From the multi-story dwellings of Ancient Rome to the soaring glass skyscrapers of today, for thousands of years humans have used highrises to house the poor, protect the rich and sometimes narrow the gap between the two. Highrise first examines the history of vertical living in a chapter on the origins, technological triumphs, social failures and future of the highrise. The book then invites young adult readers into homes around the world. Through the lens of the highrise, readers will learn about 10 cities and hear stories that capture what life is like in these diverse places. In addition to being windows on different cultures and experiences, the stories from these cities cover important and, at times, challenging issues that residents must face--from a young mother in the West Bank who cannot visit her parents in Gaza to an LGBTQ activist in China who must hide her sexual orientation from her family. Highrise is a bold and unique volume that illuminates life on our urban planet like never before.

Adaptation of the documentary Highrise.