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Mr. Pei's Perfect Shapes

Mr. Pei’s Perfect Shapes

The Story of Architect I.M. Pei

By Julie Leung

Illustrated by Yifan Wu

Year Published: 2024

HarperCollins / Quill Tree Books

Mathical Honor Books Ages 08–10 Award Year: 2026

As a boy in Shanghai, Ioeh Ming Pei was awestruck by the enormous buildings that popped up around him every day. He quickly figured out exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up—an architect who designed skyscrapers that touched the clouds.

I. M. Pei set off to make his mark, and with his appealingly modern ideas, he found himself with many clients—including a rock and roll museum, businesses around the world, and even a president’s widow. Everyone wanted I. M. Pei to design their buildings. Though his plans weren’t always immediately popular, his legacy has endured, and his structures can still be seen all around the world, from the JFK Library and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art to the Louvre Pyramid.

Readers will be inspired by the spare yet informative text and luminous illustrations, which bring I. M. Pei’s incredible legacy and achievements to life.

– Book description from publisher

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WITH THANKS

The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), formerly known as MSRI. The award is presented in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council (CBC). (Learn more about our partner organizations and sponsors.)

The Mathical Book Prize is made possible with support from the Firedoll Foundation and the Guru Krupa Foundation.

NCTE: National Council of Teachers of English
NCTM: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
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Guru Krupa Foundation
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Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute

The Mathical Book Prize is awarded by the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute (SLMath), formerly known as MSRI. The award is presented in partnership with the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and in coordination with the Children’s Book Council (CBC).

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