Sky Boys (2006)

This book really promotes (passively mind you) Nationalism!!! other than that, it is a fun book that walks the reader through the creation of the Empire State Building, really touching on the bravery of the workers walking those steal beams with no tie-off. It was really demonstrated via the art work. On top of that, it really gives a glimpse of the hard times facing America during it's construction. Perhaps that was the intent of the nationalistic view point, that was a major part of promoting a united American ideal to help pull the country out of difficulty. I was a good book and educational. I would recommend it. ( )

Genre: Informational

Setting: The story takes place during the Great Depression during the building of the Empire State Building. The authors do a good job of setting the scene by telling us things like the boy’s father has lost his job and he must scour the streets looking for firewood before he can go to school. One day he finds a huge pile and it is because an old hotel has been torn down and a new building is being built that has given 600 men jobs. Later in the story it talks about how each many works as fast as he can because if not there are hundreds of men who are waiting in line to take his job. Then there is the reality that once the job is done, he will be back in line waiting for a job too.

Review: The authors stay true to the genre of informational fiction because they use illustrations that are accurate according to subject content. The illustrations depict the building of the Empire State Building and the process that was involved. The book ends with a page talking about the construction of the building and the process that was involved along with how tall it is and how it is an important National Historic Landmark.

Media: Oil Paint & Photographs (on endpapers) ( )

This book is a very entertaining and informative book about how the empire state building was built. Reading this book to any class is a good way of incorporating history or math. ( )

This picture book is about the building of the Great Depression. I was a little disappointed that the book was a very superficial telling of that story. Understandable, yes, it's a picture book for children, but I felt it could have gotten a bit deeper into the subject and still hold children's attention. The oil painted illustrations are fantastic though. ( )

Fascinating for all ages with great illustrations. Shows how heros can be everyday Joes. ( )