31
Dec
One Times Square
One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World
Written and Illustrated by Joe McKendry
Find it at: Your Library | Amazon | Indiebound
Published: David R Godine; First edition (May 28, 2012)
Recommended reading age: 8 & up
In a nutshell: In a matter of hours, the nation will tune in to watch one of the most time-honored New Year’s Eve traditions, the lighted ball drop from One Times Square, New York, New York, also known as “The Crossroads of the World”. What was once farm country, to the bustling metropolis it is today, Joe McKendry takes his reader through the years of the most famous intersection of the world.
The first element that drew me to this book was the stunning, colorful timeline illustrations. I couldn’t help but flip through and admire them before delving into the text. Upon going back to the beginning, but after long pauses admiring Joe McKendry’s artistry, I was happy to find his writing pitch perfect and as detailed and enjoyable as his pictures.
“Through all of the changes, One Times Square — The only surviving building from Times Square’s beginning in 1904 — has stood faithful as the keeper of time, marking each passing year with the annual New Year’s ball drop. Like the rest of the square its appearance has evolved, but the slender tower on 42nd Street continues to keep watch over a place that has undergone changes as drastic as any place on earth.”
One element I thoroughly enjoyed were the diagrams of One Times Square throughout the years. A left-hand key pinpoints a few elements for the reader to take note about the picture; we see the leaps of change between 1904, 1926, 1945, 1964, 1982, 2000 of the iconic building.
The year 1904…
… to year 2000.
When I lived in New York City, Times Square was always an area I happily avoided. I frequented it quite a bit for work, to connect, and that was it. After reading this book, I wish I would have explored the area a bit more. Throughout it’s roller coaster reputation, One Times Square has always remained a source of entertainment and movement, a magnet of media and people. Amidst all it’s change, tonight that 1,070-pound ball of aluminum and lights will fall 77 feet, like it’s predecessors of years long gone, as millions watch, holding onto one historic ritual that continues to remain, our grandfather of time.
Perfect for: American history fanatics, lovers of New York City, the budding architect, and anyone interested in learning about one of the most unique and traveled places in the world.
Don’t take my word for it: NY Times Best Illustrated Book 2012, Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Nonfiction Book of 2012
