On Saturday, Sept. 13^th at 3 PM, The Book Stall (811 Elm Street in Winnetka) welcomes Laurie Lawlor back to the store as we celebrate her new book for young people, Many Voices: Building Erie, the Canal That Changed America! This immersive photo book ferries readers through the past and present of the Erie Canal, from impossible idea to groundbreaking reality. Even to the most scientifically-minded, the Erie Canal once seemed an unachievable dream. One critic felt sure it was impossible as "building a canal to the moon." Yet with eight years and nearly $185 million dollars in today's currency, the Erie Canal opened in 1825 to celebratory cannon fire: an innovating--and enduring--marvel of engineering.

This event, recommended for ages 10 and up, is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

More About the Book:  As the Erie Canal shaped the flow of American history, the sociopolitical impact reached much further than its shores. The Canal's story, a largely untold tale of creativity and cowardice, sacrifice and greed, heroism and prejudice, is as complex and compelling as that of America itself. Award-winning nonfiction author Laurie Lawlor captures the landmark achievements of the Canal's creation while diving deep into corporate greed, environmental devastation, poor working conditions, and its impact on the Haudenosaunee people. Pairing rich back matter (including maps, source notes, an index, bibliography, glossary, and timeline) with attention grabbing photographs, Laurie connects the Erie Canal's past and present to plumb the depths of unexplored American history.

"An accessible account of a crucial, but often overlooked, phenomenon of American history."  —Booklist

More About the Author: Laurie Lawlor is a prolific and celebrated author of children's books. Her picture book biography Rachel Carson and her Book That Changed the World was named a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year and a National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Book and received the John Burroughs Riverby Award. Her Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World was named a NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book. She lives and teaches in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The Book Stall is an independent bookstore and cultural institution on Chicago’s North Shore. We’re known for our great selection of books, cards, and gifts, as well as our long-running author event series. Learn more at www.thebookstall.com.