Boeing 747

Children's Literature

This huge aircraft is the largest in the world. Young readers will be fascinated by the interesting facts and figures that tell its story. This volume informs readers with easy-to-read text and colorful photographs that reveal the various phases in the building of this aircraft. The slim book is one in the series, "Superstructures of the World," by The Learning Channel. The wings of this giant aircraft are long enough to park 45 cars on them. The wingspan is 5600 feet and the plane is 231 feet long and contains more than 6 million parts. Hundreds of workers are on the job day and night to assemble a plane. They build a new 747 every eight days. Readers will be astonished to learn that a set of brakes, wheels and tires costs over 1 million dollars. Customers will pay between 180 million and 200 million dollars for a new Boeing 747. Air Force One is the most famous of the 747's. Before their first flight, these giant planes receive over 1200 pounds of paint. The Boeing factory, in Everett, Washington, where these planes are built is like a small town. The building covers over 98 acres and includes a fire department, medical staff and food service. Engineers are always striving to make this powerful plane even more powerful. The book contains an index and glossary. This is a valuable resource for classroom or library media centers and is sure to be a favorite among even the most reluctant readers. 2004, Blackbirch Press, Ages 9 to 12.
—Sue Reichard