Bibliographic Citation: Mannis, Celeste. (2006). Julia Morgan built a castle. New York, N.Y. : Viking.
Summary: Julia Morgan was an architect. In this biography, we learn about her life and struggles and about her career.
Reviews: “Gr 1-5-- This picture book is a wonderful way to introduce young readers to a groundbreaking female architect. Luminescent illustrations, created using soft pastels and pencils in a golden-peach palette, appear to glow with the light of California and France, both seminal locations in Morgan's life. Informed by architecture, the paintings evoke Cézanne's attention to form: the folds of dresses, the curve of a mountain, a shadow over a hat. The opening spread shows a youngster constructing a geometric sandcastle while the text quietly states: "Julia Morgan loved to build." The book highlights other significant moments: young Julia visiting construction sites with her engineer father; being the only woman in her engineering class at UC Berkeley in the 1890s; her pride at receiving a certificate in architecture from Paris's École des Beaux-Arts; her return to San Francisco and early career. The last half of the book is devoted to the construction of William Randolph Hearst's San Simeon. Mannis points out that Morgan's creations are solidly built and noted for their enduring beauty. Filled with rich vocabulary, the narrative employs scrumptious architectural terms such as "Baroque," "flying buttresses," and "teakwood cornice." An inspiring tale and encouragement for someday builders.” Pfeifer, T. (2006). Julia Morgan Built a Castle. School Library Journal, 52(11), 121-122. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
“The daughter of an engineer and the cousin of architect Pierre LeBrun, Julia Morgan was fascinated with how buildings worked from an early age. She graduated with an engineering degree from Berkeley in 1895, the only woman in her class, then went to France where she sketched and studied and worked at gaining admission to the École des Beaux-Arts (which made her take the entrance exam three times). She came back to California and had a successful career, most famously spending more than 20 years designing and building Hearst Castle (San Simeon). She did battle with tycoon William Randolph Hearst as he changed his mind and his priorities. The text is straightforward and a little dry, betraying little of the will it must have taken for Morgan to forge the career she wanted. Hyman's soft but brilliant colors capture light, space and structure wonderfully but are less successful with figures and faces. Still, an interesting subject for a young biography, one who is not represented anywhere else for this age reader. (author's note, San Simeon facts, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 8-11)” JULIA MORGAN BUILT A CASTLE. (2006). Kirkus Reviews, 74(19), 1019. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Personal Impressions: I had never heard about this person prior to reading this book. The title sounding interesting which is what made me get the book. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The story tells about her life and how Julia was fascinated by buildings. I loved reading how Julia showed how women could be architects. She never gave up on her dream no matter what others told her. She fought hard to get into the École des Beaux-Arts, the greatest school of architecture, and became the first woman in history to receive a certificate. This story shows a strong woman and how she beat all odds to get to where she was. It is inspiring to me and will be an inspiration to young girls showing them that they can do anything they want to.
Suggestions for Use: This is a group book for reading aloud during Women’s History month or even including in a display. It’s also great when doing a study on woman’s role in history and their contributions to society.
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