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Concrete From the Ground Up
By Larissa Theule
Illustrated by Steve Light
As unpretentious but essential as its subject, this is a marvelous book?an utterly compelling read. Larissa Theule tells the story of concrete (not cement, but a composite material that uses cement), from ancient times to its rediscovery in the 18th century, and in pared-down style introduces readers to advanced vocabulary; architectural monuments (the Pantheon, King Lalibela?s Ethiopian rock churches, the Three Gorges Dam); professions (gladiator, emperor, civil engineer); social history (G?bekli Tepe, the building and demolition of the Berlin Wall); and more, with clarity, directness, and humor.? Everything is conversationally explained: when ?plastic? is used to mean ?moldable,? a brief speech balloon conveys that meaning.? The spare but lively ink and watercolor illustrations are a perfect match for the text: unassuming but amusing, rich in detail and meaning. ?Iconic buildings in Sydney, Kobe, and Baku are depicted.? Publisher: Candlewick Press. Hardcover, 48 pages.? Ages 7-10.
Code:? 167076
Member Price:? $17.09