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New York —The Greatest City
Reviews
97 Orchard Street, New York
Linda Granfield; Illustrations by Arlene Alda
The life story of one tenement house in New York City's Lower East Side is the focus of this book, written under the auspices of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, which now occupies the site. Historical information about immigration and tenement life is interspersed with brief portraits of four of the families who occupied 97 Orchard Street over the years. Generously illustrated with historical photographs, newspaper illustrations, and other documents, primarily from the collections of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, the book also brings the building and the era to life with Alda's black-and-white photographs of the museum's refurbished tenement apartment rooms. Although the lack of a table of contents, index or bibliography make the book unsuitable for research and writing projects, it has strong regional interest and provides a good "slice of life" account that will fit in well with curriculum units about immigration or New York history. 2001, Tundra Books, $15.00. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Norah Piehl
ISBN: 0-88776-580-7
The Brooklyn Bridge
Lynn Curlee
When the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883, its stone towers were the most massive structures on the continent, its cables and deck were among the first constructions of a metal called "steel" and its span was the longest of any bridge in the world. It was called a true "eighth Wonder of the World." Curlee brings the same concise text and lively portrayal of the people and problems involved that he used so effectively in Liberty (Atheneum). His unfussy acrylic paintings seem based on archival photographs and have an engineer's love of the precise line and depiction of the inner workings of the project. The genius behind the bridge was John A. Roebling, whose son Washington carried on after Roebling lost his life to a gangrenous foot. The story is not without disasters, deaths and even a final scare when a week after the bridge opened, someone cried that it was falling and the resulting stampede crushed a dozen people. Curlee's eye for detail, his timely diagrams, cross-sections and maps (which come along just as the reader wants them), and the ending pictures of the bridge from several cross-sectioned perspectives show the reader how marvelous this construction was—and is. As one architect pointed out, this bridge is likely to be our most durable monument to posterity and "it is a work of bare utility; not a shrine, not a fortress, not a palace, but a bridge." 2001, Atheneum, $18.00. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0689831838
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 2002; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Book 2002 United States
Building Big
David Macaulay
If you watched the PBS series of the same name, then this book will bring all of those glorious structures back to enjoy again. If you didn't, then this book will probably encourage readers to watch it the next time around. The book and the films feature bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, domes and dams—some of the biggest structures created by humans. Macaulay is fascinated by basic engineering and design questions and why certain materials are chosen over others. Readers will come away with a real appreciation of the engineering and architectural challenges, as well as a basic knowledge of why certain shapes and materials work in bridges, tunnels or skyscrapers. Pen and ink and watercolor sketches show the way certain structures were built and how they function, for example, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Marvelous descriptions are included of the construction of the piers, how the cables were put in place and the difficulty of designing to control the movement of the roadway in various weather conditions. A surprising fact for many is that this famous bridge is no longer the longest in the world—that honor goes to the Akashi Kaikyo bridge in Japan. Macaulay's book will appeal to kids and adults and is one that can be read in segments, which can be savored and then revisited. If you know anyone with an interest in architecture or structural engineering, this book would make a wonderful gift. 2000, Houghton, $30.00. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0395963311
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Booklist: Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2000; American Library Association; United States
Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Not Just for Children Any More, 2001; Children's Book Council; Unites States
Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children, 2001; National Science Teachers Association; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 2000; Cahners; United States
School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2000; Cahners; United States
Senior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Fifteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Didi and Daddy on the Promenade
Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a well-known walkway in New York that overlooks the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and Brooklyn Bridge and offers a wonderful view of the Manhattan skyline. This delightful picture book describes the adventures of one very active toddler named Didi and her father as they jump, twirl and gallop through this unique esplanade. Throughout their wild romp, they experience all kinds of interesting things—they see trucks and boats, they meet dogs of all shapes and sizes, they listen and dance to the sounds of local musicians and they spend time with friends in the playground. Unfortunately, their visit to the Promenade is cut short by unexpected stormy weather, so the giggling pair decides to run through the rain and splash through the puddles, laughing all the way home. Expressive watercolor illustrations perfectly capture the excitement of this amazing experience and enhance the lively text. This charming book offers a great introduction to city life and takes a close-up look at the special relationship between fathers and daughters. It's a wonderful feel-good book for busy kids and their parents. 2001, Clarion Books, $14.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
ISBN: 0618046402
Hey Kid, Want to Buy a Bridge?
Jon Scieszka
Illustrations by Adam McCauley
The Time Warp Trio find themselves precariously atop the partially built Brooklyn Bridge. Using the infamous Book, they have somehow sonic-warped back to 1877 while managing to bring along their three granddaughters from 2095 and a hopelessly confused Thomas Alva Edison. (They time warped hoping to see inventions in the future, then return home to "invent" them themselves.) Of course, The Book has disappeared and they must retrieve it to return everyone to normal. This precipitates wandering around their hometown, looking for the Public Library to help them out and bemoaning the lack of conveniences to which they are accustomed...telephones, fast food, public transportation, etc. The mean "Ugly Mug," who nearly does them in during an old-fashioned game of baseball, continually chases them around Brooklyn. Written in Scieszka's usual frenetic, madcap style, this is a fast-paced adventure. The plot is somewhat confusing and the setting is not as dramatic as in others in this series. Some of the girls' comments on the lack of women's rights border on preaching. Fans of the series will probably stick with this latest entry, but if this is a child's introduction to the series, they may well not bother to pick up one of the earlier better-written books. 2002, Viking, Ages 7 to 11, $14.99. Reviewer: Peg Glisson
ISBN: 0-670-89916-X
In America
Marissa Moss
Personal history opens doors to understanding as a young boy learns of the immigration of his Lithuanian grandfather. The story unfolds through caring dialogue, as Walter's grandfather reveals, through his personal experiences, the meaning of freedom, the fear of coming to a new country, the courage and risk taking required, and the importance of remembering one's heritage. As the small boy listens, he applies his grandfather's learning to his own life and crosses the street for the first time by himself, moving through fear to independence because of his grandfather's story. 1994, Dial, $14.99. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Susie Wilde
ISBN: 0525451528
It's a Dog's New York
Susan L. Roth
This exuberant picture book is yet another valentine to New York City, this time from a dog's point of view. Pepper has moved to New York, but misses his blue doghouse and the big beech tree in his old backyard, until the neighbor dog, Rover, describes all the charms of the Big Apple. The chuckles come from the reproduction of Rover's heavy New Yawk accent. It's the Empawya State Building and Cawnagee Hall and the Sta-chew a Libba-dee all the way. Roth's color illustrations, made of cut photographs assembled into collages with cut-paper representations of the dogs and other creatures, convey the angularity and power of the city. This is a masculine New York of towering buildings and vertical and horizontal lines, no curves or softness anywhere. Although the city is depicted as a scary, intimidating place, children will enjoy sounding out the New Yorkese, and may be intrigued by Rover's upbeat message and by Roth's artistic approach. 2001, National Geographic Society, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Miriam Rinn
ISBN: 0-7922-7054-1
Lisa in New York
Anne Gutman
Illustrated by Georg Hallensleben
Lisa, the bunny-shaped heroine of "The Misadventures of Gaspard and Lisa" series, is visiting pre-September 11 New York City for her birthday, invited by her Uncle Harrison. She sees the usual sights, Times Square being her favorite. While shopping, she stops to admire a beautiful cake and loses her uncle. Clever Lisa knows enough to find a policeman, who tells her where her uncle is waiting for her. Unfortunately, she can't reach the elevator button, and breaks her gift for her friend Gaspard by standing on it. But all ends well, of course, in this very simple tour of the highlights of New York. Double-page scenes, painted with almost crude energy, include the Trade Towers, but they are incidental to the otherwise attractive impressions of the vitality of Times Square and the quiet of Central Park. 2002 (orig. 2000), Alfred A. Knopf, $9.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0375811192
Moo Moo Goes to the City
Jo Lodge
The colors in this book are primary, vivid and cheerful. All of the actions except the last huge pop-up are produced by pulling clearly marked tabs on the outside edges of the right-hand pages. The movements are surprising and fun. Moo Moo is a charming and enthusiastic cow who stands upright, as do all of the other animals in this merry tale. Moo Moo takes a trip to the city on a bus, tries on hats in a store, shares her lunch with pigeons in the park, enjoys a bit of rollerblading, and takes a tour of the city in a boat. She passes an impressive gray statue of cow on a small island wearing a spiked headpiece and holding a high torch, before getting on the bus and waving goodbye to the city. A good time will be had by all. 2002, Little Brown, Ages 2 to 6, $12.95. Reviewer: Eleanor Heldrich
ISBN: 0-316-65582-1
New York
Amy Gelman
Each entry in the "Hello USA" series is similar in format with four narrative sections covering the land, history, people and economy, and the environment. A fifth "All About..." section includes fun and other facts, state song, a recipe (New York Cheesecake), historical timeline, outstanding citizens with pictures and short bios (author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats and author Madeleine L'Engle are from New York City), places to visit, annual events, state wildlife, and an annotated bibliography of well-chosen nonfiction, but a paltry two fiction choices from the state. The environmental section focuses primarily on preserving groundwater purity and the problems landfills cause. A political map showing the principal cities and national forests faces a physical map of geological regions, elevation, and other features. A later map indicates principal products, but it would benefit from being superimposed on a political map so readers see the connections. In a departure from other titles in the series, the book includes a single short section, rather than several, this one about the War of 1812, but instead has a one page special note about the September 11 events and the aftermath. Illustrations are well chosen from modern, historical, archival and artistic sources and reflect the diverse population. All in all, this is a useful, specific, varied and well-organized introduction to the state and one that will assist report writers, would-be tourists, or the merely curious equally well. Endmatter includes web sites, a glossary and proper names pronunciation guide, and an index. 2002, Lerner Publications, $25.26 and $6.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0822540576 (lib. bdg.: alk. paper)
ISBN: 0822541513 (pbk: alk. paper)
New York
Corinne J. Naden and Rose Blue
This clever new series by Enslow, "MyReportLink.com Book," integrates the slim-volume chapter books with corresponding Internet resources found at their special Web site. Perfect for researchers, the book on New York presents the reader with an overview of the state's falls and halls, nature and culture, native sons and presidents, government and history. The chapter on history reveals the explorers of the region and the importance of the Dutch Colonists to the states rich culture. Sports fans will enjoy reading about New York's famous Yankees baseball team and other popular sports teams. Beginning researchers will be motivated by the clever way the book sets the stage for further fact-finding at the pre-evaluated web links made exclusively as a companion to the book. Links are kept up-to-date and provide source documents, photos, and further information. The Web site also includes a special link for teachers, librarians, and parents. Each page is cleverly designed to mimic a Web page and includes color photos, charts and maps, and illustrations on almost every page. These visuals add interest and further engage the reader. This idea can save teachers hours of planning time and will motivate even the most reluctant student. 2002, Enslow Publishing, Ages 9 to 12, $19.95. Reviewer: Sue Reichard
ISBN: 0-7660-5017-3
New York City Buildings
Ann Mace
Photos by Tim Holmstrom
Fine close-up photos of buildings found in New York are described in simple text: one is round, another is narrow, a third is guarded by lions. While the buildings are identified as the Guggenheim Museum, the United Nations, and the N.Y. Public Library on a map on the endpaper, a line of text per page concentrates on the building's attributes. Each book in the "Books for Young Learners" series is keyed to Emergent, Early, or Fluent readers, a scale which spans K-2 readers. In addition, the key indicates supported (S), guided (G), or independent (I) for each of these stages. Natural word choice and pictures work closely to support new and young readers in practicing skills with an adult or independently. This book supplies plenty of opportunities to talk about skylines, buildings, and shapes, and in this case, to view the former World Trade Towers, which are pictured as "very, very tall." 1997, Richard C Owen Publishers, Ages 5 to 7, $5.00. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 1-57274-077-9
Rudolph W. Giuliani: America's Mayor
Eleanor Fremont
The events of September 11, 2001 brought former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani to national prominence, and many Americans wanted to know more about him. This biography seems to have been published to meet that interest. Unfortunately, it suffers from problems often seen in books rushed to market in response to a big news event—factual errors and lack of historical perspective. Fremont effectively conveys her theme that Giuliani, though controversial, has, throughout his life, done what he thought was right. Her description of September 11 and its aftermath, which takes up almost half the book, is gripping. In other places, though, her descriptions of Giuliani's role in public events are misleading. For example, she presents the Regan administration's handling of Haitian refugees as if Giuliani was entirely responsible for creating and enforcing it. At another point, she suggests that, as a U.S. Attorney in the 1980s, Giuliani was the first prosecutor to think of using the RICO law against the Mafia. In fact, the RICO law was enacted in 1970 in order to fight organized crime. Giuliani is a fascinating figure and a man with great strengths and weaknesses. For middle school aged children, who are just beginning to understand the complexities of people and politics, this book will be thought provoking. Though flawed, this book can generate some good discussion about important issues. There is no list of sources or index. 2002, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, Ages 10 to 14, $4.99. Reviewer: Sally Canzoneri
ISBN: 0-689-85423-4
Skyscrapers: How America Grew Up
John B. Severance
As you approach Chicago from the suburbs, you are struck by the massive skyscrapers that dominate its lakeshore setting. In New York, the Empire State Building remains one of the great tourist attractions in that bustling city. People continue to be both awed and amazed at the sheer scope of the skyscrapers that are situated in some of our nation's cities. These huge towers of glass, steel, and masonry are testaments to the advances in materials and design that occurred during the twentieth century. Yet, skyscrapers existed in the nineteenth century and have their roots in the ancient wonders of the world. It is the story of the development of these modern towers that is told in this architectural study. As cities such as New York and Chicago grew into commercial dynamos it became apparent that limitations of valuable space could only be overcome by building vertically. The invention of emergency brakes for elevators, plumping that could function at high altitude and illumination techniques that could make office and living space adaptable all contributed to the birth and development of skyscrapers. Eventually, it became possible to create veritable cities within cities in urban skyscrapers. A person can live, work, shop, and access services all within one monolithic center. Readers with an interest in architecture are sure to enjoy this amply illustrated and well-researched book. 2000, Holiday House, $18.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck
ISBN: 0823414922
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Choice List, 2001; Children's Literature; United States
Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2001; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Skyscrapers! Super Structures to Design & Build
Carol A. Johmann
Illustrated by Michael Kline
This is a fascinating look at skyscrapers from a kid's point of view. The first tall buildings were built in Chicago as a response to the fire of 1871. There was great demand to replace the large number of homes and offices lost in the fire. The break-through material was steel, which was used by William Le Baron Jenney to build the Home Insurance Building in Chicago in 1885. When steel could be produced cheaply in the late 1880's, the construction of tall buildings was ready to boom. Each step in the process of designing and building these structures is detailed with photographs and illustrations, and with accompanying projects that are very kid friendly and use common household materials. One project is to build a tower with marshmallows and toothpicks and see if it will support its own weight. Will it support a book on top? Skyscrapers need to be designed to withstand the powerful force of the wind. One third of a skyscraper's structure serves as a brace against the force of the wind. For anyone who has admired a tall building, this is a fun and informative publication. 2001, Williamson Publishing, Ages 5 to 12, $10.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
ISBN: 1-885593-50-3
Those Building Men
Angela Johnson
Illustrated by Barry Moser
Those "shadowy building men"—many, perhaps most, of their names are lost to history but the works they left testify to their strength and vision. These were men who dug, sawed, hammered and hauled to build a modern industrial nation. The author's spare yet eloquent poem brings these Native American, Asian, African and European men to life. The simple language captures the enormity of their tasks and honors the sacrifices they made in pursuit of a common goal. It pays tribute to their strength and courage in the face of danger, boredom and isolation. The illustrator's rich watercolors lend force to the poem. A National Book Award winner, Moser captures the wildness of the North American landscape and the immensity of the builders' undertakings—bridges, railroads, canals and skyscrapers. He puts faces on those anonymous building men, imbuing each portrait with both humbleness and dignity. Like the men themselves reviewing their accomplishments, the reader finishes this book shaking his head and thinking, "Ain't that something." 2001, The Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, $16.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Stephanie Farrow
ISBN: 0-590-66521-9
Best Books:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young Readers, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
When I First Came To This Land
Retold by Harriet Ziefert
Pictures by Simms Taback
Through lively and cumulative verse Ziefert celebrates the pioneering spirit and sense of adventure of those who came to this country and made a new life for themselves. The text is based on a century-old folk poem brought to America by a German immigrant. The joys and trials of these early immigrants, as depicted in the words, are beautifully replicated in the vivid, colorful and authentic illustrations appropriate to the time period. The cumulative nature of the verse and the bold illustrations will invite participation in a read aloud making this a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. 1998, G.P. Putnam's Sons, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Shalini Murthy
ISBN: 0399230440
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1999; National Council for the Social Studies; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, May 1998; Cahners; United States
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