A Grand Idea: How William J. Wilgus Created Grand Central Terminal

Written by award-winning author Megan Hoyt, this thoughtful STEM picture book biography about the brilliant architect of Grand Central Terminal is a celebration of resilience in the face of adversity, creative problem solving, and, of course, trains!

There was once a place in New York City that had a tennis club, movie theater, and art gallery—all in the same building! It also had a secret passageway, a huge library, and even a ski slope.

This astounding building is Grand Central Terminal, and it was the work of one brilliant man: William J. Wilgus. When William, an experienced engineer, wanted to create a new electric-powered train system, he knew he needed to house this special fleet somewhere exceptional. His grand idea of a solution? An underground multilevel train station that would become an iconic New York landmark, and one that is still an integral part of the city over a century later.

Acclaimed author Megan Hoyt pays homage to William J. Wilgus and his crowning achievement in this STEM-oriented picture book biography, with whimsical illustrations by Dave Szalay.

“A colorful tale. A rare introduction to one of New York City’s more influential but lesser-known builders, and his “Grand” work.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A charming tale, and to think it’s all true! Whether readers are train and construction buffs or not, this is a living, breathing biography of a building, and the man who believed in it from the ground up. Extraordinary.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“[An] informational STEM picture book with an emphasis on problem-solving.” - Booklist

“Hoyt’s lively text is chockful of information, presented in a child-friendly way. Szalay’s textured, detail-fueled digital illustrations ably convey time and place.” - Horn Book Magazine