Boy of the Deeps by Ian Wallace

Wallace, Ian. (1999). Boy of the deeps. New York, New York: DK Publishing, Inc.

Summary:

Today is James’ first day working as a coal miner. He goes with his father and the other coal miners to the mine. His father then takes him to their spot, where James is taught what tools to bring, how to dig, how to plant the explosives, to detonating, to picking up the rock fragments. After lunch the two coal miners make their way back to their spot, when a wooden beam collapses on them. Can James help his father before it is too late?

Advisory Information:

Themes:

a. Coming of age/Loss of innocence (James is now required to make money for his family, and must experience the dangers of his and his father’s job) The author remembers his grandfather talking about his experience, and how he recognizes the sacrifices his grandfather had to go through in order for the author to life in a world where a “boy could be a boy, growing naturally into manhood and free to choose his own destiny.”

b. Day in the Life of a Coal Miner

c. Family relationships of the time period: the father teaching his son the trade.

Age Recommendation:

I think that this book would appeal to young readers, from 3 to 6 years of age.

Other Information:

Ian Wallace wrote the book as well as completing the illustrations.

Awards Include:
2000 IBBY Honour Book (International Board on Books for Young People) 2000 Hackamatack Children's Choice Book Award Nominee
1999 Quill & Quire Best Books of the Year
1999 Smithsonian Notable Children's Book
Canadian Booksellers Association, Ruth Schwartz Award Nominee
1999 Maclean's Magazine Best Books of the Year

Reaction:

I enjoyed this picture book. I thought that the canvas quality of the pictures helped the reader distinguish the time period of the story. Most of the illustrations had darkness to them that added atmosphere to the story. I felt like as a reader, you could understand how difficult working in a mine would be. I do not think I could fully connect with the characters; however, it was easy to understand what life would be like in those circumstances.