Notre-Dame: The World's Cathedral

A fascinating visual history of Notre-Dame, "the World's Cathedral," that highlights the burning and reconstruction of the cherished building from award-winning author-illustrator Lynn Curlee.

On April 15, 2019, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris was almost destroyed by fire, an event that shocked and riveted the entire world as it played out in real time on TV and across the internet.

The story of the fire and its aftermath, along with the rebuilding of the historic cathedral, offers an exciting narrative around which Lynn Curlee builds an illustrated story for middle grade readers about this internationally cherished monument.

In the way that only he can, Lynn illuminates captivating information about cathedrals, gothic architecture, French history, restoration of old buildings, heroism under fire, and even Quasimodo, the famous Hunchback of Notre-Dame.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published: 05/05/2026
ISBN: 9781665971836
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 11.20h x 11.30w x 0.60d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2026
Booklist 05/01/2026