Empire State Building: When New York Reached for the Skies

A fascinating narrative… an excellent inside look at the birth of this landmark.–Krys Stefansky “The Virginian-Pilot” (2/24/2004 12:00:00 AM)Mann writes clearly and concisely, never sacrificing the drama of the story… Period photos and Witschonke’s full-color artwork add much to the text.–Kay Weisman “Booklist / RBB” (2/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)Mann writes with clarity about the technical aspects… and with verve about the building’s inspiring effect on New Yorkers… Best are the illustrations.–Elizabeth Ward “Washington Post” (11/23/2003 12:00:00 AM)The glamour girl of the New York skyline gets the star treatment in this overview of her planning and construction.– “Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books” (2/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)The Top Five… A detailed story of the construction and profiles of the millionaires and laborers involved.– “New York Magazine” (3/15/2004 12:00:00 AM)Will capture the imagination… An ideal resource for classes working on architectural projects and a top choice for general reading.–Delia Fritz “School Library Journal” (5/1/2004 12:00:00 AM)With interesting facts ranging from building inspection and safety issues to the delivery of food and materials to the upper floors, Empire State Building provides readers with plenty of history and even a bit of physics…. Mann draws readers in with her writing style, taking them back to New York City, circa 1930. She not only explains construction techniques and other technical information clearly, but she also gives readers a sense of the thinking process behind the building’s design and the problem-solving that went on as the project progressed. Yet it is her focus on the human stories that will most captivate readers. Abundant coloured and black and white archival photographs, maps and paintings provide additional information and enhance the text. There are numbered diagrams showing the sequential steps in various construction techniques as well as a double foldout page showing the month-by-month progress of the construction. A well-written account of a tremendous architectural feat. Highly Recommended.–Gail Hamilton “Canadian Materials” (12/12/2003 12:00:00 AM)Young history and architecture buffs may appreciate the detailed information presented.– “Publishers Weekly” (2/2/2004 12:00:00 AM)

Elizabeth Mann has written nine Wonders of the World books, an award-winning series. She is former teacher in New York, holds an M.S.E. and is cofounder of Mikaya Press.

Alan Witschonke is the illustrator of four Wonders of the World books: The Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, The Great Wall and Hoover Dam.