Robert Fulton: From Submarine to Steamboat
Grade 3-5-A disappointment on many fronts. In this picture book, Fulton's life is presented chronologically but little effort is made to explain the difficult challenges and concepts that were central to his major contributions. References to historical figures such as Charles Brownne and John Fitch lack sufficient context to provide understanding. On a single page, Kroll writes that Fulton may have contracted tuberculosis, "probably met James Rumsey," and might have seen the "first serious steamboat," leaving readers to wonder what he knows for certain about this period of the inventor's life. Terms and phrases such as "air gun" and "a square stern and tuck" are left undefined. After reading this confusing book, students will wonder why they should care about this man's life or contributions. Muted paintings, some with reference to Fulton's sketches and designs, illustrate the text. Stick with Andy R. Bowen's A Head Full of Notions (Carolrhoda, 1996).Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CACopyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.