Building Dreams in Glass: A Beautiful Tribute to I. M. Pei’s Vision at the Louvre: "The Glass Pyramid"
- Kim Bartosch
- May 30
- 4 min read
If you’ve ever gazed at the iconic glass pyramid at the heart of the Louvre Museum and wondered who dreamed it up, The Glass Pyramid by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Khoa Le brings that story to life with elegance, inspiration, and plenty of heart. This beautifully rendered picture book biography introduces young readers to the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, whose modern vision reshaped a historic institution.
Told in a lyrical, engaging narrative and paired with illustrations that are as vibrant and meticulous as Pei’s architecture, this book is both a visual treat and a thoughtful story of perseverance, innovation, and dreaming big—even in the face of resistance.
Thank you to the author and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for the book and my honest review. Scroll down to learn more, look inside the book, and read my full review!
Title: The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei
Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrator: Khoa Le
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pub. Date: May 27, 2025
Book buy links:
Amazon | Goodreads | B&N | Bookshop.org
Synopsis:
In this “stunning” (Booklist, starred review) picture book, award-winning picture book biographer Jeanne Walker Harvey tells the story of the renowned architect I. M. Pei and his triumph in redesigning the Louvre through problem-solving and persistence.
In 1981, I. M. Pei was on a mission. A successful architect known for his modern designs, Pei was asked by the French president to redesign the Louvre Museum in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa and now famous for the glass pyramid at its center. At the time, the Louvre had many problems and no pyramid.
Pei faced many obstacles, including discrimination because he was Chinese American. Determined to succeed and make the Louvre a welcome place for all, Pei worked hard—and sometimes in secret. This is the story of a visionary who worked patiently and persistently to solve problems and achieve his goals: to plant and grow a glass pyramid.
My Review of "The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei" by Jeanne Walker Harvey
In 1981, I. M. Pei, a respected architect celebrated for his sleek, modern designs, was selected by the French president to redesign the Louvre Museum—a daunting challenge that required not only architectural genius, but diplomacy, courage, and patience. Pei wasn’t French. He wasn’t European. And that difference sparked backlash from critics and skeptics alike.
But as Harvey deftly shows, Pei’s determination to honor both tradition and innovation drove him to keep going. With creativity and quiet persistence, he envisioned a daring glass pyramid that would welcome visitors from all over the world—something the Louvre, at the time, desperately needed. The way the book frames Pei’s process—his quiet confidence, strategic problem-solving, and moments of doubt—offers a truly human portrait of a brilliant mind at work.
🎨 Stunning Illustrations Elevate the Story
Khoa Le’s illustrations are nothing short of stunning. Bursting with luminous colors and intricate detail, they transport readers to the grandeur of the Louvre, the sharp lines of Pei’s modernist vision, and the awe of seeing an idea take shape in glass and steel. Le manages to blend realism with whimsy in a way that matches Pei’s own fusion of history and modernity.
The artwork beautifully mirrors the themes of light, transparency, and clarity that define the pyramid itself, making this a book that demands multiple readings—just to take in every rich, visual layer.
👩🏫 Classroom Gold: Backmatter That Shines
This is one of those picture books that doesn’t stop teaching once the story ends. The backmatter is a goldmine for educators and curious kids alike. It includes a brief but impactful biography of Pei, an overview of what architects actually do, and a whole STEAM-focused section that breaks down the engineering challenges involved in designing and constructing the glass pyramid. From custom-designed glass to the robot that now climbs the structure to clean it—yes, a real robot!—every detail is explained in a way that’s both accessible and fascinating.
For teachers, librarians, and homeschoolers, this book is an instant win. The additional content extends the learning, sparks discussions about design, diversity in STEM, and cultural heritage, and opens doors to deeper projects. I’ll even be sharing some of these resources right here on the blog!
💡 Why This Book Matters
More than just a biography, The Glass Pyramid is a celebration of creative problem-solving and imagination—two traits we absolutely need to nurture in young learners today. I. M. Pei didn’t just design a building. He asked questions others were afraid to ask. He listened, he adapted, and he made something bold and new that invited everyone in. That’s a message we all need, now more than ever.
And while the book is targeted toward ages 4–8, I’d argue its value stretches far beyond. Whether you’re reading this aloud to a curious 5-year-old or using it as part of a middle-grade STEM or architecture unit, its appeal is broad and enduring.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
This book is a triumph—from its accessible storytelling and dazzling visuals to its thoughtfully crafted educational extras. The Glass Pyramid is the kind of nonfiction picture book that inspires readers to think big, dream differently, and see challenges as opportunities. A must-have for classrooms, libraries, and any shelf that celebrates perseverance, diversity, and design.
Meet the author and illustrator:
Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, and The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei. Jeanne lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com.
Khoa Le is an illustrator from Vietnam, who graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. She has dedicated most of her professional life to working in publishing, illustrating numerous books that have been published in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Currently, she works and lives with her cats.
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