Taj Mahal

Gr 4–8—Clearly written narratives and informative graphics tell the stories of the conception, construction, and symbolic importance of some of the world's most magnificent structures. The entries are brief but have enough text to explain societal background and the specific situations that were the impetus for building each edifice. They also profile the structures' designers and builders, shed light on the complex challenges of their design and construction, and include a variety of facts that will hold reader attention or serve as examples of physical or engineering feats (e.g., the Statue of Liberty's copper "skin" is about as thick as two stacked pennies.) Most important, authors analyze why each is an enduring symbol of its country's culture and heritage. Readers will marvel at these "dreams" that became reality.