Statue of Liberty

Wonders of the World

by Elizabeth Mann, Alan Witschonke (Illustrator)

The true story of America's most beloved symbol -- a tale of art and idealism.

With her right hand she lifts a torch, the light of liberty. In her left hand she holds a book whose cover reads "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI," the date of the signing of the United States' Declaration of Independence. Under her left foot is a broken chain, a symbol of the end of slavery.

The Statue of Liberty pays homage to what is best about the United States, yet it originated in France. Living under the repressive rule of a self-proclaimed emperor, sculptors Edouard de Laboulaye and Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi wanted to show their countrymen that tyranny is not inevitable and that there is a place in the world where all citizens have "unalienable rights" that no government can take from them.

After two decades of planning, cajoling, fundraising, designing and building, these artists brought their dream of "Liberty" across the ocean. Now, 125 years after she was placed on her pedestal in New York Harbor, she continues to inspire people all over the world.

So does her story.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, France

48 pages, Hardcover

First published April 26, 2011

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her right hand she lifts a torch, the light of liberty. In her left hand she holds a book whose cover reads "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI," the date of the signing of the United States' Declaration of Independence. Under her left foot is a broken chain, a symbol of the end of slavery.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the upsurge of anti-French sentiment seen in the last decade (remember freedom fries?), it is refreshing and informative to be reminded of how good the French have been to the United States in the past. In fact, the symbol of our country's enduring freedom, Lady Liberty, was envisioned, created, and payed for through the tireless efforts of two Frenchmen, Edouard Laboulaye and Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Since 1776, when America had declared her independence, through the 1870s, there had been many different governments that had risen and fallen in France. Many French people looked to America in hope that one day their country would also become a democracy. Laboulaye especially hoped for this, and had become France's foremost authority on America's history, government, constitution, and laws. His dream was to present a monument of liberty to America in 1876 in honor of the 100th anniversary if its independence. He had to be careful, because the emperor of France, Napoleon III, did not support friendship between the two countries. Bartholdi was an artist who was captivated by Laboulaye's idea. It took 20 years and the unflagging persistence of these men, but finally the Statue of Liberty was unveiled in New York Harbor, where she has been the symbol of hope and freedom to millions.

This is a fascinating story that is well told by Elizabeth Mann and beautifully illustrated by Alan Witshonke.

[Kate MacMillan]

Map on endpapers.;Includes bibliographical references and index. Photographs and text trace the history of the Statue of Liberty, describing what the various symbols found on the statue mean, how it was built, what it means to the American people, and how it has been restored over the years. IL 5-8 RL 7.4

[Debbie Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when you thought all had been told about the Statue's history in yet another book for children, Mann manages to bring a different take and new details. Beautiful impressive illustrations give you the amazing scale of the project.