Bartunek, Jiri. How the New Seven Wonders of the World Were Built. Jan Sramek, Illus. Addl. Creators Tom Velcovsky. Translated from the Czech by Sean Mark Miller. Albatros, 07/2023. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.95. 978-80-00-06843-5. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In 2007, the New7Wonders Foundation released the list of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World: The Great Wall of China, Petra, The Colosseum, Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, The Taj Mahal, and Christ the Redeemer. This engaging and well-designed book offers three pages on each, explaining how they were built. The book begins with a world map showing the location of each and follows with the details on the history and construction of the wonders, arranged by the year they were created. There are smaller maps and diagrams included in each entry along with brief sidebars on specific topics. The full-color, graphic style illustrations appear to be digitally created, showing the buildings and the people who were involved. It may have been more helpful to include photos as well since all seven are still standing. A useful, interesting book for both research and browsing.
Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool