Kathryn Gibbs Davis

I've now read several children's books on the topic (who know it would seem to suddenly be a popular subject?). This is the first one that pointed out that mass-produced steel was a relatively new invention, and so this incredible wheel was possible as nothing remotely like it would have been before. That explains the architects' skepticism, and Ferris' declaration that he, as an engineer, knew what he was talking about.

Lots of details are, in fact, only in one book or another. This one, for example, said nothing about the sad destruction of this wheel after the fair. But it did reveal that Ferris was def. an engineer, not a wordsmith, as he tried to call it a Monster Wheel.

I recommend all the books to interested readers of all ages.… (more)

This books shows how the American inventor George Ferris worked to defy all the odds and harness his creative visison and mind for detail in order to invent the Ferris Wheel. This book is fun while being factfilled. Taking readers to the 1893 World's Fair where George Ferris and his Ferris Wheel lifted passengers and took them on a ride for the first time. I thought his book was extremely interesting and well written, shining a light onto the invention process of one of the most popular amusement park rides. As a teacher I would use this to incorporate into a STEM lesson where I would give students tools that the would need to investigate with and create a rotating wheel. This is a fun way to support STEM activities in the classroom.… (more)