What on Earth? Around the World in 1075 Pages

Lafayette Readers are page-turning world travellers this winter, exploring globe-trotting nonfiction titles from the wildly popular Who Was?/What Was? series.

Reading Road Trip Bulletin Board.

Where Is the Great Wall? by Patricia Demuth (931 DEM). More than two thousand years ago, the First Emperor of China came up with an interesting solution to keep out enemy invaders: build a great wall along its border. The story of this colossal construction project reveals the story of China-- its dynasties, its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist power.

Where Is the Parthenon? by Roberta Edwards (726 EDW). The Parthenon was completed in 438 BC to honor the Greek goddess Athena. Through the centuries, it served as a church, a mosque, and a munitions storehouse. In time, war and the elements destroyed much of the temple's sculpture and architecture, and the site fell into ruin. Today, visitors continue to flock to this landmark symbol of history, democracy, and ancient civilization.

The Parthenon Project by Despina V.

The Parthenon, from Alex C. and Family.

Where Is the Parthenon? Video Project by Matthew and Kaitlyn.

Detail and Columns on the Parthenon, from Alex C. and Family.

Where Is the Amazon? by Sarah Fabiny and Daniel Colon (981 FAB). Humans have inhabited the banks of the Amazon River since 13,000 BC, sharing one of our planet's largest and most complex geographic wonders with an estimated 390 billion trees, millions of insect varieties, and hundreds of species of plants and animals that can cure disease-- or kill with a single touch. 

Where Are the Great Pyramids? by Dorothy Hoobler (932 HOO). The Great Pyramids were commissioned by powerful pharaohs and constructed thousands of years ago; yet even today, no one knows exactly how ancient Egyptians accomplished the feat! Exploration of the pyramids at Giza offer insight into a long-ago culture of the afterlife and the process of mummy-making-- mysteries that have fascinated readers for centuries.

Where Is Mt. Rushmore? by True Kelley (978.3 KEL). World-famous sculptor Gutzon Borglum had a magnificent, wacky dream: to carve sixty-foot-high likenesses of four presidents on a granite cliff in South Dakota's Black Hills. As blasting and carving continued during the Great Depression, the sculptor faced challenges at every turn. Today, Mount Rushmore attracts millions of visitors annually, continuing to spark interest and controversy.

Where is Mt. Rushmore? Video Project featuring 

Oliver, Jay, Patrick, Chris, and Jack.

Where Is Stonehenge? by True Kelley (936.2 KEL). What is the meaning of the strange circles of stones jutting from the Salisbury Plain in Southern England? Was Stonehenge a religious site honoring ancient dead? A sacred place of healing? An astrological calendar on the landscape? This book explores many past and present theories of Stonehenge's purpose, as well as the long-ago people who built this amazing monument.

Where Is Alcatraz? by Nico Medina (365.97 MED). Alcatraz Island has fascinating history to share: home to evil spirits in Native American lore, strategic discovery for Spanish explorers, and looming fort in nineteenth-century America. In the mid-twentieth century, Alcatraz was the site of a federal prison, housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, and the scene of countless daring escape attempts.

Where Is the Great Barrier Reef? by Nico Medina (551.42 MED). Located off the coast of Australia and stretching for more than 1400 miles, the Great Barrier Reef is our planet's largest coral reef system. Designated a World Heritage Site, the reef functions as home and habitat to a wide variety of underwater life. The system is struggling with the effects of climate change but remains one of Earth's most spectacular natural wonders.

The Great Barrier Reef  Diorama by Ishir R.

Where Is Mt. Everest? by Nico Medina (954.96 MED). Located in the Himalayan Range deep in the heart of Asia, Mount Everest is the world's highest mountain, topping out at 29,029 feet. This narrative explores the mountain's geologic beginnings, first human settlers, historic expeditions, thrilling climbs, and the modern commercialization of mountaineering on the Roof of the World.

Where Is Mount Everest? Book Buzz by Scarlett and Katherine.

Where Is the Grand Canyon? by Jim O’Connor (979.1 OCO). Welcome to the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona: a land of strikingly colored rock layers and spectacularly carved formations... visual beauty and geologic history that have made it one of America's most beloved national parks and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This book discusses formation of the canyon, early settlement by native people, end-to-end exploration in the nineteenth century, wildlife in the canyon, and its current role as a destination for five million visitors a year.

Where Is the Grand Canyon? Video Project by Eva, Annie, and Maddie.

Where Is the Brooklyn Bridge? by Megan Stine (624.5 STI). Despite an innovative design plan from a father-son engineering team, building the Brooklyn Bridge was no simple feat. Construction took fourteen years, a grueling and hazardous process for laborers. Completed in 1883, the bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, spanning the East River and connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. It remains an admired and beloved landmark today.

Where in the world will reading take us next? 

Keep turning the pages to find out!