How Was That Built?: The Stories Behind Awesome Structures

by Roma Agrawal, Katie Hickey (Illustrator)

Overview

This striking book explains the feats of engineering behind the world's most impressive architectural marvels.

From skyscrapers that reach astonishing heights to bridges that span deep and wide rivers, the world is filled with awe-inspiring structures. But how do they work?

Meet the extraordinary people who challenged our beliefs about what's possible, pioneering remarkable inventions that helped build the Brooklyn Bridge in the US, the Pantheon in Italy, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Shard in England and the Sapporo Dome in Japan. Discover the ingenious methods engineers have come up with to enable us to build underground, underwater, on ice, and even in space.

With text written by award-winning structural engineer Roma Agrawal and detailed full-color illustrations by Katie Hickey, this book provides unique and illuminating perspectives of the world's most incredible constructions. How Was That Built? is a perfect gift for curious kids who want to learn more about construction, architecture, science, technology, and the way things work.

This children's picture book also serves as a fascinating companion to the author's adult nonfiction book Built: The Hidden Stories Behind our Structures, winner of the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781547609291
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	08/16/2022
Pages:	80
Sales rank:	296,659
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 12.00(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Roma Agrawal is a structural engineer who builds big. From footbridges and sculptures, to train stations and skyscrapers, she has left an indelible mark on London's landscape. She is a tireless promoter of engineering and technical careers to young people, particularly under-represented groups such as women. She has advised policymakers and governments on science education and has given talks to thousands around the world at universities, schools and organizations, including two for TEDx. Roma has been awarded international awards for her technical prowess and success in promoting the profession, including the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering's Rooke Award. She was awarded an MBE for services to Engineering in 2018. Her best-selling adult title, Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures, was described by The Sunday Times as 'A fascinating celebration of the impact that structural engineering has on all our lives…[an] eye-opening book.'

Website: romatheengineer.com | Twitter: @RomaTheEngineer

Katie Hickey studied at Falmouth University and since graduation has created artwork for magazines, greetings cards and books. Katie has illustrated several books for children and enjoys combining narrative and information in her work. Having grown up in Cornwall, and also in the Middle East, she takes inspiration from her travels and surroundings to create characterful and atmospheric images. Katie lives with her family and dogs in the countryside just outside London.

Instagram: @katiehickeyillustration | Twitter: @katiehickey195

Editorial Reviews

10/24/2022

“Once you read this book, you’ll see the world through different eyes—the eyes of an engineer,” promises this in-depth introduction to structural engineering. Chapters each examine a construction challenge, such as “how to build tall,” “strong,” or “underground.” Anchoring the discussion are detailed case studies of emblematic engineering marvels such as the Brooklyn Bridge, London’s sewers, and Antarctica’s Halley VI research station. Throughout, overviews summarize topics such as “advances in concrete” and “ancient water engineering.” Agrawal packs a lot in, making the read feel dense, but creative comparisons and DIY experiments help clarify engineering principles. Hickey’s pencil-textured illustrations animate edifices and scenes of construction, emphasizing ingenuity. A glossary and an engineers’ gallery enhance the book’s appeal as a reference for budding builders. Ages 6–9. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly

"A useful, intriguing, and unusually beautiful addition to the engineering shelves." - Booklist, starred review

"The book is perfect for Lego-obsessed fort builders in your life who spent their toddler years hovering near construction sites. Agrawal would also encourage you to give it to a child who hasn’t yet shown much interest in math and science, . . . who may not consider engineering for a career." - Smithsonian Magazine's THE TEN BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF 2022

"Perfect for browsing by young readers with an interest in engineering or architecture." - WSJ

“A particularly engaging survey, both for its variety and its unusually expert perspectives.” —Kirkus Reviews

"This is one of the best children’s books published this year, and you don’t have to be a child or a structural engineer—or a structural engineer wannabe — to enjoy it." - Forbes

From the Publisher

2022-07-13
A trained structural engineer offers an insider’s view on how renowned skyscrapers and other large constructions on seven continents were designed and built.

In the wake of 2018’s Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures, Agrawal, whose background includes work on London’s Shard, presents younger audiences with specific and clearly explained issues and techniques associated with more than a dozen projects—from preserving Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built over a former lake and is sinking both unevenly and at the rate of 2-to-3 inches a year, to the challenges of creating a sewer system for London, a movable natural grass soccer pitch for the Sapporo Dome, and foundations in deep salt water for Mumbai’s Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge. The author also offers a look at Antarctica’s Halley VI research station, which is jointed and built on skis, and explains how New Zealand’s Te Matau ­­ā Pohe bridge was inspired by Maori legends. Along with galleries of modern skyscrapers and types of bridges, Agrawal pays tribute to traditional materials like bricks and reinforced concrete as well as more modern ones such as aluminum foam and carbon nanotubes, adds side features on elevators and cranes, and, with a particular focus on women and people of color, directs appreciative nods to select colleagues of past and present. Hickey mixes informally drawn portraits and occasional fanciful images with aerial and underwater views, simplified but revealing cutaway diagrams, and small illustrations for the occasional hands-on demonstrations the author suggests.

A particularly engaging survey, both for its variety and its unusually expert perspectives. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews