Book Review and GIVEAWAY
The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei
Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by Khoa Le
Published by Atheneum
Mom's Review
I never understood the glass pyramid in front of the Louvre. It never made any sense to me and I didn't like it. Now I understand and appreciate it. It's still not to my taste, but I appreciate the purpose and meaning; Pei's choice of a glass pyramid for the new entrance as part of the Louvre's redesign makes sense. And we all know, there's no accounting for taste.
The Glass Pyramid is the story of why and how the glass pyramid came to be in front of the Louvre. Readers learn about the need for a renovation at the famous museum and about Pei's design of the new entrance. Transported to Pei's side, the audience learns how he was hired by the French president, where he found his inspiration, and what resistance he faced. Walker Harvey's flowing text makes for a smooth read aloud (or for enjoyable SSR if the child so chooses), presenting the ideal level of detail for a young audience without underestimating their curiosity or understanding. (Back matter offers further information about Pei and the Louvre.) For example, I like how Walker Harvey notes that Pei hoped his Chinese-American background would appeal to the French who valued tradition and needed an innovative renovation for the Louvre's entrance, characteristics he believed aligned with the respective cultures from which he hailed. It is not only the content and the text that capture the imagination, but Le's artwork as well. She beautifully depicts Pei's inspiration such that the reader feels she has a window to Pei's soul.
The Glass Pyramid far exceeded my expectations. I anticipated an informational report for kids telling them about the history of the pyramid. What I got was an engaging work of art that left me informed and appreciative of the iconic structure in Paris. I highly recommend The Glass Pyramid for any elementary kids.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win: Three winners will receive signed copies of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei, plus a Louvre tote bag. One grand prize winner will receive a tote bag and a class set of 30 books.
Enter below!
The Glass Pyramid: Book Giveaway
Note: This post is sponsored by Jeanne Walker Harvey. All thoughts are our own.
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