Caldecott Medal Winner # 5 / The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Mordicai Gerstein's The Man Who Walked Between the Towers tells the story of Philippe Petit, a tightrope walker, who, in 1974, dared to string a rope between the "Twin Towers" in New York City and walk across. As you can imagine, Gerstein's book discusses the controversy that this feat caused amongst the onlookers and passersby; in addition, the book showcases Petit's run-in with the police and what punishment accompanied his daring challenge. The story is an interesting one that constantly encourages the reader to ask, "Did this really happen?" This encouragement of questions showcases how much a single book can affect a reader and how much a book can want to know more.

The artwork within the book is a beautiful collection of ink and oil paintings. The perspective of the drawings is the most interesting aspect of the artwork, showing the huge feat from above Petit and making the entire city visible below him. The book also has two pull-outs that create huge panoramic views that are spectacular for the reader, and the artwork varies from whimsical images of Philippe Petit to more serious views of New York City.

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of this children's book is its place in history. Seeing that the Twin Towers no longer exist in New York City, this book provides not only beautiful imagery and artwork that can help children visualize something that they will never be able to see in person, but also a bit of history about a man and a city that leaves them wanting to know more. In any case, this book is beautiful, and the book allows the reader to imagine a whimsical bit of history in something that is now a very serious topic.

Mordicai Gerstein is both the author and illustrator of The Man Who Walked Between the Towers; in addition, he has written over thirty other children's books, including What Charlie Heard about Charles Ives (Gerstein, 2003).


Nate Smith

Resource:
Gerstein, M. (2003). The man who walked between the towers. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Brook Press.