The Houston Astrodome (Building America) [Library Binding]

Craig A. Doherty (Author), Katherine M. Doherty (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Building America

Just south of the center of Houston, in a spot that used to be part of the flat Texas prairie, lies the Harris County Domed Stadium, better known as the Astrodome. It was the first domed sports stadium in the world and was an engineering marvel when it was built in the 1960's.

Our nation's unique identity has been formed, in large part, by the monuments and landmarks we have erected. Structures such as the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., stand today as permanent reminders of the people and events that have built a strong America. Many of these structures made history even as they were created; most integrated the latest in design and technology and required the skills of thousands of workers. For the first time, the Building America series chronicles the massive undertakings that mark some of the greatest triumphs of human engineering. The fact that these projects were even attempted, and then completed successfully, is a testament to the boldness of human ingenuity and a tribute to the brave spirit of the American people. It is that special spirit that is now captured in the pages of the Building America series.

Grades 3-7; 7 1/2 x 9; 48 pages; 40-45 photos; Chronology; Glossary; Further Reading; Source; Notes; Index

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6. This book captures the amazing ingenuity that went into designing and constructing the stadium. The text is well researched and details the many obstacles and problems engineers faced in building this gigantic structure and also explains the solutions. The Dohertys also give information on other domes that have since been built. Black-and-white and full-color photos show the construction process as well as the completed structure.?Katherine Borchert, Arlington Central Library, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Blackbirch Pr Inc; 1st edition (July 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1567111130
• ISBN-13: 978-1567111132
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,021,669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD, June 3, 2001

By 

Avalon Don "Avalon Don" (Huntington Beach, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Houston Astrodome (Building America) (Library Binding)

The Astrodome is a marvel. It became outdated for baseball due to seating expansion for football which removed the famous scoreboard. The other factors included lack of home runs because the ball didn't carry inside and the modern retractable roof giving a stadium the option for outdoor events. As a building, it is the finest in sports I've ever seen and the first to use luxury boxes. Anyone calling the edifice a dump needs a dose of reality. The fact that "The Dome" is hardly used now is sad and the thought of knocking it down would be an American tragedy. After the Roman Colosseum, the Astrodome is the most famous sports theater that has ever graced the planet.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing look into the structure that set the standard., April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Houston Astrodome (Building America) (Library Binding)

Craig A. Doherty does a masterful job at examining the life and legacy of the Houston Astrodome. This book truly defines the Astrodome's place in architectural and sports history. Despite the larger and more modern domed facilities, the Astrodome clearly remains the best. Details on its construction and structural components are clearly explained in a truly understandable fashion. Included is a glossary of Astrodome related terms. This is a great book for adults and kids. It is definitley a book to enjoy over and over again.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Astrodome will always be thought of, February 24, 2005

By 

Gary Wirick "astrodome lover" (Houston,TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Houston Astrodome (Building America) (Library Binding)

I loved this book and I miss the Astrodome. I want the world to know more about the Astrodome. I read this book for more information on a book that I am writing about the Astrodome. I am an native Houstonian and proud to say I love the Astrodome and wish it were still in use.