In the book world, November is dedicated to reading and sharing non-fiction books. This month, I’ll be sharing some non-fiction books that I think would be great for readers, young and old. These books will cover a range of topics and interests.
Click HERE to see more amazing #NonFicNov books like THE GLASS PYRAMID
THE GLASS PYRAMID
A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei
By: Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by: Khoa Le
Published: May 27, 2025
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Non-Fiction/Biography
With recent events that have brought the Louvre Museum into the news, kids might be curious about it. Something they might not know is how a well-known architect, born in China and who studied in the US, came to design the iconic glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre Museum in France.
Ieoh Ming Pei (I.M.) was worried that the French people wouldn’t accept a foreigner like him to redesign such a cherished and beautiful building. But the French President insisted that he would be the best to create a welcoming yet modern space.
I.M. was in awe of the beautiful architecture of the Louvre, but was surprised by how the entrance wasn’t very welcoming, and took a long walk to even see any of the art. He imagined famous gardens as well as gardens from his homeland, and playing hide-and-seek among the enormous rocks when he began to think about how to design the entrance.
The design of the enormous pyramid of glass would reflect the sun, yet wouldn’t block the views of the Louvre. At first, people hated the idea, but I.M. believed in himself and his vision. Eventually, the citizens of France loved his design, and years later, thousands of visitors have walked into the Louvre through his glass pyramid.
Kids will learn about designing a structure and how to persevere when others think you should quit. I.M.’s story will teach kids the value of hard work and standing up for themselves when so many others want to bring them down. The end of the book includes facts about architects, a brief biography of I.M. Pei, and how the glass pyramid was built and continues to be cared for.
Click HERE for numerous activity sheets to go along with THE GLASS PYRAMID.
Check out the Book Trailer:
Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, and The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei. Jeanne lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com.
Khoa Le is an illustrator from Vietnam who graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. She has dedicated most of her professional life to working in publishing, illustrating numerous books that have been published in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Currently, she works and lives with her cats.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of THE GLASS PYRAMID
Build the Louvre Museum with your kids
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under #NonficNov, Book Review, Children's books, I M Pei, Jeanne Walker Harvey, Khoa Le, Louvre Museum, biography, non-fiction