New York City boasts one of the most famous skylines in the world, and the Empire State Building is undeniably the focal point of this incredible view. At 102 stories, the structure was no small feat. In fact, its construction coincided with the onset of the Great Depression, and so progress was met with numerous setbacks. Still, because of the efficiency that went into the building's development, it only took a year and forty-five days to complete! In this informative, easy-to-read account, Janet B. Pascal describes the rise of skyscrapers in the United States, the intricacies of the groundbreaking construction process, and the effect the iconic Empire State Building continues to have today.

Janet B. Pascal is an Executive Production Editor at Viking Children's Books and the author of What Was the Hindenburg?, What Is the Panama Canal?, Who Was Isaac Newton?, Who Was Dr. Seuss?, Who Was Maurice Sendak?, and Who Was Abraham Lincoln?