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

*Signed Bookplate!*

From the author of Bartali’s Bicycle comes the inspiring true story of William J. Wilgus, the American civil engineer responsible for designing and constructing Grand Central Terminal.

Did you know that there was once a place in Manhattan that had a tennis club, ski slope, movie theater, and art gallery—all in the same building? It also had a secret passageway that was once used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and a library with more than three thousand books, photos, and newspapers. On top of that, you can still catch a 4, 5, 6, 7, or Metro-North train there any day of the week. And you might not believe it, but this astounding building—Grand Central Terminal—was the work of one brilliant engineer: 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 it is still an integral part of the city over a century later.

Award-winning 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, this book will teach you as many facts about Grand Central Terminal to fill . . . well, Grand Central Terminal!