Last month I discovered a children’s book about the Ferris Wheel. The Ferris Wheel debuted at the 1893 World Fair. There’s another book about that world fair in Chicago. So I figured this would be a good topic for Livre Voyage, our travel-themed book club for families. Instead of focusing on JUST the 1893 World’s Fair, I’m going to take a look at two Chicago books for kids and adults pairings.
Books about the 1893 Chicago World Fair
We might as well get it out of the way – books about the Chicago World Fair for kids and adults.
Children’s book about the Ferris Wheel for ages 3-5
George Ferris: What a Wheel
by Barbara Lowell illustrated by Jerry Hoare
Not technically a kids book about the World Fair, it’s definitely more focused on the wheel itself. But, I thought this would be a fun addition for the youngest family members looking to join the book club with their own book.
Chicago World’s Fair: Kid’s Book for ages 6-10
Mr. Ferris and His Wheel
by Kathryn Gibbs Davis and illustrated by Gilbert Ford
Buy on Amazon
Chicago World’s Fair: Book for the Adult
The Devil in the White City
Erik Larson
This is a good one. And a freaky one. It’s been a few years since I’ve read it, but I’m pretty sure the Ferris Wheel isn’t the center story. Nope. But, it’s about Chicago during the World’s Fair and it is just so good.
Books about Chicago’s First Lady, Michelle Obama
A board book about Michelle Obama
I Look Up To… Michelle Obama
by
This isn’t Chicago-specific, but like the choices earlier in this post, a good option for the youngest readers and soon-to-be readers in the family. Though there are several board books about Michelle Obama, I picked this one because it includes quotes from the former First Lady.
A “Who Is” book about Michelle Obama
Who is Michelle Obama
by
Kids love the Who Is series and the will love this one, too. Not only will they learn about the Chicago Michelle Obama and the pre-White House Obama, they’ll also get some insight into other first lady’s, too.
The First Lady’s Autobiography
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
Her story isn’t completely set in Chicago, so this book isn’t either. I just thought she painted such a great picture of it that it needed to be on this list.
Talking about Chicago with Kids
If part one is reading the books, part two of this would be talking about the books. Because this is a travel-themed family book club, we’re not JUST talking about the books the family has read, but also about Chicago.
Here are some ways to help.
- Download the free family book club discussion guide. Fill it out and keep a record of it, or just talk about it.
- Eat Chicago food. This is a good one guys. I didn’t think I would love Chicago Style Pizza until I tried it. Once I did it jumped to the top of my favorite pizza types. It’s hard to come by at restaurants outside of Chicago, but try that first. Otherwise, this is a 5-star recipe from the Recipe Girl.
- Listen to music by artists from Chicago. So many great ones to fit your family’s personal taste.
What other books would you add to a book club selection about Chicago?
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