Skyscraper

by Lynn Curlee

"Did you know that it took ten million bricks to build the Empire State Building? Did you know that residents of the John Hancock Center sometimes have to call down to the doorman to find out the weather on the streets below?

Did you know a building in Dubai is planned to be nearly one half mile high?"

In "Skyscraper," Lynn Curlee delves into one of man's endless fascinations -- building as high in the sky as possible.

From the the Empire State Building to the Chrysler Building, to the Sears and Hancock Towers, to the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, to the World Trade Center, Curlee captures all the drama, excitement, and tragedy of man's attempt to reach ever closer to the clouds. "Skyscraper" details the history of these monuments to ambition, science, and curiosity, beginning with their origins at the Pyramid of Giza and the Eiffel Tower and then moving to New York (the skyscraper capital of the world), Chicago, Boston, and finally to the skyward expansion that is spreading across the globe.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Architecture, Picture Books, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2007

Reviews

[N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skyscraper, by Lynn Curlee is on the summer bridge reading list from 6-7th grade. Despite its juvenile appearance and vague title, this book is greatly detailed in regards to the technological advances that allow the skyscrapers we see today to stand. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of basic architecture. the beauty of this book, is that it is not necessarily limited to a specific age group. It would make a lovely read aloud for younger audiences, and will be interesting even for young adults.

[MacKenzie Wyatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read specifically for the art. Gorgeous and interesting information in the text.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wanted to know any kind of information about skyscrapers, this is the book for you! It is packed with information on the different buildings that fall under this category from around the world. It provides illustrations comparing different heights amongst skyscrapers as well as comparative dates. The illustrations are gorgeous and the design would be enjoyed by all ages. This would be a great book for a parent to read to a child over a couple of nights, especially if that child loved non-fiction books and learning about buildings (my husband was that type of child!). The illustrations are sure to grab their attention, which is one of my favorite aspects of this book, and get them hooked to learn more about skyscrapers.

[Mrs. Trimble · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good, short history on the different types of architecture and building materials used to build skyscrapers throughout the past century. I loved the full-page color illustrations. And I was surprised to read about Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for the perfect mile-high tower concept (utopian vision).

[Peggy]

Pair with Sky Boys to get the technical and the human side of building a skyscraper.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skyscraper by Lynn Curlee, is a book with a good description ideology and astonishing heights of fashion architecture and the human spirit.

[Sarah Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planning a trip to New York and this was perfect. Short and concise while very informative and interesting. It's made me pay much more attention to skyscrapers and large buildings.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with historical information and knowledge about skyscrapers in America that will truly amaze the readers. Skyscraper the American invention is here to rule the world!