Doherty C. A. & Doherty, K.M. The Erie Canal . Woodbridge, Connecticut : Blackbirch Press, 1997.

This book is a good example of a short, introductory, informational book. There are chapters, pictures, maps a glossary, a chronology, a suggested list of books for further reading, source notes and an index. A good example of the type of book the students will provide.

Harness, C.  The Amazing Impossible Erie Canal . New York : Simon & Schuster, 1995.
An entertaining and educational picture book narrative of the history of the Erie Canal with watercolor drawings and maps. The descriptive pictures and words give you a sense of the sights and sounds of this era in history.

Larkin, D., Daniels, J., & West, J. (Eds.) Erie Canal : New York ’s Gift to the Nation, A Document –Based Teacher Resource. Peterborough, New Hampshire : Cobblestone Publishing Co.  and New York State Archives Partnership Trust, Albany NY, 2001. 
The book contains archival documents, essays from historians, and lessons from teachers. A great teaching resource and useful text set item for demonstrating primary source documents.

Levy, J. The Erie Canal : A Primary Source History of the Canal that Changed . New York : The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc, 2003. 
An informational book that explains the history of the Erie Canal through text which is interwoven with primary source documents, pictures, and a time-line. A glossary and information about other print and internet resources are included.

Lourie, P.  Erie Canal : Canoeing ’s Great Waterway. Honesdale, Pennsylvania : Boyds Mills Press, Inc, 1997. 
The author takes us on a journey through history as he travels the Erie Canal by canoe. Along the way he tells the story of the Erie Canal and observations of what is happening today. There are pictures all through comparing places from historical times and now (ex. pictures of villages and locks from 1880 and from the trip that the author took in present times.)

Nirgotis, N.  Erie Canal : Gateway to the West. New York : Franklin Watts, 1993.
A basic introductory chapter book with information, soft colored engravings, and paintings. A simple glossary and index included. 

Santella, A.  The Erie Canal . Minneapolis, Minnesota : Compass Point Books, 2005. 
This book tells the story of the building of the Erie Canal and discusses the effects of the transportation system on the economy of 19^th century . There are drawings and pictures from the historical era and current times. There is a simple glossary, an index a ‘did you know’ section, a timeline, a section called ‘want to know more?’ that includes print resources, internet site, and a list of museums. Part of the ‘We the People’ Series.

Stein, R. Conrad.  The Erie Canal . New York : Children’s Press, 2004.
It took five years and ground-breaking engineering to construct the Erie Canal , but it was truly a marvel of its time and was one of the first steps toward westward expansion. Fully illustrated with uncomplicated text, Stein provides a valuable first look at the Erie Canal . Included at the end of the text are a glossary, an index, a timeline, and additional sources to consult. This is part of the "Cornerstones of Freedom" series.

Thompson, Linda. The Erie Canal . Vera Beach, Florida : Rourke Publishing LLC, 2005. Chapters include: Connecting with the hinterlands -- The barriers of geography -- An experiment in engineering -- The incredible feat of building the canal. Includes bibliographical references, glossary, key people, timeframe and index. Part of the Expansion of Series.