Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids: His Life and Ideas (47)

by Kathleen Thorne-Thomsen

An engaging, kid-friendly exploration of America’s leading architect and his work

 

This revised and updated edition of a longstanding classic, Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids, details the life, times, and work of the celebrated architect. Through simple, kid-friendly prose and anecdotes, author Kathleen Thorne-Thomsen describes the influences of Wright’s Wisconsin childhood filled with nature, music, and close family ties; his struggles to find work as a young architect; the unique style that led him to the top of his profession; and masterpieces such as the Robie House, Hollyhock House, Fallingwater, the Guggenheim, and many others. Also discussed are Wright’s sometimes controversial private and public life and the people and times that influenced him and vice-versa, with new sidebars on topics such as the Chicago and Bauhaus schools of architecture, Friedrich Froebel and his toy blocks that enchanted Wright as a child, and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Budding architects will delve into architectural and design concepts while having fun through 21 hands-on projects, such as creating an edible model of Fallingwater, making a miniature Japanese kite, reading an architectural plan, and much more. A time line, glossary, bibliography, and list of houses to visit are also included.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Architecture

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1994

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Thorne-Thomsen has written a second edition of her original biographical book about Frank Lloyd Wright. In this volume, there are activities for young people to create their own environmental art projects, delicious recipes, & explore symmetry, shapes, and architectural ideas that made Wright famous. Photographs are included of Wright and his family. Examples of most of his exterior and interior Prairie Style buildings are displayed with interesting text. The tragic facts about his life are simply told without reflective comments. As an adult, I was enthralled with the detail about his different architectural styles and family life. Young readers, ages 10+ would also love this book.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I'm not a fan of FLW personal life (he strikes me as a bit egotistical), some of his later work truly was impressive.
This book has many activities for kids to do to help them understand concepts. I loved that. Also, we live 45 min from a Louis Sullivan structure so we saw some of the things the book mentions first hand.
My favorite-the SC Johnson & Co building.
This book is really good for kids who aspire to be an architect. It certainly reminds them to think outside the box when designing, although I'm not sure Frank L. W always followed the basic concept of form follows function. Still, alot of good ideas packed in this interactive read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want just a quick read of the high points of Wright’s life this is pretty good. The activities or OK but not great.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very interactive as it includes practical activities that kids can do in probably every chapter. The supplemental activities relate to what the kids have learned about Frank Lloyd Wright. Great resource for homeschoolers or an art teacher. The book is not just a biography, but includes history and geometry and architecture.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Lloyd Wright - just picturing his houses and architecture makes me feel peaceful and think about nature.

This book is filled with information about the man, his life and work, his buildings and his own homes, numerous activities for kids to do, recipes,...

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting and wonderful photos.