A Full Hand

by Thomas F. Yezerski

A boy's initiation into old-time canal transport

Asa doesn't know what to expect when his mother tells him it's time he made his first full hand. After all, he's only nine years old. But his father needs some help. He carries coal on his boat along the canal all the way across New Jersey, and he needs Asa to drive the two mules who pull the boat. While leading the mules along their route, Asa learns about loading at the coal chutes and the mechanisms of locks, aqueducts, and inclined planes. Finally, when a violent storm threatens the mission, Asa finds out what it really means to make a full hand.

Set against a backdrop of luminous illustrations, fascinating information about old-time canal freighting is seamlessly woven into this warm and exciting father-and-son story.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2002

Reviews

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating: 3.5

A window into the ways of the past. I've never given much thought to canals and canal boats. As far as I know, we never had canals in Colorado. Ditches, yes. Canals, no.

The art complements the story.

The ending was awfully abrupt. The Captain told his son what was going to happen next, but I would have preferred seeing the boat floating and on its way once again. And ... timing was an issue. Did all of this happen in one day?

[Aimee Fuhrman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical picture books and this one does not disappoint. The subject is unique--operating canal barges during the 1800's--which is a nice change from the usual topics covered in children's picture books. The illustrations in this one are beautiful watercolor, and though the story's ending seems a bit abrupt, I still feel this is worth the read.

[LadyHague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on cover art, I was expecting something Amish in nature. This book is about canals. Beautiful boat full of coal pulled by mules. Asa (young boy) helps guide the mules as his father steers the boy. They encounter challenges along the way including a storm, locks & risers, disobedient mules, aqueducts, and an inclined plane. Lovely colorful artwork. Good story for us ages 6-8

[Jessica Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations and rich language, maybe not meant for 2nd graders because of the vast challenging vocabulary

[James Govednik · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, for ages 7-10, tells a page in the history of the old canal systems. Young Asa gets a chance to help his father, a barge captain, as he carries coal from Pennsylvania to New Jersey and New York. The story is entertaining and the illustrations give us a glimpse into the historical time period when mules pulled barges along the canals. This is a fine book, and young engineers will find some of the old canal workings interesting, but I found it lacked depth.

[Allison Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could be a great way to introduce a social studies lesson or even be used in a unit. It provides students with a little background of what traveling was like back in the day. Gives a good compare and contrast of life/transportation back then and life/transportation now.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and interesting story about a 9-year-old boy and the first time he helped his father navigate down the Morris Canal. The father/son bond is strong and loving, and kids will be interested in the various technology used to navigate goods using the canal system.

[Abbey Maraugha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would be great for a social studies lesson or unit! The pictures are fun too.