The Story of the Statue of Liberty

Maestro, Betsy

ISBN 10: 0833539817 ISBN 13: 9780833539816

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 1989

Synopsis

"An outstanding picture book on the Status of Liberty. The exceptional drawings are visually delightful. A striking book." (School Library Journal starred review)

Here is a fascinating and comprehensive history of this beloved American landmark, from the first sketch to the final unveiling celebration.

Since she was erected in New York Harbor in 1886, the Statue of Liberty has welcomed millions of immigrants to the New World, a beautiful symbol of hope and freedom. But the story really begins 15 years earlier, when the French sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi visited New York to plan the statue he would later present to the American people as a gift from France.

This beautiful nonfiction picture book from the Maestros is perfect for sharing at home and in the elementary school classroom. Fitting for units on immigration, national parks, and American history. And perfect for sharing with any kids planning a visit to Ellis Island and/or the Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York harbor.

About this title

About the Author

Betsy Maestro is the author of the "American Story" series, illustrated by her husband, Giulio. She has also written several other non-fiction picture books, including the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out science books How Do Apples Grow? and Why Do Leaves Change Color? The Maestros live in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 At last, an outstanding picture book on the Statue of Liberty. Although Maestro simplifies the storyincluding only the most important people's names, for exampleshe still presents an accurate account of what happened. The exceptional drawings are visually delightfulprimarily in the blue-green range, although they are in full colorand cover most of every page. Human figuresworkers, touristsare included in many drawings, indicating the statue's tremendous scale. Further, the drawings involve viewers through the use of unusual perspectives and angles and by placing the statue in scenes of city life. One depicts Bartholdi sketching the statue in the foreground as he gazes at its future site on Bedloe's Island. Another is of cranes and cables supporting laborers as they put Lady Liberty's immense cloak in place over her steel frame. This title totally eclipses the previous picture book on the same subject, Nason's Our Statue of Liberty (Modern Curriculum, 1969). A section, "Additional Information about the Statue. . . ," includes excellent lists of dimensions, important people who helped with construction, repairs from 1980-86, a table of dates and Emma Lazarus' poem as well as other interesting facts. There is no index, but the facts section makes this book nearly as useful to middle-grade readers doing research as many of the other new titles on this topic. It still could be complemented by Mary J. Shapiro's How They Built the Statue of Liberty (Random, 1985), with Huck Scarry's remarkable drawings. A striking book. Deborah Vose, Brooklyn Friends School Library
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0833539817
• ISBN 13: 9780833539816
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• Illustrator: Maestro Joi Giulio
• Number of pages: 48