Badger History Bulletin - Review
Cranberries: Fruit of the Bogs
By Diane L. Burns. Photographs by Cheryl Walsh Bellville. (Caholrohoda Books, Inc. Minneapolis, 1994. 48 pages. Includes index, pictures, glossary. ISBN 0-87614-822-4 (lib. Bldg.) ISBN 0-87614-964-6 (pbk) $7.95)
Originally published in BHB Volume 1, Number 3
Thumbs up or thumbs down? This books takes us on tour of the cranberry industry in Wisconsin. It describes the traditional importance of cranberries to American Indian tribes, as well as the fruit's economic importance to the Europeans who first settled in North America. This description provides a thumbnail sketch of early farming of this fruit.
Burns also develops an in-depth look of present practices in raising cranberries, which starts with planning the crop and ends with processing the final product. The author does a commendable job of showing how labor-intensive this process is. Cheryl Walsh Belleville's photos skillfully enhance this book and help develop a feeling of involvement for the reader. The index and glossary make it more user-friendly. It is a good resource for third- and fourth-grade readers. Older students could also use it as a good reference tool.
Gender equity is a weak point because the book does not develop the roles that women play in the industry. The majority of the workers pictured in the photographs are men. The book is definitely a thumbs-up and would be a welcome addition to any library or classroom.
Craig Winder
Highland Elementary School
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