Specs of Spectacle Island:
A story of an island from trash to treasure
Be courageous! Get out and explore!
"Once an environmental disaster, Spectacle Island was transformed from a heap of burning trash into a beautiful lush island with trails, beaches, and great views of Boston Harbor. It is now one of the most popular islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. We are pleased to have this brilliant and creative children's story about the restoration of Spectacle Island that teaches children about the environment and the importance of having access to public open space, clean water, and clean air."
- Kathy Abbott, President and CEO, Boston Harbor Now
When asked, most people know of the Big Dig. When asked, "Do you know the story of Spectacle Island?" Very few know it was a garbage dump for the city of Boston for almost 50 years and was leaking toxins into the harbor and an environmental disaster. This is a story about the transformation of Spectacle Island, once a garbage dump polluting Boston Harbor, into a state and national park!
I was a huge fan of the Big Dig, which included the reclamation of land and the restoration of Spectacle Island. The island closed in 1959 after years of internally combusting into balls of fire, and a bulldozer sank into the mound of trash. When the island reopened to the public, I got on the boat. The experience of walking the island trails and seeing the Boston skyline from the top of the hill was magical and inspired me to write this story.
Specs of Spectacle Island: A story of an island from trash to treasure is historical fiction for young readers about Specs, a chipmunkel born and raised on Spectacle Island, and his journey during the Big Dig. The chipmunkels living on Spectacle Island were forced to live underground to escape the dangers and turmoil during the island's restoration. Specs, annoyed with having to live underground, leaves the island in search of a better life.
Written by Donna M. Keefe and illustrated by Amber Luecke, Specs of Spectacle Island: A story of an island from trash to treasure is a fully illustrated, full-color, 40-page historical fiction for young readers.
What people are saying:
"I lived in Boston during the Big Dig project so bought this book for the grandkids to learn about the project…Very clever style of writing to make a children’s book educational and interesting for all ages.”
"Great For Kids AND Adults. I am a teacher so I am very familiar with Children's Literature. I read a lot. I read this book with my 5 year old granddaughter. It was very well written, easy to understand BUT the bonus was the book is a learning experience for both children and adults. The author included a column to the right on the page with more details about the island and the Big Dig in Boston. There are also a few pages at the end that go into more detail. It kept us both engaged. My granddaughter cannot wait to take a Boston Harbor Cruise to see the island. I highly recommend this book."
“I enjoyed this book immensely. Having lived through the Big Dig, I realized I really didn’t know much about the history behind it. I learned so much from this wonderful story.”
“…Spec's story touches on many relatable issues; he looked a little different from his peers: it took courage to leave the familiar; had to make new friends; and adjust to new surroundings. He learns that challenging ourselves and taking a risk can change our perspective…Adults will learn the history of the Big Dig and Spectacle Island. There is something here for everyone !”
“Incredibly cute, charming, educational and visually appealing children’s book! Specs the chipmunkel takes you on an adventure that tells the story not only about the importance of greening our urban landscapes but more importantly about the spirit of exploring, being courageous, making friends, and what makes home so special. And the side-by-side historical facts of Boston’s Big Dig make this book a real winner!”
“This is such a great book. A history lesson for the children of Boston - they will never walk around the city again without looking for Specs and his friends. Specs takes you through his life during Boston’s Big Dig and shows you the twist and turns he endured. A fun read for all.”
Available in paperback
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Can be found at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, Jabberwocky Books in Newburyport, and Amazon.com
Recycled furniture. Artistically painted found and used furniture recreated as functional art for any home or office environment.
About:
I lived in Cambridge, MA, during the Central Artery Tunnel Project, affectionately known as the Big Dig. The idea of dismantling the overhead expressway and rebuilding it underground captivated me. I followed the developments, taking tours of the Big Dig and the Zakim Bridge, and finally, Spectacle Island, which opened to the public in 2006. The ingenuity and collaboration behind this enormous project and developing a solution for the island dump polluting Boston Harbor, a huge environmental disaster, was magnificent. The transformation of Spectacle Island is a fascinating story. The results of the Big Dig project are astonishing. Witnessing the execution of the massive project as it morphed over the years and the results of the changing landscape and a healthier city inspired me to write this story. Specs of Spectacle Island: A story of an island from trash to treasure tells the fascinating story of a lively island turned into an environmentally destructive land and how it was restored and became one of the Boston Harbor Islands state and national parks.
I am an artist, designer, writer, and advocate for reuse and repurpose. I currently reside in Salisbury Beach, enjoying the natural beauty of the North Shore. Living near the ocean, I draw inspiration from its restorative powers to fuel my creative pursuits.
Specs of Spectacle Island: A story of an island from trash to treasure, 2021.
Short story: "My Dog Danced," Dog Tales: an unleashed collection of true stories, 2023.
Public art installations 2020-2024:
"Drift Away"
Driftwood sculpture, 2020
"Smile"
Painted utility box, 2022
"The Colors of Quirky," 2023
Inspired by the artist Christo, the temporary fabric installation is on the railing of a vacant building in Salisbury Beach Center. “The Colors of Quirky” interacts with a long-neglected building in transition. The vibrant fabric wrapping the deteriorating railing sways with the ocean breeze, producing the perceived activity at The Upper Deck in the past while enhancing the existing landscape and the public experience. It reflects our society and the history of Salisbury Beach, immersing the public in the inevitable changes from the past into the present day and the conceivable future.
Top photo after, bottom photo before
"Follow the Fish," 2024
Section of the completed mural.
“Follow the Fish,” is a vibrant 14 by 48-foot mural that revitalizes the passageway and enhances the sights in the Beach Center with a fun and entertaining mural for everyone to enjoy, especially children and families, as they journey down the walkway to the beach, concerts and other festivities in the center. Painted with funky fish and waves of color, it's topped off with a bright yellow fishing net, adding another dimension and obscuring the wires running along the building. The sidewalk is a kaleidoscope of color with blue and green arrows and “follow the fish” painted along the way. This project was funded by the Salisbury Cultural Council with the Mass Cultural Council and the Essex County Community Foundation Creative County.
Outdoor Sculpture at Maudslay, Theme: THREAD, 2024
A PLACE IN TIME
Threads: an informal and old-fashioned American term for clothing. A slang word for clothes.
Clothing, with its unique ability to evoke memories and reflect our sentiments, can hold a special place in our lives. We form emotional connections with our garments, often holding on to them well past their time. They remind us of our history, and we reminisce about the place in time. Reflecting on these items can bring us comfort and joy.
What clothing do you have tucked away in a drawer or the back of your closet, holding on to a precious memory of a significant place in time?