A Grand Idea

By Megan Hoyt, David Szalay (Illustrator)

Discover the visionary behind New York's iconic underground train station and his groundbreaking journey.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 123 ratings

48 pages

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Meet William J. Wilgus, the mastermind engineer who transformed New York City with his daring vision of an underground train station. As he tackles the challenge of housing a new electric train fleet, Wilgus's innovative spirit leads to the creation of Grand Central Terminal, a landmark of resilience and creativity. Explore the hidden wonders of this architectural marvel and uncover the secrets that lie within its walls. How did one man's dream shape a city's future? Dive into this captivating tale of ingenuity and perseverance.

From the publisher

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.

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