Construction People. Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Ellen Shi. Wordsong, Penguin Random House. 2020. $23.99 ages 8 and up

"We lay pipes
Straight and round.
Inside. Outside.
Up and down.

From the basement
To the top.
We plumb, plumb, plumb.
We never stop.

               - Charles Gigna"

It is apparent that teachers and their students will not be spending futher time in the classroom this year. It is an unprecedented situation for each and every person around the world. Perhaps some of the books that I will continue sharing with you daily will find a place in your home, your library or your classroom when life returns to our new normal. Be safe, stay in, and stay healthy.

Shown above are the opening two verses of Charles Gigna's excellent description of the many tasks plumbers perform while being a part of a huge construction project. As with each of the workers included in this fine book, new buildings would not be possible without their professional expertise and necessary hard work.

Each of the fourteen poems written describe the work that so carefully takes place, from first day to last, when building a skyscraper. Rebecca Kai Dotlich starts the reading with a pertinent question:
"What Will I Become?"

"A skeleton of rods and steel,
built by muscle and brain -
through rain, wind, and snow

          I will rise."

Each new poem, written in various forms and by notable poets, is shown on a double-page spread and grants readers a detailed look at the work it takes to bring this new building to completion. From the architect's vision and planning, to the many skilled laborers whose work goes into the construction, readers are able to follow along and watch it rise. Everyone has an important role to play.

The writing is filled with rhyme, rhythm, and appealing and descriptive language. The illustrations spread across each new turn of the page provide detailed context for the jobs required. The last image shows the architect and her daughter admiring the building that began at her desk many months ago. What a sense of accomplishment!

The final poem by Ms. Dotlich is inspired, and voiced by the building itself - now that it knows the answer to the question it first asked.

"Majestic with steel spine;

once known

                 as blueprint

now part of a
                    breathtaking
                    spectacular

                    skyline."