When Jackie Saved Grand Central

By Natasha Wing, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

A New Yorker fights to save Grand Central from a skyscraper threat.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.2/5 Goodreads · 347 ratings

48 pages· 1,286 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

Jackie Kennedy, a passionate New Yorker, faces a monumental challenge when plans emerge to build a skyscraper atop Grand Central Station. Rallying thousands, she leads a campaign from grassroots efforts to the Supreme Court, determined to preserve the city's architectural heritage. Can one woman's vision and determination protect a historic landmark against overwhelming odds? Discover the untold story of courage and community in the fight to save a beloved icon.

"If they are not inspired by the past of our city, where will they find the strength to fight for her future?"

— from the book

From the publisher

Before she was an iconic First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. She loved everything about her city, from the natural beauty of the parks to the architectural history of the buildings. So when the owners of Grand Central wanted to build a skyscraper on top of the famous train station, Jackie knew they had to be stopped. She helped inspire thousands of people to come together and fight to protect the historic landmark. From letter-writing campaigns all the way to the Supreme Court, this little-known story celebrates winning in the face of immeasurable odds and how one person can make a big difference.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 48
Words: 1,286
Reading age: 3–7
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~899L

Themes & topics

Books about historic buildings Books about female role models Books about architecture Books about 20th century Books about self-esteem and self-reliance

After the last page

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What historic buildings in your town are worth saving?

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.5

out of 7

“...it's an inspiring historical episode that also makes a strong case for the general value of preserving our country's architectural treasures.”

Kirkus

Critic · Starred review

“Wing does an admirable job of describing a complex situation, making it understandable for a young audience and conveying the amount of time and effort required of Kennedy and many others to achieve the ultimate victory.”

School Library Journal

Critic

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