Genski Art Art থেকে Kang Kalan, Punjab, India
Pop's Bridge by Eve Buntnmg, illustrated by C. F. Payne is an historical fiction picturebook look at the building of the Golden Gate Bridge through the eyes of young Robert whose father is a skywalker, one of the brave, high-climbing ironworkers. Robert's Pop is building it, and Robert is convinced that his pop has the most important job on the crew. Bunting tells this tale, based on real families, from the focus of Robert. Even though Robert's father gives equal credit to the bridge painters, Robert is convinced the steelworkers are the most important. An awful accident makes him realize that equal work and equal danger exist for all bridge workers. The two fathers are given half pieces of the final puzzle piece of the Golden Gate Bridge to complete the puzzle together, celebrating the completion of the bridge. The inclusion of a Chinese American worker in the story is an important historical detail. An author's note about the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge gives added context to the story. Payne's illustrations created in mixed media are beautiful, especially the panoramic shots of the bridge, and of the people of San Francisco. As someone who loves the city of San Francisco, I enjoyed the story, but agree with some other reviewers that there is less of an emotional connection than there could have been, and that the ending is slightly contrived. More details of the relationship between Robert and his father might have helped. This could be useful in schools with units about bridges, bridge building, California and San Francisco. For ages 8 to 13, bridge building, San Francisco, historical fiction, courage, team work themes, and fans of Eve Bunting and C. F. Payne.