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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright?
Born in Wisconsin in 1867, Frank Lloyd Wright became obsessed with a set of building blocks his mother had given to him on his ninth birthday. He grew up to become the father of organic architecture and the greatest American architect of all time, having designed more than 1,100 buildings during his lifetime. These included private homes – such as the stunning Fallingwater, churches, temples, a hotel, and the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in New York City. When asked how he could create so many designs, he answered, “I can’t get them out fast enough.” Frank Lloyd Wright was a man ahead of his time who could barely keep up with his own ideas!
112 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 12, 2022
This book was a 3-star for me in the first time I read it. But now that I've re-read it, it increased for 4 stars.
May 23, 2025
Who Was…? biography series for middle grade captivates with the story of Frank Lloyd Wright – the greatest American architect of all time.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin. His mother’s family moved from Wales to Wisconsin where there were no houses to buy. So his mother’s brother learned how to build a house and his skills became in high demand.
The mother wanted Frank to have the same useful skills as her brother. She hung drawings of English cathedrals on the walls of their house to inspire his young brain.
Because his family moved so often, Frank didn’t have any friends and to fill his time he turned to art and music. He cherished his birthday gift of blocks which taught him about geometry, math, colors, and shapes.
The mother adored Frank and was convinced he would grow up to be a great and famous man. Frank believed the same. (The seed planted in childhood and strongly believed in throughout the years manifested later in life).
Frank didn’t like the hard farm-work, but what he liked was the beauty of nature. He was observant of the nature, its colors and shapes. He saw the shapes of his boyhood toys everywhere on the farm.
When Frank was in High School, his parents divorced. To help out his mother, he dropped out of school. He was an average student. He didn’t like to sit still and listen to teachers. He liked to learn by exploring, creating, and doing things on his own.
He got a job as a draftsman and learned the skills on the job. At the same time, at University, he took classes in Civil Engineering, but only for a year. He dropped out after a year.
From the money he earned, he dressed himself well to have a look of a famous person. (He wasn’t famous yet, but played the part).
After the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871, he moved to Chicago as he wanted to learn from the best while the city was being rebuilt.
In Chicago, he not only learned from the best, but also fell in love with Kitty who came from a wealthy family.
Over the next few years, he designed many homes for wealthy families in the area in a style that was distinct, simple and uncluttered, which blended with the surrounding area. People started noticing his style, which he called “organic architecture.”
His design became in high demand, but the people were also drawn to Frank because of his personality. He was funny and his laugh was contagious.
After making his name in Chicago, he took a project in New York upstate to make his name known in the United States. Then, came book offer which made him worldwide famous, followed by project offers outside the United States.
After the Great Depression, there was mass-production of buildings. Frank had to reinvent himself and came up with opening a school next to his house and teaching his craft. One of his students was Edgar Kaufmann Jr. His father asked Frank to design a house near waterfall. What Frank did, he actually designed a house on the waterfall. Frank’s work once again became in high demand.
This biography exemplifies a person who had a guardian, namely mother, who believed in her son and showed him a way to thrive. It demonstrates how important it is to have mentors in our lives to help us thrive. It also exemplifies a man who was very observant of nature. Nature seems to be a common denominator helping people to get inspired and to find calmness. The latter helps to create space in our mind, which is needed to allow ideas to come to us.
This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin. His mother’s family moved from Wales to Wisconsin where there were no houses to buy. So his mother’s brother learned how to build a house and his skills became in high demand.
The mother wanted Frank to have the same useful skills as her brother. She hung drawings of English cathedrals on the walls of their house to inspire his young brain.
Because his family moved so often, Frank didn’t have any friends and to fill his time he turned to art and music. He cherished his birthday gift of blocks which taught him about geometry, math, colors, and shapes.
The mother adored Frank and was convinced he would grow up to be a great and famous man. Frank believed the same. (The seed planted in childhood and strongly believed in throughout the years manifested later in life).
Frank didn’t like the hard farm-work, but what he liked was the beauty of nature. He was observant of the nature, its colors and shapes. He saw the shapes of his boyhood toys everywhere on the farm.
When Frank was in High School, his parents divorced. To help out his mother, he dropped out of school. He was an average student. He didn’t like to sit still and listen to teachers. He liked to learn by exploring, creating, and doing things on his own.
He got a job as a draftsman and learned the skills on the job. At the same time, at University, he took classes in Civil Engineering, but only for a year. He dropped out after a year.
From the money he earned, he dressed himself well to have a look of a famous person. (He wasn’t famous yet, but played the part).
After the Great Fire of Chicago in 1871, he moved to Chicago as he wanted to learn from the best while the city was being rebuilt.
In Chicago, he not only learned from the best, but also fell in love with Kitty who came from a wealthy family.
Over the next few years, he designed many homes for wealthy families in the area in a style that was distinct, simple and uncluttered, which blended with the surrounding area. People started noticing his style, which he called “organic architecture.”
His design became in high demand, but the people were also drawn to Frank because of his personality. He was funny and his laugh was contagious.
After making his name in Chicago, he took a project in New York upstate to make his name known in the United States. Then, came book offer which made him worldwide famous, followed by project offers outside the United States.
After the Great Depression, there was mass-production of buildings. Frank had to reinvent himself and came up with opening a school next to his house and teaching his craft. One of his students was Edgar Kaufmann Jr. His father asked Frank to design a house near waterfall. What Frank did, he actually designed a house on the waterfall. Frank’s work once again became in high demand.
This biography exemplifies a person who had a guardian, namely mother, who believed in her son and showed him a way to thrive. It demonstrates how important it is to have mentors in our lives to help us thrive. It also exemplifies a man who was very observant of nature. Nature seems to be a common denominator helping people to get inspired and to find calmness. The latter helps to create space in our mind, which is needed to allow ideas to come to us.
This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
May 6, 2016
A biography of Frank Lloyd Wright, world-renowned architect, aimed at the middle grade audience. The book highlights architectural achievements as well as milestones in his life. Black & white illustrations are found throughout to help readers visualize his buildings and people in his life.
Boy, I had no idea that Wright was such a lousy family man! I lost track of how many times he left a family and/or was divorced, something he evidently got from his father who abandoned the family when Wright was still a boy. Sheesh. So Wright isn't the best all-around role model; it seems he was rather selfish in his interactions with people. He did have some interesting and innovative design ideas, however, which are the main focus of this biography. I liked the illustrations that help put design names with the buildings themselves. I also liked the way there are little one or two-page inserts about famous people or events that were important in Wright's life. An informative and quick read, which is what makes this Who Was...? series such a hit with the kids.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content, but as mentioned above Wright did go through wives at the rate of a Hollywood personality. It is also told how at one point Wright abandoned his family and left the country with the wife of a client at one point. No violence.
Boy, I had no idea that Wright was such a lousy family man! I lost track of how many times he left a family and/or was divorced, something he evidently got from his father who abandoned the family when Wright was still a boy. Sheesh. So Wright isn't the best all-around role model; it seems he was rather selfish in his interactions with people. He did have some interesting and innovative design ideas, however, which are the main focus of this biography. I liked the illustrations that help put design names with the buildings themselves. I also liked the way there are little one or two-page inserts about famous people or events that were important in Wright's life. An informative and quick read, which is what makes this Who Was...? series such a hit with the kids.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content, but as mentioned above Wright did go through wives at the rate of a Hollywood personality. It is also told how at one point Wright abandoned his family and left the country with the wife of a client at one point. No violence.
August 12, 2019
Studied Civil Engineering rather than Architecture, who knew? A bit of an asshole though. Find his designs a bit overrated but that's just my opinion.
Great illustration work!
Great illustration work!
February 26, 2025
Enjoyed with my daughter before a trip to Taliesen West. FLW designed the Guggenheim Museum! Franks’s son invented Lincoln Logs! Both my 8 year old and I were all in.
May 21, 2018
Why was Frank Lloyd Wright so famous? Ellen Labrecque makes a lot of The Who was book and I like a lot of them but the best one I think is who is Frank Lloyd Wright. Frank had a very busy life with all of the work he wants to do, and he had no time to spend with his family and his first wife Catherine Lee "kitty", but after he left for a job he met a different girl and he wanted a divorce with kitty but she said no. Frank Lloyd just married after he asked for a divorce with kitty. Frank had his house burned down with the other woman hi like in the Fire she died shortly after. The person who burned Dow the house was Julian Carlton a handyman. Frank built 71 different home between 1893 and 1901. Frank always was building and he was a famous architectural designer. That's why I like who was Frank Lloyd Wright the best out of the other books.
December 23, 2019
Another solid biography in this series for young readers. I bought this for my nephew, who likes to create things out of found things—though the reading level is simple for him, the content is good. I think my niece, who loves to draw and build Lego sets, will enjoy it too.
I’ve been to several of Wright’s buildings, including Taliesin West in Arizona and his hotel tower in Oklahoma where you can stay, so I’m familiar with him and his work, but still learned from this book. There are details left out, but it is a short biography. It does mention he could be difficult to work with, often going over budget, but didn’t mention that he’d build everything to his personal scale and he was short; taller clients would find chairs uncomfortably small and doorways too short, but Wright refused to change them. His buildings also haven’t aged well and are well known for leaking constantly—an issue that closed part of his hotel when I stayed there. I think the book wanted to focus on the positive aspects and make this inspiring for young readers to develop an interest in architecture, which is fitting. However it doesn’t shy away from Wright leaving his wife and many children for a married woman; a rather unavoidable fact of his life that is handled in a straightforward manner.
Overall, this is a good biography for young readers. There are sidebars explaining terms and concepts, as well as line drawings throughout. It will hopefully inspire readers to do further research, looking up photos of his work on-line.
I’ve been to several of Wright’s buildings, including Taliesin West in Arizona and his hotel tower in Oklahoma where you can stay, so I’m familiar with him and his work, but still learned from this book. There are details left out, but it is a short biography. It does mention he could be difficult to work with, often going over budget, but didn’t mention that he’d build everything to his personal scale and he was short; taller clients would find chairs uncomfortably small and doorways too short, but Wright refused to change them. His buildings also haven’t aged well and are well known for leaking constantly—an issue that closed part of his hotel when I stayed there. I think the book wanted to focus on the positive aspects and make this inspiring for young readers to develop an interest in architecture, which is fitting. However it doesn’t shy away from Wright leaving his wife and many children for a married woman; a rather unavoidable fact of his life that is handled in a straightforward manner.
Overall, this is a good biography for young readers. There are sidebars explaining terms and concepts, as well as line drawings throughout. It will hopefully inspire readers to do further research, looking up photos of his work on-line.
April 11, 2016
My book for this month is Who was Frank Lloyd Wright by Ellen Labrecque. The genre of this book is biography because the author is telling about a different person's life. The setting takes place in Wisconsin and Arizona. The main character is this book is Frank Lloyd Wright. In this book Frank Lloyd Wright makes some of the best buildings that an architect has ever made. He also had to rebuild his house two times. This book is past because it took place in the 40's and 50's. I rated this book five out of five stars because I was amazed at the different building that Frank Lloyd Wright had made during his lifetime.
May 17, 2017
We read this little biography on the way to Chicago where we toured the Frank Lloyd Wright house. I'm so glad we had this background knowledge.
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May 15, 2017The book, Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright, by Ellen Labrecque was about the life of Frank and how he became inspired at a young age by his mother to become an Architect. At the age of 9 years old, his mother bought him a set of building blocks to inspire him to be an Architect. She tried really hard to make sure he did that. She would hang pictures of buildings up all around the house when he was a toddler. He went to study under the finest Architects in Chicago. He didn't have much money, but he made it work. He married several times and had many kids. His imagination was like no other and people adored him. He was popular with groups, he had fancy clothes, and was very outgoing. He put his work first before family and that caused him great pain. He worked on his own terms and some people didn't want to work with him when he got older. He worked up until his death at the age of 91. He is famous for creating the Guggenheim Museum in NY City.
The book, Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright by Ellen Labrecque was a great read for me! I think many readers would enjoy this book because the author used vivid images throughout the book. Many readers would also enjoy learning about how he was so passionate about his work.
The book, Who Was Frank Lloyd Wright by Ellen Labrecque was a great read for me! I think many readers would enjoy this book because the author used vivid images throughout the book. Many readers would also enjoy learning about how he was so passionate about his work.
May 3, 2020
What a unique man. This book describes the things that propelled Frank Lloyd Wright to worldwide fame. A hard-headed innovator, Wright had a vision to be the greatest architect and he surely contributed enough to make him one of the most important in history. I remember visiting the Guggenheim Museum when I was about 10 and thought it was one amazing building. It is only over the past 15 years or so that I have become so aware of the prairie style for which he is most famous. So many of his designs have become classics of architecture. While he was reputed to be very difficult to work with, his buildings are certainly masterpieces.
November 7, 2019
I love Frank Lloyd Wright's work so I was keen to read this biography. He didn't have good role modeling in his life from his dad and that had a great impact on his family life. It was interesting to read about how he valued play and simplicity.
I've heard in places that this series is targeted to middle school. I hope my grade 3s are okay with it because I have a lot of them! I guess I'll have to read more of them to make sure they're okay.
I've heard in places that this series is targeted to middle school. I hope my grade 3s are okay with it because I have a lot of them! I guess I'll have to read more of them to make sure they're okay.
June 25, 2021
Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural life really did begin with a set of blocks. His mother gave him the blocks when he was quite young. She was his main supporter all of her life. Frank originally was called Frank Lincoln Wright but changed his middle name to Lloyd in 1885 when his parents divorced. His son John Lloyd Wright was the inventor of the Lincoln Logs. Frank designed many buildings and houses this book summarizes the more impressive ones and famous ones.
who-hq
May 2, 2020Architect who developed concept of organic architecture (blending the building with its surroundings). Designs include the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo (which survived the Great Kanto Earthquake), Fallingwater (building on top of a waterfall), Johnson Wax Headquarters (lily pad columns), and Guggenheim Museum.
November 22, 2017
From time to time, I need to pick up one of these “Who was?” gems and reacquaint myself with why my students love this series so much. Besides the consistency of amazing covers, these are just the best little biographies around!
August 16, 2020
These books are very balanced. It recognizes achievements without being fawning, and lays out possibly less savory elements (affairs, Thomas Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemmings) in a matter-of-fact, non-gossipy kind of way.
May 14, 2023
Quick and informative. Good for my Reading Challenge and to make me sound knowledgeable about flash things. A house should not be on a hill. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Like my 4th wife said…
August 9, 2018
I had no idea who he was before this book...
May 8, 2019
I didn't know as much about Frank as I thought I did. This was a very good overview of his life and work.
And I learned his son created Lincoln Logs a childhood favorite toy.
And I learned his son created Lincoln Logs a childhood favorite toy.
January 25, 2022
I read this to my children. We thought it was pretty good. We didn’t know anything about Frank Lloyd Wright until we read this book. Very interesting.
February 13, 2023
Good basic information and a timeline.
October 16, 2023
I love Frank Lloyd Wright. This concise biography is serves as a great overview and an excellent starting point.
August 7, 2025
I enjoyed this short kid’s bio of Frank Lloyd Wright that I read in preparation for a trip to Fallingwater house.
September 10, 2025
Good overview in an “explain it to me like I’m 5” kind of way (it is meant for children so, good job!). Left out some of the unsavory bits of his life tho
February 24, 2026
I actually wasn't a fan of this one. Mr. Wright made some choices I didn't totally love reading about.
April 8, 2026
Every time I read these books they pretty much always get 3 stars cause they’re not bad and they’re fairly interesting but also not really my thing.
(Read this one cause I own it) (also do note that these are rated on a scale different from books that aren’t part of this series or the sweet valley high series, they are rated differently because I don’t really prefer to read them so I change the scale)
(Read this one cause I own it) (also do note that these are rated on a scale different from books that aren’t part of this series or the sweet valley high series, they are rated differently because I don’t really prefer to read them so I change the scale)
December 6, 2024
A medium-paced nonfiction biography for middle-grade readers that blends history and social studies into a clearer appreciation of the famous architect. My eight year old liked this one and it led to us looking up his constructions online.
March 13, 2017
He was a fascinating architect who was ahead of his time. Quick read!
December 20, 2016
December Book Report
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright
Ellen Labrecque
Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867. Frank has married twice and has had children with both. He has then constructed many different famous buildings, such as Falling Water, Imperial Hotel, and an art museum. Even though his organic designs grew to be popular but it was once all Victorian era. Frank Lloyd Wright died on April 9, 1959 in Arizona.
The main idea of this book is to convey to the reader on the importance of Frank Lloyd Wright. He created the organic style of architecture and has influenced many others with his designs. He said he got inspiration from the falling of the capital dome to create safe buildings. As an example the Imperial Hotel because it withstood an earthquake. He also built Falling Water, but that is built over water. If you live in Arizona that is where his winter house Taliesin West is. He also wanted to learn more, he quit school and went out to learn from architects rebuilding after the Chicago fire To me he is the greatest American architect of them time and he was called that after his death in 1959 by the American Institute of Architects.
Who was Frank Lloyd Wright
Ellen Labrecque
Frank Lloyd Wright was born on June 8, 1867. Frank has married twice and has had children with both. He has then constructed many different famous buildings, such as Falling Water, Imperial Hotel, and an art museum. Even though his organic designs grew to be popular but it was once all Victorian era. Frank Lloyd Wright died on April 9, 1959 in Arizona.
The main idea of this book is to convey to the reader on the importance of Frank Lloyd Wright. He created the organic style of architecture and has influenced many others with his designs. He said he got inspiration from the falling of the capital dome to create safe buildings. As an example the Imperial Hotel because it withstood an earthquake. He also built Falling Water, but that is built over water. If you live in Arizona that is where his winter house Taliesin West is. He also wanted to learn more, he quit school and went out to learn from architects rebuilding after the Chicago fire To me he is the greatest American architect of them time and he was called that after his death in 1959 by the American Institute of Architects.
April 10, 2017
Frank Lloyd Wright by Ellen labrecque and the main characters in the book is Frank Lloyd Wright, Kitty, Mom, and Dad. Frank Lloyd Wright really wanted to become an architect, but in older years he finally became an architect. The only problem Frank Lloyd Wright was that he divorced a ton of women, but when he became old he found the right women and married the lady. Also, when he became old his buildings started to look strange, but after a while the buildings became famous.
What I enjoyed about about the book is it really described Frank Lloyd Wright and included what, where and why, and that is why I really liked the book. What I would like to change is to discribe the advents a little better.
This book could be good for anyone. The book has only little of pictures in the book and the words are easy to read.
What I enjoyed about about the book is it really described Frank Lloyd Wright and included what, where and why, and that is why I really liked the book. What I would like to change is to discribe the advents a little better.
This book could be good for anyone. The book has only little of pictures in the book and the words are easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews