A Grand Idea: How William J. Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal
Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
Written by award-winning author Megan Hoyt, this thoughtful STEM picture book biography about the brilliant architect of Grand Central Terminal is a celebration of resilience in the face of adversity, creative problem solving, and, of course, trains!
There was once a place in New York City that had a tennis club, movie theater, and art gallery--all in the same building! It also had a secret passageway, a huge library, and even a ski slope.
This astounding building is Grand Central Terminal, and it was the work of one brilliant man: William J. Wilgus. When William, an experienced engineer, wanted to create a new electric-powered train system, he knew he needed to house this special fleet somewhere exceptional. His grand idea of a solution? An underground multilevel train station that would become an iconic New York landmark, and one that is still an integral part of the city over a century later.
Acclaimed author Megan Hoyt pays homage to William J. Wilgus and his crowning achievement in this STEM-oriented picture book biography, with whimsical illustrations by Dave Szalay.
Megan Hoyt
Megan Hoyt first fell in love with reading on a cozy branch of the crab apple tree outside her Texas home. She devoured Beverly Cleary's books there, and Marguerite Henry's "horsey books" still remind her of the loud Texas cicadas at dusk. Bartali's Bicycle is Megan's debut picture book biography. Her first picture book was Hildegard's Gift, and her poem, "Thanksgiving by the Lake," appears in the anthology Thanku: Poems of Gratitude. When she is not writing, Megan tutors child actors on set for Disney, Warner Bros., Showtime, and Cinemax, among others. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where most days she is surrounded by three fluffy pups and piles upon piles of picture books. Visit Megan online at www.meganhoyt.net.
More by Megan Hoyt
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →