This is a well developed book. But its primary appeal will be to New Yorkers who want to understand how the Empire State Building was constructed. It may also fit into a historical unit about the time period. The illustrations are fine. Even up to fifth graders may find this book good because of its informative pictures and text. I just wish there were more books about people who live outside New York City.
Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Inspiring tale of landmark's construction.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 5 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building was written by Matt Berman
Parents need to know that there's not much to be concerned about here, but some things may need explanation and context. This takes place during the Great Depression, and your kids may want to know why children are scavenging for firewood in the streets of New York.
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about skyscrapers. Why do people want to build something so big and difficult to construct? Why do they inspire us? Why would people want such a dangerous job?
More on Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building
Book Summary
Over the next year he watches and describes the process of building the giant skyscraper. In May he is one of the first people to ride the elevator up to the Observation Deck. Includes sources, an author's note about the project, and archival photographs on the endpapers.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fascinating, nonfiction book about the building of the Empire State Building, framed by a fictional story about a boy watching the process. His part, giving a few details of the Depression and including an out-of-work father, is told in an odd, second-person style that's distracting, but the framing device provides context and draws younger readers in.
Author Deborah Hopkinson tells the nonfiction part in clear prose that doesn't get in the way of the dramatic story, and gives plenty of facts without being overwhelming. But it's James Ransome's glowing oil paintings that make this slim volume soar. Pictures, large and small, from a variety of perspectives, culminate in a gorgeous two-page spread of the finished building at sunrise that gives a sense of the awe and majesty of the building, and the pride New Yorkers felt at their achievement in the depths of the Depression.
Publisher’s Details
Number of pages: 44, Price: $16.95 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 5, Read Alone: 7
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Great illustrations
Fine for New Yorkers


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