CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.
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Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
CCBC Review:
Mechanical engineer George Ferris’s idea for showcasing American ingenuity at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair was originally rejected when the fair’s chief engineer thought Ferris’s design for a giant wheel was “so flimsy it would collapse.” But Ferris and his partner were confident in the plans, and confident in the strong but lightweight properties of a new metal — steel. By the time Fair organizers decided to move forward with the idea it became a race against time to get the wheel up and operational by the Fair’s opening. There were more than 100,000 parts to be assembled. The original wheel, called the Monster Wheel by its inventor, was a far cry from today’s fairground ride: Two steam engines powered it, and each car was the size of a living room, with forty velvet seats. But it was a huge hit from the day the Fair opened. This engaging picture book account of the high-rise engineering marvel that has become — in much more modest form — a staple of fairs and carnivals will fascinate young builders and dreamers. ©2014 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Gilbert Ford
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
19th Century
History (Nonfiction)
Inventing and Inventors
On CCBC Booklist:
Literary Science 1: K-5 Mentor Texts
Publisher:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publish Year: 2014
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780547959221
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 791 Davis
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.
Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.