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Immigrant Architect

Junior Library Guild Selection
Named to the ALA’s Nonfiction Core Collection, Biography 2022 Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List

The Spanish architects Rafael Guastavino Sr. and his son, Rafael Guastavino Jr., designed more than one thousand iconic spaces across New York City and the United States. Written in the voice of the son, who was eight years old in 1881 when he immigrated to America with his father, this is their story. Immigrant Architect is an introduction to architectural concepts and a timely reminder of immigrant contributions to America. The book includes four route maps for visiting Guastavino- designed spaces in New York City: uptown, midtown, downtown, and Prospect Park.
erta de Miguel is a trained architect specializing in the restoration of historic structures who works as Vertical Access New York City Branch Manager. This position has allowed her to work regularly in Guastavino-designed spaces. Part of this interaction with Guastavino is included in the documentary El Arquitecto de Nueva York, by Eva Vizcarra, which was selected for the Gold Dolphin at the Cannes Festival and for Best Biography recognition in the New York Festival World’s Best TV & Films Festival.

Kent Diebolt is the Founding Partner of Vertical Access LLC, an industrial rope access company dedicated to the inspection, investigation, and documentation of monumental historic buildings. Former president of the Association for Preservation Technology, he is an expert in Guastavino projects throughout the United States.

Virginia Lorente is an architect based in Valencia, Spain, who has written, illustrated, and published the children’s book on architecture My Favorite Houses, which won the Serra d’Or prize in Spain in 2013.
“An exceptional STEAM title.” - Booklist (starred)

STARRED REVIEW - Here Wee Read

“A firm foundation for building interest in architecture, and a solid STEM resource.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Beautiful, informative, and fascinating, this is a great addition to school and public library biography collections.” - School Library Journal

“This splendid book for all ages is a well of information, but what makes it so extraordinary and appealing are the fabulous illustrations.” - The Arts Fuse

“If you build it, they will marvel... This charming homage is a resounding tribute to immigrants' contributions. The text is narrated by Rafael in a proud, awestruck voice that makes both characters and their work come alive. A pictorial guide to the important architectural terms readers will encounter prefaces the book. Many of the lively, colorful, appealing illustrations prominently display tiled arches... A firm foundation for building interest in architecture and a solid STEM resource.” - Kirkus Reviews