One of my favorite episodes to write featured the story of Emily Roebling. I love the Brooklyn Bridge and the story behind it. In fact, I was reading The Great Bridge, by David McCullough as The Past and The Curious was solidifying as an idea in my head.
Not long after releasing our episode, I found out about Rachel Dougherty’s Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge. I was very excited to order a copy. I’ve used it in the classroom; it is richly detailed and goes pretty far in depth. Dougherty’s illustrations are one of my favorite parts – diagrams and details mingle with characters and action. It’s a great intro for an independent reader and also some younger kids to investigate with their parents.
I’m a firm believer that you’re never too old for picture books, and this one is a perfect example. I’m sure people looking for STEM content will love it. Honestly though, I like it because it’s a great biography of an incredible, unsung woman from an interesting time.
Highly recommended for TPATC listeners!
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