About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts to notice that they think differently from their peers or when they are hesitant to stand out from the crowd. While it is ostensibly a history of the Golden Gate Bridge, it is truly a masterclass in the importance of individual conviction and the beauty of being bold. Dave Eggers uses the true story of why the bridge is 'International Orange' instead of standard gray to show that the most beautiful things in the world often come from someone refusing to settle for the status quo. This is an ideal choice for the elementary years (ages 6 to 10) because it balances sophisticated historical facts with a playful, conversational tone. It encourages children to ask 'why' and teaches them that even large institutions and committees can be swayed by a single creative vision. Parents will appreciate how it frames engineering and civic history as a human story about aesthetics, identity, and the courage to be vibrant.
