"The Canal Diggers: A Tale of the Manchester Ship Canal" by Kate Sheppard follows the intertwined lives of laborers and their families during the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal in the late 19th century. As workers face grueling conditions, social upheaval, and the promise of progress, they navigate personal struggles and community bonds. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the era’s industrial landscape while exploring themes of resilience, camaraderie, and the sacrifices made for the greater good. The canal stands as a symbol of ambition and transformation, reflecting the hopes and dreams of those who toiled to build a new future. [Generated by language model - please report any problems].

This book features in the following series: Sparks Series, Victorian Era .

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published in 1999 by Hachette Children's Group .

Kate Sheppard went to the same art college as David Hockney. She has illustrated well over 100 volumes. The quirkier the book, the more fun Kate has with the drawings. Jon Blake lives in Cardiff and is a successful Sparks author, he wrote the excellent title Sid's War in the series.