Fallingwater: The Building of Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterpiece - by Marc Harshman & Anna Egan Smucker (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book guides readers through the process American architect Frank Lloyd Wright used in designing Fallingwater, a now-famous house in Bear Run, Pennsylvania, perched atop a waterfall. Full color.

Book Synopsis

In Bear Run, Pennsylvania, a home unlike any other perches atop a waterfall. The water's tune plays differently in each of its sunlight-dappled rooms; the structure itself blends effortlessly into the rock and forest behind it. This is Fallingwater, a masterpiece equally informed by meticulous research and unbounded imagination, designed by the lauded American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

This book guides young readers through Wright's process designing Fallingwater, from his initial inspirations to the home's breathtaking culmination. It is a exploration of a man, of dreams, and of the creative process; a celebration of potential. Graceful prose and rich, dynamic illustrations breathe life into the story of Frank and Fallingwater, a man and home utterly unlike any other.

A Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books 2017 Blue Ribbon Book
A National Council for the Social Studies Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

Review Quotes

"Beautifully rendered . . . Seamlessly blends together a good story, lyrical language, and deft, supporting artwork. This affectionate tribute should appeal to a very wide audience." --Booklist, starred review

"A warm tribute to the creative genius and style of architect Frank Lloyd Wright." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Lyrical . . . Filled with brightness and clarity . . . The interplay of creativity and execution are lovingly developed here." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Frank Lloyd Wright's genius is revealed for sophisticated picture book readers." --School Library Journal

"Young builders/dreamers will be inspired by this romantic picture-book account of the conception, design, and construction of the Frank Lloyd Wright house Fallingwater." --Horn Book

About the Author

Marc Harshman's collection of poems, Believe What You Can (West Virginia University Press), and his thirteenth children's book, One Big Family (Eerdmans), were both published in 2017. His monthly show for West Virginia Public Radio, "The Poetry Break," began airing in 2016. He was also an invited reader at the 2016 Greenwich Book Festival in London and is the seventh poet laureate of West Virginia.

Anna Egan Smucker is the author of several children's books, including No Star Nights, winner of the International Reading Association Children's Book Award. In addition to writing, reading, and doing author presentations, she loves to hike in the beautiful mountains of her home state of West Virginia.

LeUyen Pham worked in animation before turning to children's books. She has previously written and illustrated The Bear Who Wasn't There and is the illustrator of numerous other picture books including The Boy Who Loved Math by Deborah Heiligman. She lives and works in San Francisco, California, with her husband and her two adorable sons, Leo and Adrian.