Overview

A courageous chipmunkel's journey from Spectacle Island during Boston's Big Dig Specs of Spectacle Island: A story of an island from trash to treasure is the story of Specs, a chipmunkel born and raised on Spectacle Island, and his journey during the Big Dig. The chipmunkels, living on Spectacle Island, were forced to live underground to escape the construction and turmoil during the island's restoration. Annoyed with living underground, Specs leaves the island in search of a better life. He finds his way to Boston and makes friends with the mud rats who tell him about the Big Dig and the dirt getting shipped to some island in the harbor. Realizing it is Spectacle Island, he returns home, except the island no longer resembles the place he left. Spectacle Island has a diverse and intriguing history. The transformation of the island that was once a garbage dump for the city of Boston leaking pollutants into Boston Harbor for 50 years is a remarkable reclamation of land from an environmental disaster. The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, known as the Big Dig, was one of the most inconceivable engineering feats and roadway construction projects in history. The celebrated Greenway and Zakim Bridge are both a result of the Big Dig. The story of Spectacle Island transformed from a city garbage dump polluting Boston Harbor into a national and state park is lesser-known.

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9781087968322

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Take your children exploring across Boston Harbor in this fabulous children's book about a treasure-filled island that was reimagined by the planners and builders of Boston's Big Dig. The book is clever, historical fiction about the restoration of Spectacle Island and an opportunity for children and adults to think about urban planning and its impact on our cities. - Dan McNichol, award-winning journalist and bestselling author, The Big Dig We recommend this book because it is fantasy mixed with nonfiction and liked how it mentions the animals' struggles with the Big Dig from their point of view. It grabs the attention of everyone of all ages. Educational, adventurous, terrific! - Trystan & Lilianna Doucette, young readers Once an environmental disaster, Spectacle Island was transformed from a heap of burning trash into a beautiful lush island with trails, beaches, and great views of Boston Harbor. It is now one of the most popular islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. We are pleased to have this brilliant and creative children's story about the restoration of Spectacle Island that teaches children about the environment and the importance of having access to public open space, clean water, and clean air. - Kathy Abbott, President and CEO Boston Harbor Now

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