Big Bertha

How a Massive Tunnel Boring Machine Dug a Highway under Seattle

Children - Non-Fiction
48 Pages
Reviewed on 01/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite

Big Bertha: How a Massive Tunnel Boring Machine Dug a Highway under Seattle by Amanda Abler shares the fascinating true account of what can be accomplished when human ingenuity and advanced engineering collaborate. After an earthquake damages a major roadway in Seattle, Washington, a brilliant engineer, Greg Hauser, takes on the task of developing a strong and secure tunnel below the city. Young readers will be captivated as they learn many interesting facts from where this amazing machine was made to who it is named for, and much more. There were some setbacks throughout this project, but Greg and his crew knew that Big Bertha would be successful. Brilliant illustrations by Katy Wu beautifully highlight the mechanisms involved with Bertha, as well as the amazement and appreciation of the people of Seattle.

Big Bertha is an excellent resource for children who are interested in the inner workings of machines. Readers of all ages will be fascinated by all that Greg, his crew, and Big Bertha were able to achieve. Parents, teachers, and caregivers will enjoy sharing this story with children as it conveys the wonder of what Big Bertha accomplished along with the great satisfaction that comes when people persevere and overcome challenges. The bright, colorful, and detailed illustrations throughout enhance the many opportunities for learning shared in this story. Big Bertha’s story is sure to spark imaginations and discussions about what machines and engineers are capable of creating and doing. This fun and compelling story is a highly recommended read!