Mr. Ferris And His Wheel Read Free Books and Download eBooks
A Junior Library Guild SelectionOrbis Pictus Honor for Outstanding Nonfiction for ChildrenCapturing an engineer's creative vision and mind for detail, this fully illustrated picture book biography sheds light on how the American inventor George Ferris defied gravity and seemingly impossible odds to invent the world's most iconic amusement park attraction, the Ferris wheel. A fun, fact-filled text by Kathryn Gibbs Davis combines with Gilbert Ford's dazzling full-color illustrations to transport readers to the 1893 World's Fair, where George Ferris and his big, wonderful wheel lifted passengers to the skies for the first time.
Age Range: 6 - 10 years
Lexile Measure: 900 (What's this?)
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers (September 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0547959222
ISBN-13: 978-0547959221
Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 10.2 x 10.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #27,248 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #8 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Inventions & Inventors #10 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Science Studies > Physics #13 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > How Things Work
I love a good non fiction picture book, especially one about a lesser known person or event.Mr. Ferris and His Wheel is about George Ferris, and the Ferris wheel, invented by Ferris and named after him.This picture book combines story, non-fiction tidbits, ink and watercolor illustrations, and an occasional quote to tell the story of how George Ferris dreamed up the idea for the Ferris wheel which was first introduced at the Worlds Fair in Chicago in 1893.Kathryn Gibbs Davis goes through the steps that Ferris went to in order to make his dream become a reality. The designing of his invention and his need for donations to cover the cost are explained in a way young readers can understand, and his race to complete the Ferris Wheel by the World's Fair adds some suspense to this picture book.Many children have ridden a Ferris wheel, but even those who have not, can recognize the structure and appreciate the story of how this came to be an amusement park staple.I've purchased this for my own library already, and am definitely adding it to my next school library order. There are many students who will enjoy this story, and appreciate the fact that it is a non-fiction book about something they can relate to.
This would make for a great read aloud in 3rd, 4th or 5th grade with opportunities for rereading excerpts of text to think critically about the author’s central ideas and purposes. The main part of the text is written as a narrative with the purpose of “telling the story of” how George Ferris endeavors to bring to life “an idea [for a structure at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair] that would dazzle and move.” In addition, many of the two-page layouts have a non-narrative caption (in bold and a different font) that provides background information pertinent to that point in the narrative. For example, when George’s idea is rejected by the construction chief of the fair, the narrator lets the reader in on George’s expertise on how to use a new metal –steel–and how this would make the moving wheel “strong.” The non-narrative caption for that page serves to build knowledge on this concept – steel, its strengths and George’s area of engineering expertise -George was a steel expert, and his structure would be made of a steel alloy. Alloys combine a super-strong mix of a hard metal with two or more chemical elements. (no page #s)This structure – the use of narrative to “tell the story of” and non-narrative to explain is worthy of exploration by students.Actually, there’s a lot of potential for using this book in the classroom. If your 3rd or 5th grade class is studying motion and stability–Ferris’ engineering and what he must have considered in designing and building the wheel could be discussed. And with the Common Core ELA Standards, there are opportunities to engage students in conversations (even student-led), close reading and conversation, and writing in response to the text. I shared some suggestions for instruction in a blog entry at http://sundaycummins.wordpress.com/2014/10/14/new-book-for-reading-aloud-close-reading-mr-ferris-and-his-wheel/.
Kids will love this book! Kathryn Gibbs Davis makes the race to finish the world's first Ferris wheel in time for the Chicago World's Fair exciting as well as informative. Her readers will not only get an in-depth look at how a Ferris wheel works—they'll also get an inspirational story about its inventor, George Ferris, who persevered to realize his dream despite the odds. The illustrations are lovely as well. "Mr. Ferris and His Wheel" is the perfect gift for your youngsters to discover under the Christmas tree this year.
Wonderful combination of engineering and historical facts told in an easy-to-understand and interesting way for all readers. After reading this book to my students, they wanted to research Mr. Ferris and the times he lived in, as well as the process of invention. For educators, I recommend showing this beautifully illustrated book using the Kindle app on a Smart Board or computer projector. It looks great on the "big screen!"
I am the mother of a young girl and boy who are enthusiastic readers and love building and constructing things, so when we got Mr. Ferris and his Wheel and started reading it, the children were over the moon and want to read it over and over again They enjoy finding technical information in the sidebars and are fascinated as to how the Ferris Wheel works and keep asking us when they could ride on the Ferris Wheel. As parents we are inspired by the lessons of hard work, believing in your own vision and perseverance that Mr. Ferris and his Wheel so simply and eloquently conveys: “Dream Big, Work Hard and Keep Moving Forward!” Mr. Ferris and his Wheel is an educational, inspirational treasure and a very welcome addition to our reading library!
Who does not love a Ferris wheel? This beautifully illustrated picture book is part history and part biography. It relates a story of dogged determination by a mechanical engineer named George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. When a nationwide contest was held to create a feature centerpiece for the 1893 Chicago's World Fair, Ferris became determined to best the Eiffel Tower that France had built in 1889. George was a steel expert; he knew he could succeed in his plan to build a huge revolving wheel based on his childhood memories of a water wheel. Together with his partner, William Gronau, he finally convinced the judges to let him try. They refused to finance him so he raised his own money. With only a few months left, Ferris dug through frozen ground and layers of quicksand. A giant steel axle in cement would hold the wheel in place. Thousands of parts had to be transported to the site. By opening day in June the huge wheel with spokes like a bicycle measured 834 feet in circumference and rose 265 feet above the surface. Powered by underground steam engines and lit by the newly invented electric lights, the ride mystified and amazed fairgoers.Elementary and middle school readers will not only delight in the beautiful illustrations, but they hopefully will be inspired to persevere in their quest to achieve their own dreams. Recommended especially for children who like inventions, history and reading about interesting people. This hardcover book should be in every library and classroom. Adults reading to their children will learn along with them. Fantastic book!
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