Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture

by Joshua David Stein, Julia Rothman (Artist)

A young brick goes on a journey to find her place in the world by visiting ten celebrated brick structures around the globe

When Brick was just a baby, tall buildings amazed her. Her mother said, "Great things begin with small bricks. Look around and you'll see."

Brick's observations begin at home and then extend globally as she travels to a diverse list of brick structures ? Malbork Castle in Poland, Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple in India, Grosvenor Estate apartments in England, and more ? all the while pondering where she may end up. With a tender and timeless text by Joshua David Stein and architectural line art by Julia Rothman, this tribute to becoming part of something greater serves children and adults alike.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Art, Childrens, Adventure, Architecture

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2018

About the author

Joshua David Stein writes children's books and cookbooks, sings songs, draws, and sometimes dances. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his two sons, Achilles and Auggie; a rescue pup named Hermione; and a rusty old car named Kimberly.

Reviews

[Zoé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This caught my attention and I'm so glad I decided to get over myself and order it at the library. While it's a book for young children and the story is simple, it is quite enjoyable and has a nice message everyone can benefit from. The artwork is also amazing; it's simple and doesn't use many colours outside of shades of red, white and grey, which makes the architectural landmarks really stand out. I knew about some of the landmarks presented, but others I've discovered for the first time and will definitely add to my travel list. This book also sort of reminded me that I've always been drawn to the aesthetic aspects of architecture and that I should probably start picking up more books on the topic.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book.
We go on a journey with brick who is trying to find the best place to settle

[Allenhuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The walls divide, and that was not what Brick wanted to do. So her journey continued."

Sweet book about finding where you belong. Also includes information about the architecture in the book.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written from the p.o.v of a brick and finding where it is the brick belongs in the world. An inanimate object presents the story of discovery of what things are made from brick in her neighborhood and around the world. And finally the brick decides what she will become part of in design and what her purpose will be.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brick: Who Found Herself in Architecture by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Julia Rothman. PICTURE BOOK. Phaidon, 2018. $17. 9780714876313

EL - ADVISABLE

The illustrations in this book about a brick trying to figure out what she wants to be are done entirely in a red, white, and black pallet. As brick explores her options, the reader learns about famous buildings and structures that were built with brick.

This book is a fun way to learn about some famous architecture if you are willing to stick with it and read the backmatter. I don’t think this book has mass appeal, but there will be some students who will truly love it.

Jen Wecker
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brick goes on a journey to figure out her place in the world. What kind of structure should she be a part of? After exploring many different brick structures in the world, Brick thinks she's found what she wants to be.

This is both a book that can be read as a metaphor for finding your place in the world, what calls to you, and where you best fit. It is also a tour of famous buildings all over the world made of brick. In the back of the book is a little more info on each of the real buildings/structures that Brick visits. The black, white and reddish color scheme fits the subject matter really well. Recommended for kids or even young adults trying to figure out their place in the world, and also art classes and kids who like architecture.

[Ramona Cantaragiu · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this is not an allegory for finding a place to rest (as in for your ever after) than I don't want it. If it is, it is nice, even quitr brilliant, but I am fairly certain the author did not write it as this. So the young brick walks around and sees a lot of buildings made from bricks probably dead... and attempts to find a place where to fit... after she is dead? Cause otherwise I don.t see how she could.move around and do stuff and still be part of a structure (I am thinking too much about this, aren't I?). When the brick finally lies in the middle of a soon to be road she probably tells us that we can choose our own path or that, overwhelmed by too many choices, we can simply lie down and die.

[Lian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Julia Rothman's work, and her quirky, monochromatic illustrations are a true eyefest in this book. I really enjoyed Brick's concept and the many and varied architectural masterpieces we're treated to through the book. I just wish the narrative had been a little more clever--this 'heads off on a journey to happen across a series of places we need to cover' concept is so overdone in picture books. And I was disappointed to 'guess' the ending well before it came; I wish the clues had been more subtle, to effect more impact at finale. Otherwise, a really gorgeous book--and when it comes down to it, who doesn't love an architectural tour?

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow from the title, I thought this book would be very different from what I found. But, I really liked the early introduction to architecture and some of the amazing creations across the world. I did enjoy the illustrations of the structures but for me, the photographs and true information in the back was where I really felt attached to the architecture and its history. Yet, the story of Brick and how he saw so many "grand" places that others had become a part of and hesitated to understand where he could fit in was very sweet and teaches a good lesson. As a teacher, I hope that I am like Brick as my place helps others to begin their journeys as well.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brick sees all the tall and grand buildings around her and she wonders how they got to be so big. She notices that they are all made of brick and she begins to ask if there are bricks in other places too. She finds her answers as she journeys around the world and sees all sorts of architecture also made of bricks. She asks herself where she, one little brick, fits in.

I really liked the illustrations and the different types of architecture that are seen from different parts of the world. In the back, there is a list of the buildings and countries represented.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 This is a picture book about a small brick who is trying to find the place where she belongs. Brick sees all the brick buildings around her and wonders if there are bricks in faraway lands. Then Brick travels across the ocean and sees all types of structures. This is a quest narrative with an architecture theme that will be a useful to introduce units about construction and architecture. Don't miss the information about architecture at the back of the book!

"Great things begin with small bricks," her mother said, "Look around, you'll see."

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book about a brick journeying to find its place in the world. The story throws in a little history and architecture appreciation from around the world. There’s even a little section in the back of the book with photographs and briefs about each of locations Brick visited.

My only criticism is that the book was too monochromatic for my personal aesthetic, but everything else was wonderfully sweet.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most unique childrens (and adult) books! Gorgeous pages with captivating illustrations. And a lesson too. Really, this book would make quite a gift to a child, to a budding (or already) architect, to someone who is finding their path (or even having trouble doing so). I was uplifted by the text, the drawings and then the beautiful learning section at the end. Amazing book.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extra star for an imaginative concept, but I did not like very much. I thought it was strange to say that homes empty out and hearths grow dark ... how depressing. And after gallivanting around the world, she's just going to lay down for the rest of her life? Won't her mom miss her? Why isn't her mom being used in architecture? So many questions!

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brick sets off into the world to find her place. Along the way, she passes castles, homes, walls, and religious buildings, but she can't figure out where she fits until she decides to become part of the road for other bricks seeking their place.

A little history of architecture is included at the end of the book.

[(Sam) Jolyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book with lovely writing and illustration. The story of a brick trying to find her way in the world and visiting real-life architectural marvels around the globe. I love the illustration and design and the message it conveys. Greatly appreciated are the bits of history toward the end. Highly recommended. Well thought out.

[Judi Paradis · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the daughter of a brick salesman, I appreciated this one, and loved the connections to architectural wonders around the globe. I wish there was a little more about why brick was chosen for these buildings over other materials. However, this is a cute and informative look at an unusal subject.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story itself seemed contrived just to introduce younger readers to some famous buildings around the world-therefore didn't make much sense. I did enjoy the art more. Sort of a weird one, but architecture enthusiasts will probably enjoy.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy picture book about the architectural adventures of a brick. I love the real architecture Rothman illustrates and the informative back matter about those specific places. Story-wise, it's a cute story about finding your place.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brick admired the buildings she saw and wondered where she would fit in the world. She went exploring to see where she might best belong. This is a lovely way to introduce young readers to architecture and some history of different buildings. Very well illustrated and not boring.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the story of Brick herself is a little odd the way it is presented with minimal colors (a few pages are almost "coloring book-like") and hitting real architectural sites is a great touch.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique way to look at the world and notice the buildings around you. I wish the brick wasn't a 'her' though. Why not just use 'it', which is what bricks are?

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful for a child interested in building

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a bit of a sucker for anthropomorphized characters in picturebooks. This is a fun story that includes some architectural highlights and a positive message.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of this story. Could spark great discussion about identity and purpose.

[Mireille Messier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant picture book about architecture and finding your place in the world.
The best book about a brick I've ever read. Not heavy at all ;-)

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great concept. "Great things begin with small bricks." All about the journey of life and finding our place. Grownups need this book.

[Margaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brick knows she has a place in this world. She’ll explore architecture all over to find it.

[Rachel Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Interesting inclusion of architecture, personification, and overall theme.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young brick travels the world looking at famous brick structures to try to figure out what she wants to be when she grow up.