Illustrations by Gilbert Ford
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 2, 2014
The year is 1893 and America is going to be hosting the World's Fair in Chicago. The last World Fair in Paris brought the grandeur that is the Eiffel Tower. America wants something just as good. They host a contest, asking architects from all over to submit designs, but most just feel like repeats of the tower or too outlandish. When George Ferris presents his idea for a giant wheel made out of steel, the idea is originally rejected. With the clock ticking away though and nothing else that will work, eventually his idea is approved. No one is sure if it will work, except George. But it does. Everyone is amazed by the wheel, covered in new-fangled electric lights. They name it the Ferris Wheel and it was remembered as one of the most amazing things at the World's Fair.
I absolutely loved this book. The story itself was engaging, with a small fact on each spread for those who love facts (that would be me). Let me tell you that what I really loved though were illustrations with their twilight colors that added a magical feeling to the story. This is a weird parallel perhaps, but it reminded me of the colors that were used throughout most of the live-action version of Peter Pan. As it goes with some of my favorite books, other people I showed it to seemed rather lukewarm about it, but I thought it was beautiful and I hope that those who love beautifully drawn picture books and wonderful children's biographies will give it a go.
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