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| Gerstein, M. (2003). The man who walked between the towers. Brookfield: Roaring Book Press. |
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
Written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Published by Roaring Book Press
Bookfield, Connecticut
2003
36 pages
This book is the beautiful true story of Philippe Petit, a young French aerialist, who once walked and danced and performed on a tightrope suspended between the two towers of the World Trade Center.
In 1974, as the World Trade Center was being completed, Philippe Petit snuck up to the roof in the middle of the night disguised as a construction worker. With the help of a couple of friends he got his tightrope suspended and, at daybreak, began his walk. When he finally came down hours later he was arrested and sentenced to perform for the children in the park - he did so happily.
Philippe Petit's story comes to life beautifully through Mordicai Gerstein's lovely ink and oil painting that provide detail, drama, and perspective guaranteed to take readers' breath away. Two of the pages include a fold-out spread that bring the aerial drama even further to life. The text, too, is perfectly lyrical; Gerstein has captured perfectly the poetry and magic of Philippe Petit's feat through his text and illustrations combined.
The second to last line of the story, given it's own page, reads: "Now the towers are gone." This simple yet fantastically profound statement is a story in and of itself. Use this line and it's corresponding illustration, which features the New York City skyline sans the World Trade Center, as a teaching moment for your kids. Purchase the book here.
Caldecott Medal
Caldecott Medal
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