Gone A-Whaling: The Lure of the Sea and the Hunt for the Great Whale

I've been reading one chapter a night to my eight year old, and he and I have both loved this book. It discusses the history of whaling, from early humans through modern times. Whenever possible, the author quotes primary sources, including the writings of "cabin boys", the young all-around helpers who served on whaleships. This youthful perspective keeps even an eight year old interested. Original photographs, boat plans, painting, etchings, and other illustrations are often used to illuminate the main points made in each chapter.The book strikes a good balance between environmentalism - the fact that many species were brought to the brink of extinction - with economics - the fact that people 100 or 200 years ago needed work and baleen and oil, and whales provided these in abundance.Anyone young reader with an interest in animals, American history, ships, technology, or whales will likely find this a most enjoyable book to read.