Secret Engineer

December 15, 2018
Emily Warren Roebling was way ahead of her time. As a young girl she studied math and science. She married Washington Roebling, an engineer whose father, John Roebling, was known for his innovative ideas. He designed a suspension bridge spanning the treacherous waters of the East River that would employ new technology and construction methods. When John died, Washington became the chief engineer. Working tirelessly, he went down into the dark, sweltering caissons to dig at the bottom of the river. Like many of the workers, Washington contracted "the bends," also known as caisson disease, causing him to be incapacitated for years, only able to see the bridge from his window. For more than 10 years, Emily became his go-between, bringing daily plans to the work site and reporting progress back to her husband. She taught herself to understand and interpret equations and drawings, and she was able to answer any questions and negotiate with confidence. In 1883, to calm the public's fears, she proudly took the first trip across the bridge. Dougherty's lively narration of the events provides readers with an accessible, factual account of a remarkable woman's accomplishments. Brightly colored illustrations enhance the action, presented in double-page spreads and framed vignettes, with blueprints and thumbnail informational sidebars and incorporating equations and engineering terms. The endpapers display historical and contemporary photos. All characters depicted are white.Inspiring. (author's note, glossary, additional biographical information, bibliography, further reading) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

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May 10, 2019

Gr 1-4-Dougherty's latest is a celebration of Emily Warren Roebling, the unsung female engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge's construction. After marrying Washington Roebling, Emily finds herself wrapped up in her father-in-law John's plans to build a bridge to link Manhattan and Brooklyn. Washington is sent to Europe to learn about new technology for building bridges: the caisson. Emily insists that she go with him. Before their new knowledge can be put to use, John dies and leaves Washington in charge. When Washington later falls ill due to "caisson sickness" (i.e., the bends), Emily steps into the role of chief engineer-a role she carries for more than 10 years. Initially, she serves as a go-between from her husband to the workers. As Emily studies and learns, she comes into her own as an engineer and carries the project to completion in 1883. The book deftly balances information about the Brooklyn Bridge and bridge building with Emily's compelling story. Dougherty's colorful illustrations track the narrative through a mix of vignettes surrounded by white space and scenic double-page spreads. One notable page includes thumbnail sidebars of the step-by-step process of laying caissons. Endpapers depict blueprint schematics alongside photographs of the bridge throughout history, drawing readers into the design process. Fitting typographical choices expertly exemplify Emily's skills as engineering terms become progressively integrated into the illustrations. VERDICT Emily's mostly self-taught engineering prowess is nothing short of inspirational. An excellent choice for libraries looking to strengthen picture book biography collections about women in STEM.-Alec Chunn, Eugene Public Library, OR

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