Theule, Larissa. Concrete: From the Ground Up. Steve Light, Illus. Candlewick, 09/2022. [48]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 1 – 5. $18.99. 978-1-5362-1250-1. OUTSTANDING.
In this celebration of the building material concrete, readers will discover what it is, how it is made, and how it revolutionized building throughout history. The narrative is lively, describing notable construction projects including many in Ancient Rome, such as aquaducts and the Colosseum; Machu Pichu in Peru; and Germany’s Berlin Wall. The format is quite inviting, with a paragraph of text per page, set onto softly colored, cartoon-like, watercolor-and-ink illustrations, with dialogue balloons adding more information. The book ends with a bibliography of items used in the research, most for adults. A fine example of narrative nonfiction for young readers.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool