Synopsis
Examines the history of the world's tallest buildings, including some of the challenges faced in design and construction and how their builders tested the limits of technology. ...
Sue Reichard - Children's Literature
"These buildings defy gravity. They are forged from concrete and steel and they loom over today's urban jungles." This information-packed volume about skyscrapers in the new Learning Channel series, "Super Structures of the World," will appeal to even the most reluctant reader. Brilliant color photographs accompany the easy-to-read interesting text. Many cities—such as some in Japan—have no where to go but up, because land is scarce but the population is growing. The J. R. Central Towers in Nagoya is one of Japan's largest buildings. The tallest building in the entire world is in Kuala Lumpur and is known as the Petronas Towers. This enviable building is 88 floors and has a 100 foot spire at the top. It is constructed of steel and glass. Over the years, construction of these super structures has changed. Elisha Otis invented a safety brake that made it easier to get building materials to the top of these structures in 1852. This invention became today's modern elevator. Bricks and mortar became too heavy to carry and hoist up to where they were needed and the invention of the steel-cage structure allowed more ease in building the modern superstructures of today. The World Trade Center is discussed and the events of September 11th. The book recounts the events and discusses and illustrates what caused these huge structures to come down. An index and glossary are included in the end notes. This is a useful resource for classrooms and library media centers. 2004, Blackbirch Press, Ages 9 to 12.
Editorials
Children's Literature
"These buildings defy gravity. They are forged from concrete and steel and they loom over today's urban jungles." This information-packed volume about skyscrapers in the new Learning Channel series, "Super Structures of the World," will appeal to even the most reluctant reader. Brilliant color photographs accompany the easy-to-read interesting text. Many cities—such as some in Japan—have no where to go but up, because land is scarce but the population is growing. The J. R. Central Towers in Nagoya is one of Japan's largest buildings. The tallest building in the entire world is in Kuala Lumpur and is known as the Petronas Towers. This enviable building is 88 floors and has a 100 foot spire at the top. It is constructed of steel and glass. Over the years, construction of these super structures has changed. Elisha Otis invented a safety brake that made it easier to get building materials to the top of these structures in 1852. This invention became today's modern elevator. Bricks and mortar became too heavy to carry and hoist up to where they were needed and the invention of the steel-cage structure allowed more ease in building the modern superstructures of today. The World Trade Center is discussed and the events of September 11th. The book recounts the events and discusses and illustrates what caused these huge structures to come down. An index and glossary are included in the end notes. This is a useful resource for classrooms and library media centers. 2004, Blackbirch Press, Ages 9 to 12.—Sue Reichard