Secret Engineer

Written & illustrated by Rachel Dougherty

A woman defies norms to complete the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband falls ill.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 355 ratings

40 pages· 1,180 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

In 1883, Emily Roebling defies societal norms, taking on the monumental task of completing the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband falls ill. As she navigates the male-dominated world of engineering, Emily's determination and intellect become crucial in overcoming challenges. Will her efforts be enough to see the iconic structure to completion, and can she prove that a woman can master the sciences? Discover the untold story of the secret engineer behind one of the world's most famous landmarks.

From the publisher

On a warm spring day in 1883, a woman rode across the Brooklyn Bridge with a rooster on her lap. It was the first trip across an engineering marvel that had taken nearly fourteen years to construct. The woman’s husband was the chief engineer, and he knew all about the dangerous new technique involved. The woman insisted she learn as well. When he fell ill mid-construction, her knowledge came in handy. She supervised every aspect of the project while he was bedridden, and she continued to learn about things only men were supposed to know: math, science, engineering. Women weren’t supposed to be engineers. But this woman insisted she could do it all, and her hard work helped to create one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This is the story of Emily Roebling, the secret engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge, from author-illustrator Rachel Dougherty.

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