Okanagan History Vignettes

Reviewed by Janet Mantyka, Instructor

Okanagan History Vignettes is the successful and exciting result of a cost-shared project. It is a book of vignettes that includes eight informative, very interesting, historical readings about the Okanagan. There is a piece of history for everyone to learn from and enjoy. Topics include: "The Kettle Valley Railway," "T.D. Shorts: High Admiral of Okanagan Lake," "Steamboats on Okanagan Lake," "Fintry and the Laird," "The History of The Apple Orchards," "Sveva Caetani," "A Road Trip in the Okanagan," and "The Mysterious Ogopogo Puzzle."

There are many reasons why this book is especially appealing to adult literacy students:

• The content of each vignette is real and fascinating.
• Each vignette uses plain and common vocabulary.
• The sentences are short and clear.
• Each vignette is easy to follow and understand.
• Large, clear print and double spacing on each page.
• The photographs are realistic and add to the discussion on each vignette.
• The glossary at the end of each vignette is very useful and thorough.

The Okanagan History Vignettes is also accompanied with an exercise book: Student Exercises and Answer Key. Each vignette has a variety of exercises that includes pre- reading questions, vocabulary and spelling exercises, comprehension questions, writing ideas, research work, mapping, and additional ideas related to each vignette are also listed, like web sites, videos, etc.

These books are a valuable resource for tutors, students and classroom teachers. We recommend Okanagan History Vignettes and Student Exercises and Answer Keys. One student commented, "You don It have to be from the Okanagan to enjoy reading the vignettes." One tutor commented, "this package will make planning my lessons so easy."