Walking in the City with Jane: A Story of Jane Jacobs

From the time she was a young girl, Jane Jacobs' curious mind made her a keen observer of everything around her. When she grew up, she moved to New York City, a place full of new wonders for her to explore. It was there she realized that, just like in nature, a city is an ecosystem. "It is made of different parts --- sidewalks, parks, stores, neighborhoods, City Hall . . . and people, of course. When they all work together, the city is healthy." So, when city planner Robert Moses proposed creating highways through the city that would destroy neighborhoods and much of what made New York great, Jane decided she couldn't let it happen. She stood up to the officials and rallied her neighbors to stop the plans ---and even got arrested! Jane's bravery and ideas had a huge influence on urban planning that is still being felt today.

In this lively and engaging informational picture book, award-winning author Susan Hughes provides a fictionalized story of the life of Jane Jacobs, one of the world's greatest urban thinkers and activists. This book makes a terrific resource for studying civic engagement, urban life, the history of New York and Toronto (where Jane moved later in life), and the role of city planning. Jane's inspirational story is also an excellent example for character education lessons on perseverance, citizenship and initiative. Stylized illustrations by Valérie Boivin perfectly evoke the story's time and place. End matter includes a brief biography of Jane Jacobs.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 04/03/2018
ISBN: 9781771386531
Pages: 36
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.60w x 0.50d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2018
School Library Journal 03/01/2018 pg. 135
Publishers Weekly 05/07/2018
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2018 pg. 35 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw