About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts asking big questions about how whole cities are planned or when they show a budding interest in the intersection of art, history, and engineering. It is an ideal choice for the young builder who has outgrown simple picture books and is ready for a sophisticated look at the visionaries behind the United States capital. Capital explores the architectural evolution of Washington, D.C., focusing on the creative pride and meticulous planning required to turn a swampy riverbank into a world class city. While it serves as a nonfiction deep dive into history and construction, the narrative emphasizes the human imagination and perseverance behind the monuments. At 48 pages, it is perfectly pitched for middle-grade readers, offering high-level vocabulary and stunning visuals that make the grand scale of urban design feel accessible and inspiring.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and direct. While it focuses on the engineering and design aspects, a modern reading requires acknowledging the labor involved. The text primarily focuses on the architects and planners, which may necessitate an external conversation about the enslaved labor used in the actual construction of these monuments.
