The Great Wheel

The Great Wheel is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows Conn Kilroy, a young Irish immigrant, as he journeys to America in the 1890s. Propelled by a fortune predicting he will ride the greatest wheel in the world, Conn finds himself in New York and then Chicago, where he becomes part of the groundbreaking team building the first Ferris wheel for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The story beautifully weaves together themes of immigration, perseverance, friendship, and first love against the backdrop of a significant historical event. It's an inspiring tale about chasing dreams and finding your place in a new world, perfect for children aged 4-11.

Your fortune lies to the west. Keep your face to the sunset . . . and one day you'll ride the greatest wheel in all the world." When Aunt Honora reads this fortune in his tea leaves, Conn Kilroy knows he is destined for greater things than his small Irish village can offer. A letter from his uncle Michael in America offering Conn a partnership in his New York contracting company sets Conn on his western adventure. Just a few short months later Conn's Uncle Patrick lures him even farther west to Chicago, where they join the hardworking crew building what some called Ferris's Folly--the first Ferris wheel--then the largest wheel in the world and the showpiece of Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.