Tag Archives: Construction Workers

Elem. – To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Cities

Posted on by

Buckley, Patricia Morris. To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Cities. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Heartdrum, 2025. 978-0-063-04697-9. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades 1-5.

Published by Heartdrum, HarperCollins’ Native-focused imprint, this nonfiction picture book describes the history of “skywalkers,” Iroquois steelworkers named for their skill and courage balancing high above the ground. Beginning with the longest cantilever bridge in eastern Canada and ending with the Twin Towers in New York City, this book traces the indispensable role of Native Americans in the creation of our cities’ architectural wonders. The author’s personal connection to the story helps celebrate Iroquois steelworkers’ fortitude and traditions despite the tragedy of a bridge collapse. E.B. White’s beautiful watercolor illustrations show impressive views and unique perspectives. Extensive backmatter included.

THOUGHTS: This title is an excellent addition to any nonfiction collection and an important recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ skilled, yet often unacknowledged, contributions to U.S. infrastructure.

624 Civil Engineering

Elem. – Someone Builds the Dream

Posted on by

Wheeler, Lisa. Illustrated by Loren Long. Someone Builds the Dream. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2021. Unpaged. 978-1-984-81433-3. $18.99. Grades K-3.  

Have you ever wondered how buildings, bridges, and towers come to be? Of course there is the designer or architect who engineers, plans, and directs, and of course there are the workers who ‘build the dream.’ Different abilities blend together to result in the desired end: the building, the bridge, the wind farm, the amusement park, and even the book. Long weaves beautiful creations and diverse people into the examples of dreams growing and dreams coming true. This works well to celebrate diversity, Labor Day, all types of workers, and community. The text rhymes just enough to guide the cadence, but does not seem overdone or silly.  The art and text work well together to honor the work of those who create at any stage. Repeat readers will enjoy details such as the ironworker on an early page, reading the book to a child on a later page.

THOUGHTS: Long acknowledges using 1930s WPA murals as inspiration for the tone and spirit of the work, and the reader can feel the pride of many jobs well-done. This could be helpful in introducing young people to a variety of careers.  Highly recommended.

Picture Book          Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD