Reaching Across the Sky

* “‘A bridge connects across a gap, ’ a statement confirmed by the more than one hundred bridges depicted throughout the book … [There is] a stunning, vertical, full-bleed spread of a Himalayan suspension bridge … Extensive back matter contains information about and diagrams of types and parts of bridges, as well as materials used for bridge building. This fine book concludes with a glossary and bibliography.”

–The Horn Book, starred review“This nonfiction book is part lyrical collage illustrations and part informative charts and facts, introducing all aspects of bridge creation. Endpapers set the tone with multiple small illustrations of famous bridges from around the world…. More than 100 bridges are featured as the author discusses the development of bridges through time, influenced by nature, available materials, design innovations, and advances in technology.”–Booklist“In this visually crisp nonfiction picture book, Hale examines bridges not only as feats of engineering but as instruments of human connection…As the text weaves together universal themes and concrete facts, collage artwork gives palpable dimensionality to vignettes and full-bleed spreads, and striking geometries create a mood evocative of classic WPA posters, prompting readers to see bridges as agents of possibility.”–Publishers Weekly* “A love letter to the variety, beauty, and grandeur of bridges and their power to connect people and places across a gap, thereby making life better…. A beautiful look at not only how bridges work but also how they connect people and change lives.”–School Library Journal, starred review“A world-spanning gallery of bridges–ancient and modern, high and low, plain and architecturally venturesome. Depicting over 100 examples in her accurately detailed paper collage views, Hale highlights her subjects’ myriad forms, functions, and settings … A soaring mix of visual wonders and thoughtful observations.”–Kirkus Reviews