The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei Awareness Tour is presented in partnership* with Jeanne Walker Harvey and The Children’s Book Review.
Join us on an inspiring adventure as we kick off the virtual book tour for Jeanne Walker Harvey’s latest book, The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei.
In 1981, architect I. M. Pei was tasked with redesigning the Louvre Museum in Paris, a challenge that would lead to the iconic glass pyramid at its center. Despite facing obstacles, including discrimination and skepticism about his modern design, Pei’s persistence and vision transformed the Louvre into the masterpiece it is today. The Glass Pyramid: The Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei tells the inspiring story of how one architect’s determination reshaped a cultural landmark.
A valuable addition to school libraries and home collections, The Glass Pyramid offers young readers an engaging introduction to architecture and the incredible visionary I.M. Pei!
—The Children’s Book Review
In a Starred review from Booklist, reviewer Rachel Chapman says, “With helpful back matter offering even more context, this is a worthwhile addition to any picture-book collection, especially where books about architects, artists, and architecture are popular.”
Follow along on our virtual book tour and enter to win. Three winners will receive signed copies of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei, plus a Louvre tote bag. One grand prize winner will receive a tote bag and a class set of 30 books. Enter below!
The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei
Virtual Tour Dates
| Sunday, April 20, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Monday, April 21, 2025 The Starlit Path Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Me Two Books Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Wednesday, April 23, 2025 One More Exclamation Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Thursday, April 24, 2025 The Fairview Review Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Friday, April 25, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Monday, April 28, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Author Interview with Jeanne Walker Harvey |
| Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Thursday, May 1, 2025 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Friday, May 2, 2025 Beth Anderson’s Blog Guest Post about The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Friday, May 2, 2025 @Bookstr Author Interview with Jeanne Walker Harvey |
| Monday, May 5, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Instagram Reel about The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Tuesday, May 6, 2025 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Froggy Read Teach Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Thursday, May 8, 2025 A Blue Box Full of Books Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Friday, May 9, 2025 Simply 7 Interview Author Interview with Jeanne Walker Harvey |
| Monday, May 12, 2025 PagesforPaige Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei |
The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei
Book Giveaway
The Glass Pyramid: Book Giveaway
About the Book
The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei
Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrated by Khoa Le
Ages: 4+ | 40 Pages
Publisher: Atheneum / Simon & Schuster (2025) | ISBN: 978-1665953337
Publisher’s Book Summary: 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.
Buy the Book
About the Author
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 award-winning author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Sea, 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.
About the Illustrator
Khoa Le lives in Vietnam and 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.
Visit her online at khoaleartwork.com.
Thanks for following along with us on Jeanne Walker Harvey’s The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei awareness tour!
80 Comments
Statue of Liberty
Love the introduction of architecture to young readers.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was designed by IM Pei in 1995 in Cleveland, Ohio. It is a museum that is breathtaking, full of windows and sits at the edge of Lake Erie.
Sounds like a cool book.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
It’s an inspiring true story.
I actually had the chance to visit the Louvre. My daughters high school French teacher needed a chaperone to go with her and the students. She takes them every couple years to France. We visited many interesting places. I’ve got to say I was most impressed with the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This would be a nice book for my grandchildren.
An interesting book.
would love to have copies of this book.
Pei’s design is so special and unique-I can’t wait to read the book
Are there any characters you just can’t believe you dreamt up?
Excellent book, thanks!
Are you type A or type B?
I love I.M. Pei’s work- I’ve seen it in Paris and in Luxembourg City
This sounds like a cool story.
I’m so excited! Looks like fun!
was writing always your plan/
A good educational book.
I’m eager to read this!
What caused you to begin writing?
We would be so excited to get this book.
I bet there’ll be a lot of artistic Easter egg references in the illustrations…
What are your writing plans for the summer?
An interesting book to read.
As a former art history major, I love this!
My kids love history! I want to get this for them!
An interesting concept for a book.
I’d love to learn more about I.M. Pei!
What stories inspired you as a kid?
We would like to win this interesting book.
Do any songs inspire you?
I’d love to visit the Louvre!
This will lead to some fun art projects, I’m sure!
Do you make any homemade crafts to share with your books?
I wonder if it explains much about architecture…
What was the most wild scene you’ve written?
What has been your biggest success in writing so far?
What’s your favorite bit of I.M. Pei trivia?
A fascinating book.
That title got me right away — one with several angles. Looking forward to reading this!
Do you like white noise or do you prefer music whilst writing?
I’ve always wanted to see the Louvre!
A cool book with a good lesson.
I’m so excited I love french culture
Can’t wait to learn more about Pei’s drafting process!
What do you consider the hardest part of being an author?
Sounds appealing to multiple audiences!
Do you drink morning coffee?
A good book.
How are your online habits effecting your writing?
I’m all for more classroom arts education!
A compelling lesson to be learned from this book.
I’d love to learn more about architecture!
What has been something you’ve read that’s always stuck with you?
This book sounds like a captivating story.
Do you have a favorite pen?
What made a picture book the best way to tell the story?
An amazing book to read.
Did any of your books come from a dream?
I’d love to see where art and architecture intersect!
Ever done a writer’s group?
Sounds entertaining and educational!
What was your best writing success?
A very cool book.