The Power of Architecture

Ages 8 to 12, Grades 3 to 7

From private residences to affordable housing, stadiums to factories, museums to libraries— this book takes young readers across continents to learn how architecture is improving the world one building at a time.

Although popular culture and classrooms are filled with references to classic and iconic buildings such as the Parthenon, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Great Pyramids, there are equally valuable lessons to be learned from modern architecture, and especially from buildings situated in Global South and among underrepresented populations.

This beautifully illustrated book investigates how contemporary architects from a variety of cultures are addressing issues of climate change, income inequality, and limited resources by designing buildings that are as innovative as they are beautiful.

Each building is presented in a double-page spread featuring Pamela Baron’s exquisitely detailed illustrations that highlight the design, natural surroundings, and the people who live, work, or play there. Annette Roeder’s pitch-perfect text outlines the structure’s unique contribution to the field of architecture, and invites readers to wonder aloud why the building works and to find out more about it.

A perfect stepping stone for designers in the making, this book also teaches kids how architecture can help the people it shelters and the planet on which it is built.

About the Author

ANNETTE ROEDER is an architect and illustrator and author of numerous children’s books as well as novels for adults. She lives with her family on the outskirts of Munich, Germany.

Author Residence: Munich, Germany

Author Hometown: Munich, Germany

PAMELA BARON is a watercolor illustrator who has a special love of architecture. She lives in a breezy town outside of San Francisco with her husband and twenty-one miniature fruit trees.

Illustrator Residence:Oakland, California

Illustrator Hometown:Rhode Island