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.

Important Teen Guides

Enslow's new series, Life–A How-to Guide is a 7-book series for teens about a variety of issues that they face in their everyday lives. Whether you have a teen who is getting ready to driving or driving already, our Getting Read to Drive: A How-to Guide is great for research or personal use. Driving can play a pivotal role in a young person's life. It represents freedom but it also requires responsibility. From deciding if you're ready to drive, to the rules and safety, this book is a comprehensive guide for young drivers and their parents.

Technology has become so integrated into the life of today’s teenager that it is changing the way the American family communicates.  That's why we felt that Using Technology: A How-to Guide was an important book to include in this series. From cell phone etiquette, to texting, playing games, and listening to music, this title explores different forms of technology and how it affects our lives, and most importantly, how kids can stay safe using it.

Book Giveaway!

I was cleaning off my desk today and I uncovered one our of new titles, Plant and Animal Science Fair Projects, Revised and Expanded Using the Scientific Method by Kenneth G. Rainis from our Biology Science Projects Using the Scientific Method series. All of the books in this series provide exciting science fair project ideas and tips for science fair presentations using easy-to-obtain materials. For Grades 5–up, they are 160 pages and contain a list of suppliers, a further reading list, Internet addresses, and an index. The books in this series cost $25.95 each for schools and libraries, but today I'm giving my copy away for free! Help me clear my desk. Who wants it? Science fair season is just around the corner!