulties in finding
a builder and someone to take her out into the river at the top of the Falls
are related in succinct and exciting words. While she achieved fame, she did
not achieve the financial success she thought would result by telling her story
on the fair and vaudeville circuit after her successful ride. The illustrations
capture the excitement, concern, and fashion of the era in typical Van Allsburg
fashion in sepia tones appropriate for the time period of the book. The
drawings of people seem to be almost photographic in nature. The embossed cover
with the title and barrel raised form a visual and tactile treat. While different from his fantasy stories,
this book is just as riveting. Aimed at grades 3-7 but suitable for all ages. Niagra Falls - Daredevils Lois McNicol
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