Big Bertha: How a Gigantic Tunnel Boring Machine Dug a Highway Under Seattle

This incredible story about Bertha, the massive tunnel boring machine that successfully constructed the longest and widest road tunnel in the contiguous United States, under the city of Seattle, brought to life in vibrant and engaging illustrations, will appeal to kids ages 7-10 fascinated with big machines and how they work.

In 2013, construction crews raced to replace a crumbling elevated highway along Seattle’s waterfront with a double-decker tunnel running almost two miles under the city. This is the story of Bertha, the mammoth and complex tunnel boring machine that simultaneously dug and built the tunnel, and Deputy Project Manager Greg Hauser and his dedicated crew.
Kids interested in engineering and how machines function will love learning about the tunnel boring machine, how it worked, and how Bertha’s crew solved problems that arose along the way to ultimately construct an amazing, earthquake-safe highway under the city.
In addition to the narrative story the book includes additional information about Bertha and this fascinating engineering feat, including:

• Facts about Bertha and the tunnel
• How Bertha simultaneously dug and built a tunnel
• Engineering background about the tunnel’s construction

AMANDA ABLER grew up in New Hampshire where she developed a love of snow, being on the water, and maple syrup. She studied biology in college and continues to love all things related to science. She enjoys writing nonfiction because of the many interesting things she gets to learn and the new people she gets to meet. Amanda lives in Seattle with her family and their small, ferocious dog, Bear. She is also the author of The Spirit of Springer and Galloping Gertie. Find out more on her website: AmandaAbler.com

KATY WU has illustrated a number of children’s picture books, including A True Wonder: The Superhero Who Changed Everything and Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code. She lives in Portland, Oregon. You can find out more about her and her work at KatyCWWu.tumblr.com.