Happy Ferris Wheel Day!

Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-2845-6
Grades 5–6

Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-3964-3
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4644-0132-9
Grades 1–2

Chicago was chosen to have the 1893 World's Fair. The fair's planners wanted to impress the crowds that were sure to attend. Just four years earlier, the 984-foot Eiffel Tower had been built for the Paris World's Fair. The tower was like an iron bridge to the sky. American civil engineers competed in a nationwide contest for an idea to outdo the French Eiffel Tower.

The boldest ideas were for taller towers. Then one engineer had a different idea. George Ferris drew plans for a 250-foot wheel that could carry over two thousand people high into the sky.Some people think George Ferris got his idea for the Ferris Wheel by watching a water wheel, like this one, near his home.

Mr. Ferris gave the World's Fair directors his drawings for his giant wheel. But the directors decided against a wheel for the fair. They were sure it could not survive Lake Michigan's strong winds.

In November 1892, the World's Fair directors still had nothing to beat the Eiffel Tower. They finally agreed to let George build his wheel but with his own money. George found some wealthy investors who said the 250-foot wheel should be called the Ferris Wheel.

When the fair finally opened on May 1, 1893, George's wheel was not finished. But on June 10, the crew began hanging the thirty-six carriages. Finally, at three o'clock on June 21, 1893, George's Ferris wheel opened for business. A ride on the Ferris Wheel cost fifty cents, which was also how much it cost to get into the fair.

Because George dared to dream big and follow his dream, today millions of people all over the world have a great time riding Ferris wheels.

Today, the London Eye in London, England is one of the world's most famous Ferris wheels. About ten thousand people ride it each day. Currently, the world's largest observation wheel is the Singapore Flyer.

But world's largest Ferris wheel may be coming to New York City's Staten Island waterfront with construction to possibly begin in early 2014.  The proposed wheel would stand at approximately 625 feet.

Enslow Biographies Celebrate Ferris Wheel Inventor

While many of us are caught up in Valentine's Day activities, today also happens to be Ferris Wheel Day. The inventor of the eponymous machine, John Ferris, is the subject of a pair of engaging Enslow biographies.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-2834-0

Ferris Wheel: George Ferris and His Amazing Invention provides an age-appropriate, well-written narrative about the American engineer and inventor. Author Dani Sneed's 48-page book delves into the genesis of the invention and its debut at the Chicago world's fair of 1893. The work includes period illustrations, color photographs, and other useful background information. This useful title, part of Enslow's "Genius At Work! Great Inventor Biogrpahies" series, is a suitable choice for grade 3-4 interest levels. Sneed's AR 4.5-book is available in a library-bound edition for $16.95; the price represents a 25% institutional discount from Enslow's list price.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3964-3

Meanwhile, for K-3 readers, Enslow's Who Invented the Ferris Wheel? George Ferris will fill the bill. Author Sara L. Latta's skillfully prepared text is enhanced with thoughtfully chosen illustrations that enable young readers to grasp the essentials of Ferris' life story and professional accomplishments. The book, part of Enslow's "I Like Inventors" series, also includes directions on how to create a miniature ferris wheel! Library-bound copies of this new, 24-page item are available now from Enslow Publishers for $15.95 -- that's a 25% discount from Enslow's school/library price.