The Great New York Subway Map by Emiliano Ponzi- OPTIONAL

The Great New York Subway Map by Emiliano Ponzi, NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. The Museum of Modern Art, 2017. $20. 9781633450257

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS- OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Massimo Vignelli was a graphic designer. He was a minimalist who thought that the items he designed didn’t need decoration and should be simple. He used this minimalism theory to update and recreate the subway map for New York City. It was a long process that required a lot of research to create the most simplistic, easy to read version of the map.

The styling of this picture book is really great. It’s an eye-catching look at a topic that would otherwise likely be uninteresting. The research process is highlighted and those who have ridden a mass-transit train or who have been to New York will really understand how Vignelli contributed to the system. There is an author’s note in the back.

Shay, High School Librarian, MLS