Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Written and Illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton
      This Caldecott Winning story features a man named Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel named Mary Anne. This pair had accomplished much in their career including leveling hills for roads and runways and digging foundation for buildings. However, the higher-tech electric and gas-powered machines took all of the jobs away from Mary Anne and Mulligan. So, Mulligan and Mary Anne went to a small town away from the high-tech machines for a job. They challenged the head of the town to let them dig the cellar for the town hall in a day and if they could not complete it in a day, their work would be free. The selectman agreed to the deal and the pair began work. As more people came to watch, Mary Anne and Mulligan worked quicker and more efficiently. They eventually made their deadline as the day came to a close but they forgot to make a way out for themselves. The town suggested that Mary Anne could serve as the new furnace and Mulligan could be the janitor. This way, Mary Anne and Mulligan did not become obsolete as they would in the city. The book ends by saying that this pair could still be seen whenever the reader visits the town hall of this town.
      This book would be most appropriate for first, second, and third graders. I would use it as a read-aloud book and keep it in my classroom library for students to read independently. It truly shows the students what good work-ethic looks like. Mulligan and Mary Anne did not give in to laziness and sorrow and let themselves waste away with the other steam shovels. They were determined and had the grit to thrive in society. This sets a great example for students to persevere when they hit tough times. They can thrive just like Mulligan and his steam shovel with determination and hard work. This also would be a good introduction to industrialization and the implications of improving technology. An easy modern connection to the themes in this book is how cashiers and telephone workers are being replaced by machines and robots. The students could discuss the implications of improving technology and what that means for their ever-changing world.