Skywalkers: Mohawk Ironworkers Build the City

Reach for this book when your child is searching for a sense of pride in their heritage or when they express awe at the massive structures of a city. It provides a profound look at how individual bravery and cultural identity intersect to create a lasting legacy. Skywalkers tells the true story of Mohawk ironworkers who navigated the terrifying heights of New York City construction sites to build iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building. The narrative balances the technical marvels of engineering with the emotional weight of a community that found a unique niche in the modern world. While it celebrates incredible resilience and skill, it does not shy away from the dangers of the job or the historical context of Indigenous life. It is an ideal choice for pre-teens and teens who enjoy history that feels high stakes and visually grounded in reality through archival photographs.