Avoid Being a Skyscraper Builder!

The Danger Zone

by Fiona Macdonald

As a builder during America's Great Depression, you'll take any job you can get. But you'd better have a good head for heights, because you're about to start work on what will be the nation's pride and the Empire State Building! This book explores the dizzying and sometimes deadly task of building a skyscraper, focusing specifically on the construction of the Empire State Building. The humorous cartoon-style illustrations and the narrative approach encourage readers to get emotionally involved with the characters, aiding their understanding of the dangerous and back-breaking work involved in constructing a skyscraper. Informative captions, a complete glossary and an index make this title an ideal introduction to the conventions of non-fiction texts for young readers.

Genres: History, Childrens, Historical, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published January 21, 2009

About the author

Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia. She has taught in schools, adult education and university, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Reviews

[Perla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the dangerous task of building a sky scraper. I found it somewhat enjoyable.
As a construction worker, you have to build the Empire State Building. This is your new job because you suffered from the Great Depression and need a new job. You go through a glut of near-death experiences. For instance, you can become electrocuted from power cords dangling or be crushed by huge metal bars. After the building is finished, you are out of a job and must find a new job now.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to know history of the Empire State Building.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Part of a Franklin Watts series. Very interesting facts on the building of the Empire State Building. Cartoon type illustrations. Wish there was source information indicated. It is amazing to think of skyscrapers being built in the 1920's and 1930's!

[Kevin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay my 1000th book

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good companion to You Wouldn't Want to Work on the Hoover Dam. It is amazing how quickly skyscrapers were built and how many people were involved in the process.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books