Reviewer: A reader (South of LAX)
As a volunteer reader at a children's shelter, I purchased this book for many reasons. First, the illustrations. The very talented Mr. Santoro knows his audience. The children wanted to look long and hard at the pictures. Each turn of the page was met with "oohs", "aahs" and "coooools" from my young audience. Second was the storyline of the skyscraper watching the changes of the surrounding terrority and what those changes meant to the skyscraper. The third reason (and deciding factor) was the storyline of the little boy who was inspired by the skyscraper and followed his dream.
After reading this story to the children, I ask the questions, "What changes in your environment have changed you?" and (my favorite) "What in your life inspires you the way the skyscraper inspired the little boy?" The answers make for a lengthy and inspired session. I wish I could describe the looks on the kids' faces as they think about the questions.
However, here's a story of why I felt I must write a review of this book: One day, after reading this book to the children, I packed my bookbag and headed for the door. Before I reached the exit, a child who rarely reacts to any book (or anything for that matter), stopped me and said "You know, I actually liked that book. It was good." He turned around and walked away, following the other children into the area that is 'for residents only.' I stopped in my tracks and thought, "Now THAT is a great review of a good book." You had to be there.