Sky High: George Ferris's Big Wheel

by Monica Kulling, Gene Barretta (Illustrations)

This fascinating Step 3 History Reader describes the invention of the first Ferris wheel—an engineering marvel. The 1893 World’s Fair organizers wanted something big to draw people to Chicago . . . something that would rival the Eiffel Tower. George Ferris, an American engineer, had the idea for an observation wheel that passengers could ride on. People laughed at his idea. They said it would never work. But it was a huge success, with thirty-six cars that could hold over 2,100 riders! That’s some big wheel! Ferris wheel lovers can thank George Ferris for never giving up his dream.
 
Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics—for children who are ready to read on their own.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

48 pages, Library Binding

Published October 11, 2016

About the author

Monica Kulling was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. She received a BA in creative writing from the University of Victoria. Monica Kulling has published twenty-six fiction and nonfiction books for children, including picture books, poetry, and biographies. She is best known for introducing biography to children just learning to read and has written about Harriet Tubman, Houdini, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart among others. Monica Kulling lives in Toronto, Canada.

Reviews

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrative for kids to read themselves using manageable sentences and copious illustrations. Informative and well-organized. I was surprised at the vocabulary: Not sure if this age level is familiar with many of the words and proper names used in the story. Terms were not explained.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ordered this book to accompany a project that my grandson showed us. He received a wooden model to assemble that included a battery powered motor to make the Ferris Wheel move. Of course, as a recovering homeschool mom I went to my library online catalog to find some books that would help us learn more about Mr. Ferris and his invention.

This book was great for sharing with younger sister, but the cartoon illustrations did not make the project look read. I opted to include a book that had photos of the process of building the actual Ferris Wheel which ran at the World Fair.

I think we all enjoyed the project and it is still sitting on the mantel of the builder's home.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read look at the creation of the Ferris wheel - illustrated with some humor to lessen the dry text - love the cheeky look the Statue of Liberty is giving on the last page.

[Brandy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. The story of the Ferris Wheel. Good launch for older students for a stem activity. Encourages look at world different.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This non fiction reader tells the story of George Ferris's invention for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. It describes Ferris's life, from his childhood on a ranch in Nevada, where he watched the local water wheel turn, to his engineering degree, to his entry in the competition to design a tower for the World's Fair. The writing is not elegant, but it is a serviceable and concise biography. Watercolor and pencil illustrations throughout.

The illustrations add little to the text, and provide virtually no historical context. The human figures are wooden and cartoonish. There are no additional materials such as notes or glossary.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early reader biography of the creator of the Ferris Wheel.