Why Humans Build Up

  • Illustrated By: Kathleen Fu
  • Pages:96
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Series: Orca Timeline
  • Themes:architecture, sustainable design, green technology, history of buildings, construction
  •  
  • Available:09/13/2022
  • Lexile:1150L
  • Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient:X
Hardcover
9781459821880
$29.95
Ebook
9781459827189 LICENSE OPTIONS
$23.99

“This great STEAM offering has multiple applications and will be useful for report writers and aspiring architects alike.”—Booklist, starred review

“Finely detailed inside and outside...Broad in scope, perceptively organized, and enriched with fascinating entries.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Why did they build it so high?

People have been constructing tall buildings for thousands of years, for many different reasons. Castle walls kept people safe. Utility towers transmit TV and cell-phone signals. Observatories give people a bird’s-eye view of the world. Beautiful buildings stand out in the crowd. Skyscrapers provide housing for a lot of people. There are some good reasons for building up, and a few bad ones as well.

With a growing global population, we will need more and more space to live, learn and work in. But what does that mean for the health of the planet? Can we do it sustainably? Tall buildings may be part of the answer. From the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the Burj Khalifa and the Shanghai Tower, Why Humans Build Up asks why and how we build higher and higher, and what that means for the planet.

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

★ “Finely detailed inside and outside...Broad in scope, perceptively organized, and enriched with fascinating entries.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“One of the best of the genre of non-fiction books written to engage and educate readers of all ages...Fu’s colourful drawings add just the right touch of humour to prevent the text from becoming overwhelming…The right book at the right time for critical thinkers of all ages. Highly Recommended.”
– CM: Canadian Review of Materials
★“This great STEAM offering has multiple applications and will be useful for report writers and aspiring architects alike.”
– Booklist, starred review
“Recommended as an asset for both school and public libraries. Students who are ­fascinated by history and architecture will especially enjoy this book.”
– School Library Journal
“Full of fun and interesting facts. It will hook readers, especially aspiring engineers.”
– Time for Kids
“Readers can capture the excitement and awe of humanity’s engineering prowess…Be inspired to see what the future holds in ‘building up’.”
– Children's Literature
“Thoughtful and appealing…A worthwhile and welcome addition to all library and individual connections.”
– Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Canadian Children’s Book News

“An inquisitive look into the history of building structures toward the sky in cities all around the world. Gregor Craigie sparks intrigue by providing clear, concise facts about famous tall structures that will leave students wondering and wanting to know more.”

– BC Books for Schools
Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award   | 2024  |  Short-listed
Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards   | 2024  |  Nominated
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection   | 2023  |  Commended
Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction   | 2023  |  Short-listed
Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Award   | 2024  |  Nominated
BC Books for Schools   | 2022  |  Commended

Download the Why Humans Build Up Coloring Page.

Customizable Text and Layout

Text and layout can be adjusted for text size and colour, background colour, and layout to support individual reading preferences.

Described Images

Non-text content includes descriptive text, such as alt-text and long descriptions.

Table of Contents and Structured Navigation

Page elements are labelled and structured in a meaningful sequence.

Screen Reader and Text-to-Speech (TTS) friendly

Structured for screen readers and text-to-speech tools, including assistive technologies and browser plugins.

Bookmarks and Highlights

Add bookmarks and save highlighted passages.

ARIA Roles

ARIA roles clarify semantic elements of this ebook, making it easier for screen readers and assistive technologies to understand the contents of the book.