Dream Builder

By Kelly Lyons, Laura Freeman Hines (Illustrator)

Discover the architect whose vision shaped a museum celebrating African American history and culture.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.3/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

40 pages· 1,348 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

$20.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Philip Freelon, inspired by his family's legacy and a passion for cultural heritage, chose a path in architecture that defied convention. Rejecting casinos and prisons, he focused on creating spaces that connect and inspire. In 2009, his team won the commission for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, a project that allowed him to weave his personal history into a national narrative. 'Dream Builder' reveals how Freelon's quiet dedication and innovative spirit crafted an iconic symbol of America's past and future, inspiring the next generation of dreamers and builders.

From the publisher

You’ve seen the building. Now meet the man whose life went into it.Philip Freelon’s grandfather was an acclaimed painter of the Harlem Renaissance. His father was a successful businessman who attended the 1963 March on Washington. When Phil decided to attend architecture school, he created his own focus on African American and Islamic designers. He later chose not to build casinos or prisons, instead concentrating on schools, libraries, and museums–buildings that connect people with heritage and fill hearts with joy. And in 2009, Phil’s team won a commission that let him use his personal history in service to the country’s: the extraordinary Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon celebrates a contemporary black STEAM role model, a man whose quiet work enabled the creation of an iconic building reflecting America’s past and future. With a stirring text by Kelly Starling Lyons, vibrant pictures by Laura Freeman, and an afterword from Philip Freelon himself, it is sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers and builders.

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