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Canary in the Coal Mine
Bitty is a canary whose courage more than makes up for his diminutive size. Of course, as a bird who detects deadly gas leaks in a West Virginia coal mine during the Depression, he is used to facing danger. Tired of unsafe working conditions, he escapes and hops a coal train to the state capital to seek help in improving the plights of miners and their canaries. While there, Bitty manages to bring together two men: a state senator and the inventor of a machine that can replace canaries. But Bitty's return to Coalbank Hollow coincides with a shattering mining accident that affects humans and canaries alike.
In the tradition of E.B. White and George Selden, Madelyn Rosenberg has written and extraordinary novel starring unforgettable animals in an incredibly imaginative society
In the tradition of E.B. White and George Selden, Madelyn Rosenberg has written and extraordinary novel starring unforgettable animals in an incredibly imaginative society
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 3, 2013
Even today, coal mining isn't a job for the faint of heart, and it was a good deal more nerve-wracking during the first half of the twentieth century. Yearly mine fatalities in the USA peaked in 1907 at a mind-boggling 3,242, and it wasn't until 1946 that that number first dipped below 1,000. (For the record, there were 19 fatalities in 2012; that's still 19 too many, but it's a far cry from those four-digit numbers.)
The Canary in the Coal Mine is set in 1931, in Coalbank Hollow, West Virginia. The book centers around Bitty, one of the canaries that the miners took below ground with them to warn of the toxic gas that was a common reason for those fatal accidents.
Of course, the way a canary gives that warning is by passing out, and possibly dying. It's dangerous work -- needlessly dangerous, in Bitty's mind. The canary takes it into his head to travel to the state capital and communicate the plight of both canaries and miners to the politicians there, undeterred by the fact that communication between birds and humans is seemingly impossible.
The plot from that point won't come as too much of a surprise to anyone who's read Charlotte's Web or The One and Only Ivan. However, Bitty and his fellow animals are engaging companions for the journey, and watching the little canary grow from a brave but naive idealist to a wise, strong protagonist is enjoyable. And the fact that the whole thing is told from the animals' perspective makes the book stand out from the many other depression-era historical novels for middle-grade readers.
A longer version of this review appeared on For Those About To Mock at abouttomock.blogspot.com
The Canary in the Coal Mine is set in 1931, in Coalbank Hollow, West Virginia. The book centers around Bitty, one of the canaries that the miners took below ground with them to warn of the toxic gas that was a common reason for those fatal accidents.
Of course, the way a canary gives that warning is by passing out, and possibly dying. It's dangerous work -- needlessly dangerous, in Bitty's mind. The canary takes it into his head to travel to the state capital and communicate the plight of both canaries and miners to the politicians there, undeterred by the fact that communication between birds and humans is seemingly impossible.
The plot from that point won't come as too much of a surprise to anyone who's read Charlotte's Web or The One and Only Ivan. However, Bitty and his fellow animals are engaging companions for the journey, and watching the little canary grow from a brave but naive idealist to a wise, strong protagonist is enjoyable. And the fact that the whole thing is told from the animals' perspective makes the book stand out from the many other depression-era historical novels for middle-grade readers.
A longer version of this review appeared on For Those About To Mock at abouttomock.blogspot.com
June 21, 2015
Until I read this story, I didn’t know much about the origin of the phrase, “canary in a coal mine” beyond hearing it referenced in the catchy 80’s pop song by The Police. As it turns out, there was a time when canaries were used as air quality detectors to alert coal miners to the presence of toxic gases in the mines. Interesting! Although the book is geared towards middle school readers, I would recommend it to anyone who is an animal lover and/or interested in historical fiction, environmental issues, and the importance of ethical work conditions. Author Madelyn Rosenberg succeeds in giving each human and animal character a distinct personality and important role to fulfill. The mice serve as personal trainers for the house cats at a local hotel. Pigeons sometimes referred to as “rats with wings” to the casual observer serve as entertainers and companions to regular visitors of a park. Most importantly, the canaries struggle with upholding their legacy of saving the lives of men, while risking their own health and lives the process. How will young Bitty the canary deal with this predicament? Check out this story to find out!
December 30, 2022
I brought this for my Class to read as part of their history schema on Mining. It is written from a canary’s point of view and is an interesting and heartfelt read. The conditions for working in mines were dangerous in the past - especially for a canary. This is portrayed brilliantly and creatively through this story about a canary who tries everything not to work down the mines.
Recommend.
Recommend.
May 8, 2013
Bitty is a mine canary. He spends his days deep inside a mine waiting to be hit with unseen gas, which warns the miners that they need to get out. Unfortunately, many canaries die in the process. Bitty wants to change this so he comes up with a plan to escape the cage where he has spent his entire life and fly off in hopes of convincing someone to bring improvements to the mine. But the world has some surprises in store for him. Hawks, trains, inventors, and lazy pigeons teach Bitty a lot about the world and he realizes just how big a task he has set for himself. But he is determined to get the legislature to listen to him, he just has to figure out a way to do it. And with the help of his canary friends and new friends he makes along the way, he just might do it.
What struck me the most about this book is how authentic it felt, despite the talking animals. Many talking animal books have a strong feel of magic or make-belief connected to them. This book felt real. While the animals do talk to each other, the author does it in such a way that each species of animal is speaking its own language. Other than the talking the animals behave in animal-like ways, flying, walking, drinking, etc. The other thing that really struck me about this book was the optimism that Bitty exhibited. No matter how bad things got or how impossible his mission seemed, he never gave up and this inspired those around him. I think this message is so important, so many books contain such darkness that hope feels smothered. Bitty is one of those heroes that you really cheer for and want to encourage.
In a book as short as this one, especially with such an important historical feel to it, it can be hard to create an appropriately detailed image of what life was like. But the author does a great job with this, creating a heart-breakingly real picture of mining and the dangers associated with it, not just for the miners themselves but for their families as well. The historical aspects of this story are rather eye-opening. The book provides not only an entertaining and surprisingly believable story, but an important and informative one. Highly recommended.
What struck me the most about this book is how authentic it felt, despite the talking animals. Many talking animal books have a strong feel of magic or make-belief connected to them. This book felt real. While the animals do talk to each other, the author does it in such a way that each species of animal is speaking its own language. Other than the talking the animals behave in animal-like ways, flying, walking, drinking, etc. The other thing that really struck me about this book was the optimism that Bitty exhibited. No matter how bad things got or how impossible his mission seemed, he never gave up and this inspired those around him. I think this message is so important, so many books contain such darkness that hope feels smothered. Bitty is one of those heroes that you really cheer for and want to encourage.
In a book as short as this one, especially with such an important historical feel to it, it can be hard to create an appropriately detailed image of what life was like. But the author does a great job with this, creating a heart-breakingly real picture of mining and the dangers associated with it, not just for the miners themselves but for their families as well. The historical aspects of this story are rather eye-opening. The book provides not only an entertaining and surprisingly believable story, but an important and informative one. Highly recommended.
August 3, 2016
In 1931 in West Virginia, coal mining is a hard and dangerous profession, with mine owners oppressing the miners and allowing dangerous conditions in the mines. Because one major problem with coal mines is the existence of deadly but invisible gas, miners in Coalbank, WV, carry canaries down with them, as canaries react more quickly to gas and thus warn the miners about its presence. Bitty knows all about that, since he’s a coal miner’s canary, but he’s fed up with the conditions in the mine and how many canaries and people have died there. Determined to save his friends’ lives, he escapes and flies to Charleston, to try to convince legislators to make changes for the miners and their birds. Along the way he meets all sorts of new animal friends who help him, and some who just make things worse. Is there any way Bitty can succeed?
I loved this book, and the middle schooler I was would have loved it as well; it reminded me a bit of the Beverly Cleary ‘Runaway Ralph’ books. When I picked it up, I thought from the cover illustration and the thinness of the book that it would be elementary school level. However, the text is at a higher level and the book is longer than it looks, due to the smaller font. It’s simply charming, and if it’s a bit didactic, it’s true that the mining situation was pretty desperate and in need of change. I loved all the helpful birds Bitty met, who each had their own personality, even if they were maybe a bit too eager to help a stranger (what a great problem to have for Bitty, though). The author creates an authentic talking-animal world, and clearly spent a lot of time working out how their societies would function alongside the human world. Basically, it was a fun book that still had a serious message about honoring sacrifices by making an effort to reform the conditions that led to the sacrifice.
I loved this book, and the middle schooler I was would have loved it as well; it reminded me a bit of the Beverly Cleary ‘Runaway Ralph’ books. When I picked it up, I thought from the cover illustration and the thinness of the book that it would be elementary school level. However, the text is at a higher level and the book is longer than it looks, due to the smaller font. It’s simply charming, and if it’s a bit didactic, it’s true that the mining situation was pretty desperate and in need of change. I loved all the helpful birds Bitty met, who each had their own personality, even if they were maybe a bit too eager to help a stranger (what a great problem to have for Bitty, though). The author creates an authentic talking-animal world, and clearly spent a lot of time working out how their societies would function alongside the human world. Basically, it was a fun book that still had a serious message about honoring sacrifices by making an effort to reform the conditions that led to the sacrifice.
October 21, 2013
Bitty is a miner; he is a canary that goes into the mine to check that the air is good. He lives in a big cage with a bunch of other canaries. Life is hard in the mines; miners and canaries die and no one seems to be doing anything about it. Bitty decides he needs to go to Charleston and get the legislature involved. He escapes and makes his way to the big city. He meets lots of different birds and animals and gets them all behind him and his cause. He even brings together an inventor and a legislator to help the mines.
I think the story is fairly decent here, but it just seemed too easy to perfect to me. Bitty somehow manages to communicate with people and bring them around to his cause. Everything ends up happily ever after at the mines. Sure there is a little bit of danger and a little bit of adventure, but you always knew nothing truly bad was going to happen. I think my biggest gripe is with the book itself. It is a small book, perfect size for kids; however, the type is very small and there is hardly any white space on the pages. Most children's books have a larger type and lots of space. This book looks like something that was printed 50 years ago when they didn't want to waste paper. It made it a little more difficult to read and made it seem like a denser book than it really was.
I think the story is fairly decent here, but it just seemed too easy to perfect to me. Bitty somehow manages to communicate with people and bring them around to his cause. Everything ends up happily ever after at the mines. Sure there is a little bit of danger and a little bit of adventure, but you always knew nothing truly bad was going to happen. I think my biggest gripe is with the book itself. It is a small book, perfect size for kids; however, the type is very small and there is hardly any white space on the pages. Most children's books have a larger type and lots of space. This book looks like something that was printed 50 years ago when they didn't want to waste paper. It made it a little more difficult to read and made it seem like a denser book than it really was.
April 4, 2013
I love birds, so when my library received an advance reader’s copy of Canary in the Coal Mine I took it to read and review.
I’m not sure whether the opening will grab the 8-12 year-old kids the book is intended for. It’s pretty grim, describing life in the coal mines for canaries and miners, and the friends and family the main character canary Bitty has lost to the mines. The best part of the book is the middle, when Bitty heads to the state capital to try to do something about mining conditions for miners and canaries. He meets other bird species and learns to speak a few words in “foreign” languages like cat and mouse.
The personification of the birds aside, the book is not very factual about birds. For example, it would not be a good idea to free pet birds and let them go live in the wild.
But Bitty is an admirable main character, the narrative does contain some light humor, and the plot moves along. I don’t think this is destined to become a classic, but the right child might enjoy it.
I’m not sure whether the opening will grab the 8-12 year-old kids the book is intended for. It’s pretty grim, describing life in the coal mines for canaries and miners, and the friends and family the main character canary Bitty has lost to the mines. The best part of the book is the middle, when Bitty heads to the state capital to try to do something about mining conditions for miners and canaries. He meets other bird species and learns to speak a few words in “foreign” languages like cat and mouse.
The personification of the birds aside, the book is not very factual about birds. For example, it would not be a good idea to free pet birds and let them go live in the wild.
But Bitty is an admirable main character, the narrative does contain some light humor, and the plot moves along. I don’t think this is destined to become a classic, but the right child might enjoy it.
April 8, 2013
An adventurous and informational story in the tradition of Stuart Little and Ralph Mouse. Bitty, a canary
who works in a 1930's West Virginia coal mine detecting poisonous gas to protect the miners, becomes
frustrated with the limitations of his life in a cage and the ongoing dangers of the job. He escapes on
a mission to Charleston where he plans to visit the state legislature to spark changes in the working
conditions in mines to help both canary and human miners. Along the way he makes unexpected friends
who help him see beyond his prejudices and overcome hurdles (like not being able to speak human)
to focus attention on the miners plight as well by bringing just the right people together to initiate
changes. A relevant read-aloud for upper elementary or middle school, which could spark discussions
about the Depression, stereotypes, communities and labor unions. Biddy is a sweet character who
will appeal to both boys and girls, and his story is adventurous enough to keep independent readers’
interest.
(Reviewed from ARC for Library Media Connections)
who works in a 1930's West Virginia coal mine detecting poisonous gas to protect the miners, becomes
frustrated with the limitations of his life in a cage and the ongoing dangers of the job. He escapes on
a mission to Charleston where he plans to visit the state legislature to spark changes in the working
conditions in mines to help both canary and human miners. Along the way he makes unexpected friends
who help him see beyond his prejudices and overcome hurdles (like not being able to speak human)
to focus attention on the miners plight as well by bringing just the right people together to initiate
changes. A relevant read-aloud for upper elementary or middle school, which could spark discussions
about the Depression, stereotypes, communities and labor unions. Biddy is a sweet character who
will appeal to both boys and girls, and his story is adventurous enough to keep independent readers’
interest.
(Reviewed from ARC for Library Media Connections)
June 21, 2013
While some readers may be familiar with coal mines and the life-threatening conditions miners faced, they certainly will not have considered the issue from the point of view of a bird. Bitty is one of the canaries taken down into the mines to detect gas leaks. He's seen enough of the other birds' fate to know that he won't have a long life unless he escapes. He manages to do so and heads to the state capital where he tries to get someone to pay attention of the plight of the miners and the birds. The author captures the personalities of the canaries, the pigeons who help Bitty, and some of the humans who spend their days feeding the pigeons. I felt as though I knew Bitty much better than his human family back in Coalbank Hollow since the bird's character was much more developed than theirs. This was a satisfying read although a bit too sweet for my taste since everything works out for the best. It's also an interesting way to learn about coal mining. The ingenious way Bitty crafts messages by finding letters in newspapers and sticking them onto paper with sap is clever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2014
Short & Sweet: Canary in the Coal Mine is a fantasy story set in the 1930s about the canaries that were used in coal mines to detect gas leaks. Bitty is a canary whose family has always worked in the coal mines, helping miners know if there is a gas leak in the mine. However, Bitty dreams of something more for his life than one day ending up deal in a mine. In order to help his family and friends, he must appeal to the government to stop using them. Bitty lucks out and finds an inventor who is creating a machine that does the same job they do. Now if only he could speak to the humans. I loved the use of history with fantasy to convey a time period most readers would otherwise find uninteresting.
Final Verdict: Canary in the Coal Mine is a short and quick read that will expose readers to the 1930s while having an adventure and fantasy filled novel about talking canaries. Recommended for elementary readers or as a readaloud.
Final Verdict: Canary in the Coal Mine is a short and quick read that will expose readers to the 1930s while having an adventure and fantasy filled novel about talking canaries. Recommended for elementary readers or as a readaloud.
August 9, 2014
This book is a story of coal mining in West Virginia during the depression told by one of the canaries whose job is to accompany miners to work each day to check the air quality in the mines. Bitty is a small canary whose life has been restricted to the cage in his owner's house and the mine. During his short lifetime, he has lost both parents and canary friends as well as some human miners to the dangers of mining. He dreams of freedom, but he knows it can only come if he can find some way to help the humans who depend on the canaries.
The plot flowed smoothly, and the story is short enough to hold the attention of young readers. However, I really didn't care for it. I had to work more to read this book than I am used to doing. (That may be a good thing?) I stayed with it because I felt I needed to finish it. I didn't connect with it at all. I know that it will appeal to some readers, and there isn't any real criticism I can make of it. I just don't find it memorable.(1,0)
The plot flowed smoothly, and the story is short enough to hold the attention of young readers. However, I really didn't care for it. I had to work more to read this book than I am used to doing. (That may be a good thing?) I stayed with it because I felt I needed to finish it. I didn't connect with it at all. I know that it will appeal to some readers, and there isn't any real criticism I can make of it. I just don't find it memorable.(1,0)
November 21, 2013
This was just OK for me. I found myself skimming at times to get it done, which was disappointing. I had a hard time believing the voice in the book, which happens to be a canary. (I know the author does try to explain how the animals, birds and humans communicate, but it just didn't work for me.) I did like that the voice made it unique, however, and Bitty is a very likable little bird! I also found myself enjoying the pigeons... I liked the idea of the book and was excited to see a book on a topic that doesn't seem to get as much attention. I do agree with other reviews that the middle of the book picks up the pace, but am worried that kids won't stick with it long enough to get to that point. Perhaps better as a book an adult reads with them or guides them through? I would love to get the reactions from some young readers on this one!
March 31, 2015
Title: Canary in the Coal Mine By: Madelyn Rosenburg Copyright: 2013 Number of Pages: 140 Lit Require: Notable Social Studies Trade Books (lit circle)
this book would be a good book for the middle grades 3-5 precisely. its about the coal miners back in the 1930's and how the conditions for them and their canaries were just horrible. one bird, Bitty, derived a plan to fly to Charleston to help making the conditions of these workers and canaries better and safer, there are many adventures, friends, and obstacles along the way, but this determined bird would not stop no matter what to get where he was going in order to help save his family and friends.
it is an easy read and can be used as a book for a history class on past conditions of coal miners as well as a book on friendship and determination, or goal setting.
this book would be a good book for the middle grades 3-5 precisely. its about the coal miners back in the 1930's and how the conditions for them and their canaries were just horrible. one bird, Bitty, derived a plan to fly to Charleston to help making the conditions of these workers and canaries better and safer, there are many adventures, friends, and obstacles along the way, but this determined bird would not stop no matter what to get where he was going in order to help save his family and friends.
it is an easy read and can be used as a book for a history class on past conditions of coal miners as well as a book on friendship and determination, or goal setting.
May 2, 2013
While it is not easy to pull off talking animals, Madelyn Rosenberg does a beautiful job making readers connect with some thoughtful and intelligent canaries. Everyone is clearly drawn with a distinct personality.
I loved the way the critters in this story took pride in their work. Mice are helpers, they clean up the crumbs! Pigeons keep lonely people company. Delightful! I also enjoyed learning more about the life of coal miners in the 1930's. Favorite quote from the book:
"I just figured something out," Bitty said. "Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you keep on going when you are."
Young readers will cheer for Bitty and admire his determination.
I loved the way the critters in this story took pride in their work. Mice are helpers, they clean up the crumbs! Pigeons keep lonely people company. Delightful! I also enjoyed learning more about the life of coal miners in the 1930's. Favorite quote from the book:
"I just figured something out," Bitty said. "Being brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you keep on going when you are."
Young readers will cheer for Bitty and admire his determination.
July 20, 2013
This is such a charming, delightful book, but at the same time it doesn't shy away from the reality of coal mining and the very dangerous work that it was, and still is. And I loved the theme of family and friendship that is reinforced throughout the book. Other admirable themes are persistence, courage, and the idea of not judging people (or animals) until you get to know them. This book also had a very personal meaning to me, since my grandfather and uncle were coal miners in West Virginia (where the story takes place). My grandfather was killed in a coal mine accident long before I was born, and my uncle contracted Black Lung disease, which shortened his life.
March 25, 2014
There wasn't any dull moments in this book in my opinion. I was skeptical at first about the book, but as I got into it I realized that it was a really good book, and I was glad I didn't set this book down. This book is filled with adventure, truth, and the power of friendship. If I had to list 2-3 of my favorite characters in the book, they would probably be Clarence, Eck, Alice, and Uncle Aubry. I am aware that I listed four, but, I guess all the characters are so good that it's hard to say who the top 3 are. This was a wonderful book and I will definitely read it again soon.
January 28, 2018
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Read
January 19, 2014This book is about the Depression time when canaries were a key part of mining life, and reimagines that life from the canary's point of view. In this case, a gutsy little canary named Bitty sees one too many accidents happen and decides it's time to take action. He flies to the state capitol to figure out how he can make the mines safer for canaries and humans.
January 15, 2016
This is a charming book, reminiscent of The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Set in early 1900's West Virginia, it is a good read along with kids, introducing them to a world they may never otherwise hear about. Enjoyed it so much I bought a copy for my daughter's school library.
March 20, 2013
I received this book for free in a First Readers Giveaway. This was a really good story. At first i was not sure if i would like it but it was a quick read and i felt something for all the characters in the story.
July 28, 2013
Madelyn Rosenberg has created a clever and moving inside view of a particular period in history amid the people in the coal mining community through her animal and human characters.
My full review: http://bit.ly/1aVymv5
My full review: http://bit.ly/1aVymv5
September 4, 2013
Young Bitty must find a way to make everyone understand the dangers of coal mining for man and bird alike. He sets off to the city and finds a clever way to "write" letters to make the politicians aware of the dangers of mining. A sweet story that wraps itself up nicely at the end.
August 6, 2016
BRA. (Biased Review Alert…)
April 12, 2013
I'm biased, but I think this is a great story about bravery, friendship, ecology, government, work and tetrapod vertebrates that most any kid (and plenty of adults!) would get a lot out of.
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August 20, 2013Canaries yearn for safer coal mines.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews