About the Author

SUSAN G. SOLOMON (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is the author of American Playgrounds: Revitalizing Community Space and Louis I. Kahn's Jewish Architecture. She heads her own research firm, Curatorial Resources & Research, in Princeton, New Jersey.

Reviews

"So what's the alternative to standard-issue playgrounds? Solomon envisions multipurpose, multigenerational urban parks that incorporate spaces where kids can take charge of their own play. Instead of a fixed bridge in a plastic fort, they would have to use their imagination to decide which objects could be converted to play equipment. Such a challenging play space also would include nooks where kids could temporarily escape the nervous gaze of their caregivers. There would be no fences, plenty of trees and bushes, and good seating." --Philadelphia Inquirer

"The conclusion of the author's research is that playgrounds should be multigenerational and mesh with the surrounding environment. Peppered with color and black-and-white illustrations, this well-written, well-researched book is a much-needed inspiration for and to children. . . . Recommended." --Choice

"Through the Science of Play: How to Build Playgrounds that Enhance Children's Development, Susan G. Solomon strongly advocates for the revamping of playgrounds in the United States. . . . She makes the case for replicating the playgrounds of Europe and Japan that provide spaces for taking risks, solving problems, experiencing natural consequences, and engaging in multiple-generational social interactions." --American Journal of Play

"The conclusion of the author s research is that playgrounds should be multigenerational and mesh with the surrounding environment. Peppered with color and black-and-white illustrations, this well-written, well-researched book is a much-needed inspiration for and to children. . . . Recommended. Choice"