Skywalkers: Mohawk Ironworkers Build the City

"Skywalkers: Mohawk Ironworkers Build the City" is not about Luke or other sci fi characters.  It's a terrific nonfiction read on the role of the Mohawk people in building our country's skyscrapers- and much more.  Written for middle to high school plus, this book is a surprising page-turner.  The author, David Weitzman, takes us from the early culture of the Mohawk people to their present day role as ironworkers and bridge builders. This book is fascinating, with marvelous photographs dating back to the 1800s.  Weitzman's use of primary source info, such as interviews and written commentaries, bring each chapter to life.  For kiddos who are curious about construction, native peoples, bridge disasters, and more, this book is riveting (pun intended)!  The author explores myths and legends about the famous Mohawk ironworkers, including the sobering realities of building our cities.  You will be amazed at the skills, the sacrifices, and the grit of these people.  While this book has a social studies emphasis, it also presents the complex math of construction and the role of engineers and architects.  "Skywalkers" will forever change the way you view our city skylines.

I worked construction, pouring concrete on new powerhouses in ND in the late 70's-early 80's. As a native american decendant, I found reading about the actual tribes that I am a decendant from very interesting. I'm glad I worked construction in my early 20's. The work in physically hard, dirty, and very dangerous. The workers are under paid. As a union member we had health insurance....no vacations, no retirement plan, and no sick days. You have to pay attention to everything going on around you, or you will get hurt, I don't mean bandaid hurt.I've witnessed iron workers walking 200+ feet up, hopping over steel braces like he was strolling down a sidewalk.

If you want to know about the blood, sweat, and tears (literally) that has gone into building bridges and skyscrapers, this is an easy to read story. Wonderfully accessible and informative.

Cover is upside down/backwards. Bought as a gift so not happy about that.

Really interesting history of a specially talented Native American group of men who distinguished themselves in the dangerous work of high-rise iron working. My brother is an iron worker in Texas, and he loved this book. He'd heard stories about these guys for years...

good service from this supplier, a bit disappointed with the book, I was hoping for more information than what there was

The book curiously is rated for ages 10-14, but this old Ph. D. enjoyed it immensely; the book is loaded with facts which are otherwise hard to find, and shows much respect for the Mohawk language and traditions.

This book is about my family and ancestors. My husband is presently reading it and gaining a great deal of knowledge and respect for my family, not by word of mouth, but from a very informative book. Thanks so much.