I Am I.M. Pei
by Brad Meltzer
Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
(with a pop-up page inside)
Ordinary People Change the World Series
Dial Books for Young Readers
Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC
2022
Available June 7, 2022
I Am I.M. Pei is a not-to-be-missed non-fiction outstanding book about world famous architect I.M. Pei from his birth in China, his building designs around the world and his masterpiece, the Louvre in Paris, France.
Pei was born in China in the Year of the Fire Snake. His name translates to "To Inscribe Brightly," but I.M. always went by his initials. While his father wanted him to go into banking, his mother taught him to sit quietly and meditate--to listen to the silence. Pei loved going to the Lion Grove Garden where paths went in every direction and new discoveries were always found. Pei loved buildings and modern things. He decided to become an architect at age ten!
Pei attended MIT and studied with excellent professors. In his first job, designing a science lab in Colorado, he won Laboratory of the Year. He designed the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and the East Gallery of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. His most famous design is an update of Louvre in Paris, France. I.A. Pei built a pyramid where now everyone can see the entrance easily. The Louvre is the largest museum in the world and the most famous and visited landmark in Paris.
Pei believes everyone should keep looking at things from all angles, or perspectives. Keeping your eyes and ears open and keep learning and trying new things. He believes we are all, "...the architects of your own lives."
What a great addition to non-fiction picture books. This little darling of a read will likely earn awards and massive kudos. The story of Pei resonates with all creatives and everyone who loves a great life story.
The pop-up page of the Louvre is fantastic! This alone sets I Am I.M. Pei above all this year's releases thus far. Illustrations by Christopher Eliopoulos are imaginative and the graphic nature of the book is easy for even reluctant readers.
Highly, highly recommended and a must-have for every child's book shelf. A great gift for any young reader. Ages 5-9.
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