Description

No Small Plans is a graphic novel that follows the neighborhood adventures of teens in Chicago's past, present and future as they wrestle with designing the city they want, need and deserve.

The book was inspired by the 1911 Wacker’s Manual, which was once used in classrooms to explain Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. It is filled with beautiful illustrations and divided into three chapters set in the years 1928, 2017 and 2211. Each chapter ends with a map and a short interlude about Burnham, to give readers insight into the creation of the 1909 Plan and other urban planning challenges.

To further explore the themes, characters and settings featured in No Small Plans, view the reader’s toolkit.

Details
Paperback
144 pages
ISBN# 9780997361513

Read more

Product form
  • Chicago Architecture Foundation

No Small Plans: Graphic Novel - Paperback Book

    $ 12.95

    • Shipped today? Order within: Sep 16, 2026 17:00:00 -0500

      • Guaranteed secure & safe checkout.

        shop pay

      Description

      No Small Plans is a graphic novel that follows the neighborhood adventures of teens in Chicago's past, present and future as they wrestle with designing the city they want, need and deserve.

      The book was inspired by the 1911 Wacker’s Manual, which was once used in classrooms to explain Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago. It is filled with beautiful illustrations and divided into three chapters set in the years 1928, 2017 and 2211. Each chapter ends with a map and a short interlude about Burnham, to give readers insight into the creation of the 1909 Plan and other urban planning challenges.

      To further explore the themes, characters and settings featured in No Small Plans, view the reader’s toolkit.

      Details
      Paperback
      144 pages
      ISBN# 9780997361513

      Read more

      Size chart

      Stay updated with CAC's newsletter

      Subscribe Now

      Follow us on social media

      • 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60601   312.922.3432

      • Center Hours

        Sunday - Thursday  10 AM - 5 PM

        Friday & Saturday  10 am - 7 pm

      • DONATE

        Every gift to the Chicago Architecture Center supports life-changing experiences.

        Donate

      © 2026 CAC Design Store, POS and Ecommerce by Shopify

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Mastercard
        • Shop Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account