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29th out of 76 books
—
225 voters
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing, and performing high-wire tricks a quarter mile in the sky. This picture book captures the poetry and magic of the event with a poetry of its own: lyrical words and lovely paintings that present the detail, daring, and--in two drama...more
Hardcover, 34 pages
Published
2003
by Scholastic Inc.
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I watched the Academy Award-winning documentary Man on Wire last night in preparation for re-reading Mordicai Gerstein's Caldecott Medal book, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. The event celebrated in the book, Philippe Petit's high wire walk between the towers of the World Trade Center, just seemed crazy to me, until I met Petit, up close and personal, in the film. He was a man with an impossible dream that he was ultimately able to achieve by the force of his own determination and irrepr...more
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What’s that? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Circus Man!
In 1973, Pierre Petit walked on a 5/8 inch cable strung between the two towers of the World Trade Center. To accomplish the feat took months, if not years of planning, plotting, and courage. It also required a willingness to break the law. A juggler and wire walker by profession, Petit had previously walked between towers and bridges throughout Europe but the twin towers, now vanished, was the pinnacle of his career.
In the years sinc...more
In 1973, Pierre Petit walked on a 5/8 inch cable strung between the two towers of the World Trade Center. To accomplish the feat took months, if not years of planning, plotting, and courage. It also required a willingness to break the law. A juggler and wire walker by profession, Petit had previously walked between towers and bridges throughout Europe but the twin towers, now vanished, was the pinnacle of his career.
In the years sinc...more
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I'm doing a library unit on illustration, and I used this book as a kick-off to the Caldecott Medal -- focusing the lesson specifically on "perspective." Although these kids are English, and only 9/10 -- (amazingly, they weren't even alive for 9/11!) -- they had enough background knowledge of the Twin Towers and the tragic event to understand the tribute (or memorial) part of this book. But what they just couldn't grasp was that a man had actually (truly!) pulled off this stunt of walking betwee...more
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A lyrical and beautifully illustrated recounting of the true story of a 1974 French aerialist crossing between the twin towers on a tightrope.
Ages 4-10
The illustrations in this book are amazing. The use of perspective creates an almost dizzying effect. This is showcased in the two center pages that fold out to display the height of the tightrope walker. As for the story, it is exciting and suspenseful as we wait to see if Philipe will succeed at his great attempt to cross between the legendary t...more
Ages 4-10
The illustrations in this book are amazing. The use of perspective creates an almost dizzying effect. This is showcased in the two center pages that fold out to display the height of the tightrope walker. As for the story, it is exciting and suspenseful as we wait to see if Philipe will succeed at his great attempt to cross between the legendary t...more
Nov 11, 2009
NS - Cami Houston
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
informational-biographies
Biographical audiobook; Nonfiction, Appropriate 4th grade & up. This is probably my favorite picture book ever. A true story with breath taking angles to show the height of Petit walking a wire a quarter mile in the air without a safety harness! With some of the pictures folding outward into larger posters, you really understand how high up he was, and how brave and crazy he must have been! How it challenges the young readers to dream! To dare! On this wire stretched between the Towers, he r...more
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“Once there were two towers side by side.” This first sentence in The Man Who Walked between the Towers immediately elicits an emotional response for readers old enough to have witnessed the events of September 11, 2001. This brilliantly illustrated and written book relates a story about the World Trade Center towers that is uplifting, courageous and inspirational.
Mordicai Gerstein skillfully chronicles the adventure of Philippe Petit, a street performer, who walked on a tight rope between the T...more
Mordicai Gerstein skillfully chronicles the adventure of Philippe Petit, a street performer, who walked on a tight rope between the T...more
I decided to read this book after I viewed Man on Wire. I had always come to this book with very little interest and appreciation, for reasons unknown. Sometimes we come onto books with a bias for no reason, and I already knew that was the case for me. The pictures nor the subject matter had ever appealed to me.
Now, I come to it with a fresh appreciation. I see the book as both a work of historical fiction and as a sort of honorarium to the greatest achievement of another artist's work, Philipp...more
Now, I come to it with a fresh appreciation. I see the book as both a work of historical fiction and as a sort of honorarium to the greatest achievement of another artist's work, Philipp...more
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein is a winner of the Caldecott Medal. It is a nonfiction work, intended for Primary-Intermediate readers. It is based on the true story of a French aerialist, Philippe Petit, who actually connected a cable to the two towers known as the World Trade Centers in New York City, and for about an hour performed tricks, dances, and walks on the cable. He was later arrested and his sentence was to perform tricks for kids at the park.
It is a heart...more
It is a heart...more
Always looking for a way to entertain people in new and exciting ways, Philippe Petit hatched a plan. Disguised as construction workers, Philippe and his friends entered the south tower of the World Trade Center and worked into the night to secure a wire and set the stage for what would be Philippe's most daring performance yet. Once Philippe was spotted walking on the wire 1,340 feet in the air, he was arrested and brought before a New York City judge. Philippe's performance was so amazing that...more
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein (Roaring Book Press 2003). 34p. Historical Picture Book.
Summary: This an interesting story about a man who was a street performer and a dare devil who actually put a wire between the two towers and walked across them. Since the towers are no longer there it makes it more meaningful.
Critique:
a. The setting plays an important role in this story. It is hard to believe that someone could walk between the two towers. The illustrations add t...more
Summary: This an interesting story about a man who was a street performer and a dare devil who actually put a wire between the two towers and walked across them. Since the towers are no longer there it makes it more meaningful.
Critique:
a. The setting plays an important role in this story. It is hard to believe that someone could walk between the two towers. The illustrations add t...more
Summary:
This book tells the story of a breathtaking feat accomplished by a French aerialist named Philippe Petit. He would balance on a 5/8 inch wire that had been illegally strung up a quarter mile between the two towers. Philippe was successful in this act of rebellion and walked and danced about on the wire for over an hour, but was arrested afterward. This book has a fantastic foldout spread that shows just how high he really was. The story is told in a lyrical fashion and will be enjoyed b...more
This book tells the story of a breathtaking feat accomplished by a French aerialist named Philippe Petit. He would balance on a 5/8 inch wire that had been illegally strung up a quarter mile between the two towers. Philippe was successful in this act of rebellion and walked and danced about on the wire for over an hour, but was arrested afterward. This book has a fantastic foldout spread that shows just how high he really was. The story is told in a lyrical fashion and will be enjoyed b...more
Dec 04, 2012
Melissa Gross
added it
This book tells of the story of a nam named Philippe Petit who walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers of New York. I think this book would be perfect to read at the start of a week to talk about September 11. It talked about the good things about the buildings not just the sad and it will allow the children to ask, "what are the twin towers?". This book also talks about commitment. Although he was told no to walking the towers, he knew that he wanted to do it. He found a way and was able to...more
This story is about a man named Phillippe Petit, who was a tightrope walker/ street performer who "most of all loved to walk and dance on a rope he tied between two trees". One day while surveying the twin towers, he decided that there was a wonderful space between them where we would stretch a rope and walk. He reverts back to his memories of his homeland, when he tried to arrange walking between the steeples of the Notre Dame and remembered that the police would not allow it because they belie...more
This is a story about a street performer who saw the two towers being built and decided that he had to walk between the towers. So with the help of a friend they got all of the stuff up to the top secretively and set it up. After struggling to get it all set up he stepped out onto the wire and shortly after the police were there telling him he was under arrest and yet he stayed out on the wire for awhile. Finally when he was done they arrested him. The illustrations look messy yet put together,...more
In this book, Gerstein shares the story of Phillippe Petit, a young French street performer. Petit had the dream of walking between the twin towers in NYC. With some careful planning and the help of some friends, they were able to sneak into the building one night with rope and wire, so Petit could accomplish his goal. This book tells how many people saw him from below as he didn't really start walking until early morning. When police came to each tower, Petit simply walked, danced, and did othe...more
Main Character/s: Philippe Petit
Setting: 1974, World Trade Center
POV: 3rd person limited to Philippe Petit
Summary: This novel is actually a true account of Philippe Petit’s walk across the twin towers at the World Trade Center in 1974. This short book uses illustrations as well as some text to tell the extraordinary story of Philippe Petit. Philippe was a street performer from France who was truly gifted and talented. He knew how to entertain the crowd and always had new tricks up his sleeve....more
Setting: 1974, World Trade Center
POV: 3rd person limited to Philippe Petit
Summary: This novel is actually a true account of Philippe Petit’s walk across the twin towers at the World Trade Center in 1974. This short book uses illustrations as well as some text to tell the extraordinary story of Philippe Petit. Philippe was a street performer from France who was truly gifted and talented. He knew how to entertain the crowd and always had new tricks up his sleeve....more
Caldecott Medal Winner
Genre – Historical
Summary:
Learn the story of how and why Philippe Petit threw a rope between the two towers of the World Trade Center in 1974 and spent an hour walking, leaping, dancing, and even lying down once during that time.
A) The detailed Illustrations are engaging capturing Philippe’s breathtaking adventure.
B) The illustrations are presented showing the sheer heights and risks that Philippe undertook. Gerstein is able manipulate the illustrations so that the reader i...more
Genre – Historical
Summary:
Learn the story of how and why Philippe Petit threw a rope between the two towers of the World Trade Center in 1974 and spent an hour walking, leaping, dancing, and even lying down once during that time.
A) The detailed Illustrations are engaging capturing Philippe’s breathtaking adventure.
B) The illustrations are presented showing the sheer heights and risks that Philippe undertook. Gerstein is able manipulate the illustrations so that the reader i...more
1. Genre: Historical Non-Fiction
2. Summary: This is a story about a street performer and tightrope walker that decides to walk on a rope between the Twin Towers in New York City. Through some careful planning and help from some friends, he succeeds in his daring and dangerous escapade.
A. Area of Comment: Setting
Mordacai Gerstein does a great job through his illustrations and words capturing the setting of New York City, Central Park, and the Twin Towers (before they are gone). Through lines and...more
2. Summary: This is a story about a street performer and tightrope walker that decides to walk on a rope between the Twin Towers in New York City. Through some careful planning and help from some friends, he succeeds in his daring and dangerous escapade.
A. Area of Comment: Setting
Mordacai Gerstein does a great job through his illustrations and words capturing the setting of New York City, Central Park, and the Twin Towers (before they are gone). Through lines and...more
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
By: Mordicai Gerstein
Caldecott Medal Winner
Gerstein, M. (2004). The man who walked between the towers. Roaring Brook.
1. Contemporary- Historical Picture Book
2. This book takes you on a journey of a man who decided he wanted to tight rope walk across the twin towers buildings in New York. Since no one would allow him to do such a dangerous stunt, he dressed up as a construction worker to manage his way to the tops of the building. He successfully made it acr...more
By: Mordicai Gerstein
Caldecott Medal Winner
Gerstein, M. (2004). The man who walked between the towers. Roaring Brook.
1. Contemporary- Historical Picture Book
2. This book takes you on a journey of a man who decided he wanted to tight rope walk across the twin towers buildings in New York. Since no one would allow him to do such a dangerous stunt, he dressed up as a construction worker to manage his way to the tops of the building. He successfully made it acr...more
Genre: Historical Non-fiction
Summary: Philippe Petit was a talented French street performer in New York City. His specialty was walking along a tight rope. He was very ambitious and would dream of walking in between the uncompleted twin towers. He knew that he would never be granted permission for his daring stunt so he decided to take action into his own hands. He was able to receive some help from his friends as they disguised themselves as construction workers and snuck into the building. The...more
Summary: Philippe Petit was a talented French street performer in New York City. His specialty was walking along a tight rope. He was very ambitious and would dream of walking in between the uncompleted twin towers. He knew that he would never be granted permission for his daring stunt so he decided to take action into his own hands. He was able to receive some help from his friends as they disguised themselves as construction workers and snuck into the building. The...more
Summary
It takes courage to do what Philppe Pettit did on August 7, 1974. The man who walked between the towers is about an aerialist who wanted to prove himself and prove to others that he could do great things with his talent. His first tightrope walk was at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris so he thought why not try the twin towers. Of course the government officials would not agree with this stunt at all, so he acted like a construction worker and got up the towers that way. This is a story o...more
It takes courage to do what Philppe Pettit did on August 7, 1974. The man who walked between the towers is about an aerialist who wanted to prove himself and prove to others that he could do great things with his talent. His first tightrope walk was at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris so he thought why not try the twin towers. Of course the government officials would not agree with this stunt at all, so he acted like a construction worker and got up the towers that way. This is a story o...more
Genre: Historical Fiction/ Picture Book
Summary: This is the story of a young, French street performer living in New York City named Philippe Petit who walked a tight rope strung between the towers of the World Trade Center.
A) The author really focused on imagery.
B) The author does an extraordinary job of describing the setting as well as Philippe's thoughts and feelings throughout the story. The vivid images described really give the reader a sense of what happened each step of the way.
C) The...more
Summary: This is the story of a young, French street performer living in New York City named Philippe Petit who walked a tight rope strung between the towers of the World Trade Center.
A) The author really focused on imagery.
B) The author does an extraordinary job of describing the setting as well as Philippe's thoughts and feelings throughout the story. The vivid images described really give the reader a sense of what happened each step of the way.
C) The...more
1. Genre: Picture books- Historical
2. Based on a true story, this book is about the infamous Phillipe Petit, a tightrope acrobat that walked between the World Trade Centers in 1974. He was a street performer that loved juggling and walking and dancing on a rope tied between two trees. He became curious one night and decided he wanted to walk between the towers. He snuck up in the middle of the night and began walking at sunrise. He had waited for that moment all his life. He was brought to court...more
2. Based on a true story, this book is about the infamous Phillipe Petit, a tightrope acrobat that walked between the World Trade Centers in 1974. He was a street performer that loved juggling and walking and dancing on a rope tied between two trees. He became curious one night and decided he wanted to walk between the towers. He snuck up in the middle of the night and began walking at sunrise. He had waited for that moment all his life. He was brought to court...more
A)This book remembers the August 7, 1974 high-wire walk of Phillipe Petit between the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
B)The Man Who Walked Between the Towers has amazing perspective drawings.
C) The two foldout pages, one from the perspective of Phillipe Petit and the other from the perspective of the dazzled on-lookers are dizzying. I especially enjoyed that prior to folding out it’s a closeup and the wire follows precisely when opening the drawing to show us looking down both on Phillipe...more
B)The Man Who Walked Between the Towers has amazing perspective drawings.
C) The two foldout pages, one from the perspective of Phillipe Petit and the other from the perspective of the dazzled on-lookers are dizzying. I especially enjoyed that prior to folding out it’s a closeup and the wire follows precisely when opening the drawing to show us looking down both on Phillipe...more
1. The genre this book would fall under is a contemporary or historical picture book.
2. This book is about a young aerial artist named Philippe. He juggles and walks on wire to perform in Manhattan. When he sees the World Trade Centers being built and how high they were, he notices a grand opportunity for him to walk on a wire between the two buildings. After a little hard work, he manages to attach wire between the two buildings and begins to walk between them. When he is noticed, it becomes a...more
2. This book is about a young aerial artist named Philippe. He juggles and walks on wire to perform in Manhattan. When he sees the World Trade Centers being built and how high they were, he notices a grand opportunity for him to walk on a wire between the two buildings. After a little hard work, he manages to attach wire between the two buildings and begins to walk between them. When he is noticed, it becomes a...more
I actually read this book on 9/11/12, because my friend had read it to her class that day and she had it in her pile of children's books and since I am fascinated with the Twin Towers, I decided to read it. Obviously it is a children's book so it's short and to the point. It's all about a man named Philippe Petit, a high wire artist who walked between the two towers in the early '70's. He (and a few buddies who helped him with this feat) had to sneak into the towers and bring up all kinds of equ...more
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is a good book because it is based on the true story of a man named Phillipe Petit who actually walked between the twin towers on a wire rope. The story is simplified and has pictures added to make it more kid-friendly. This is also a Caldecott medal winner for 2004. The story explains how Phillipe was a performer. He enjoyed doing tricks for people but mostly enjoyed tight-rope walking. In New York, the twin towers were still in the process of being built....more
I actually watched the documentary with the same title about a year ago, and was amazed by the story of Philippe. The documentary was shot largely in French though, so it was hard to understand. The language used in this book is very straight-forward and easy to understand in English. There were so many applications I saw for this book in a classroom.
I think it's awesome to show that it's a Frenchman who accomplished such a task, and could prompt a cool unit on famous French people. I was really...more
I think it's awesome to show that it's a Frenchman who accomplished such a task, and could prompt a cool unit on famous French people. I was really...more
Genre: Childrens picture books Historical Fiction
Summary: This is the story about a man who loved walking on his rope high above anything and decided one day to walk between the two towers in NYC.
Critiques:
A) At first reading this book i had no idea this was an actual event in history. The author/illustrator provides the reader illustrations to follow along the adventures Philippe took as he tight-rope walked throughout various places in various cities. The accuracy of this book is almost right...more
Summary: This is the story about a man who loved walking on his rope high above anything and decided one day to walk between the two towers in NYC.
Critiques:
A) At first reading this book i had no idea this was an actual event in history. The author/illustrator provides the reader illustrations to follow along the adventures Philippe took as he tight-rope walked throughout various places in various cities. The accuracy of this book is almost right...more
1 like · like · see review
Publication: 2003
Grade/Age: PreK-5th grade
Annotation: In 1974, as the construction of the World Trade Center towers was nearing completion, French aerialist Philippe Petit walked a tightrope suspended between the two towers. This book talks about his achievement and how and people of New York City reacted.
Themes: Perseverance and accomplishing great things, realizing one's dream
Ways to use the book:
Study other famous tightrope walks.
Social studies - In groups, study the history of the World Trad...more
Grade/Age: PreK-5th grade
Annotation: In 1974, as the construction of the World Trade Center towers was nearing completion, French aerialist Philippe Petit walked a tightrope suspended between the two towers. This book talks about his achievement and how and people of New York City reacted.
Themes: Perseverance and accomplishing great things, realizing one's dream
Ways to use the book:
Study other famous tightrope walks.
Social studies - In groups, study the history of the World Trad...more
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Mordicai Gerstein is the author and illustrator of The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, winner of the Caldecott Medal, and has had four books named New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year. Gerstein was born in Los Angeles in 1935. He remembers being inspired as a child by images of fine art, which his mother cut out of Life magazine, and by children’s books from the library: “I looked...more
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