It seemed so simple. Panama was less than fifty miles wide. How difficult could it be to build a canal across it?
Tragically difficult. Panama was a disease-ridden death trap. Its mountainous rain forest was a challenge to the most brilliant engineers. Its oppressive heat exhausted the hardiest workers.
Yet, somehow engineers cut through the forest, doctors conquered the diseases and workers endured the jungle.
The Panama Canal captures the spirit of an age when no task was thought impossible, no price too high to pay.
"...an epic piece of storytelling."—Kirkus Reviews. Notable Children's Book, National Council for the Social Studies
