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The Man Who Walked Between the Towers: (Caldecott Medal Winner)
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 dramatic foldout spreads-- the vertiginous drama of Petit's feat.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is the winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal, the winner of the 2004 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books, and the winner of the 2006 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is the winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal, the winner of the 2004 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books, and the winner of the 2006 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video.
44 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2003
47 people are currently reading
5,318 people want to read
About the author
Mordicai Gerstein
96 books71 followersMordicai Gerstein was an American artist, writer, and film director, best known for illustrating and writing children's books. He illustrated the comic mystery fiction series Something Queer is Going On.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,874 reviews
March 4, 2018
1st: The kids went wild over this book. The niece kept asking me if this was made up. She couldn't believe this was something that was possible. I had to show her the real live photo of him doing this. My nephew thought this was the coolest thing ever. Every drawing of the walk he said, WOW! They both loved the fold outs in the book of the towers. It was fun to read with them and see their amazement.
The book did a nice job catching the spirit of the event. The art has a movement to it. I love the picture of the birds close to Phillip. It is such a wonderful story to tell. It seems like something a children's book would make up and yet it is something that actually happened.
I did see this documentary years about about this event. It was fascinating. The twin towers was built when New York didn't need more space and the towers were only half full. They were scrambling to get people here. The judge went easy on Phillip because the owners were so pleased with the stunt as it brought positive brilliant attention to the Towers. He saved their bacon. Hearing what he was thinking and feeling on that wire is worth it. It was beautiful. He's also so French. He is a beautiful soul and I'm glad this is immortalized in literature now. It's an enjoyable read.
The book did a nice job catching the spirit of the event. The art has a movement to it. I love the picture of the birds close to Phillip. It is such a wonderful story to tell. It seems like something a children's book would make up and yet it is something that actually happened.
I did see this documentary years about about this event. It was fascinating. The twin towers was built when New York didn't need more space and the towers were only half full. They were scrambling to get people here. The judge went easy on Phillip because the owners were so pleased with the stunt as it brought positive brilliant attention to the Towers. He saved their bacon. Hearing what he was thinking and feeling on that wire is worth it. It was beautiful. He's also so French. He is a beautiful soul and I'm glad this is immortalized in literature now. It's an enjoyable read.
April 11, 2017
Beautifully told. Unlike some picture book biographies, it is not dense, it feels light and free, like Petit himself when he is on the highwire. I felt that it captured the spirit of this remarkable man and provided just enough details to really make the story feel alive. The illustrations compliment the text in a superb way. I thought the use of the pull-out pages to make the wire seem longer, the towers seem higher, was quite clever. I also felt that the tragedy of Sept. 11th was dealt with in a sensitive manner -- it is alluded to (a heartbreaking illustration of the skyline with no towers and the simple sentence "Now the towers are gone") without the tragedy becoming the focus of the story and it ends honoring their memory and the memory of the joyous occasion when Petit walked between them. I actually didn't really know any details about the event (though I knew about his walking between the wires).
February 3, 2022
A beautifully illustrated remembrance of Frenchman Philippe Petit’s walk between the World Trade Centers while they were under construction. In the early morning of August 7, 1974, for about 45 minutes Philippe walked back and forth one thousand three hundred and forty feet in the air on a cable seven-eighths-inch thick with a 28-foot balancing pole. People gasped and the police awaited him. My hear was racing just reading and seeing the events unfold across the pages as I have a fear of heights. Wow!
While risky and foolhardy, Philippe was fearless and courageous. He wrote of his feat in To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk Between the Twin Towers. A documentary, “Man on Wire”, was released in 2008 and “The Walk” in 2015 about this daredevil’s exploit.
While risky and foolhardy, Philippe was fearless and courageous. He wrote of his feat in To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk Between the Twin Towers. A documentary, “Man on Wire”, was released in 2008 and “The Walk” in 2015 about this daredevil’s exploit.
November 1, 2019
Yes, I do indeed and well realise that Mordicai Gerstein's The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is both a Caldecott and a Boston Globe-Horn Book award winner, and indeed, on a certain level, I have actually even somewhat enjoyed The Man Who Walked Between the Towers (and have definitely found Gerstein's accompanying illustrations evocative, descriptive, nuanced and yes, simply aesthetically beautiful). However and that all having been said (and on an entirely personal and emotional level), whenever I read The Man Who Walked Between the Towers and especially the part about how Philippe Petit and a friend end up sneaking into the still under construction World Trade Centre (in 1974) by pretending to be, by disguising themselves as construction workers, I do have to admit that I personally feel more than a bit chilled and even a trifle creeped out and not really all that much because Philippe is doing something illegal, but actually much more due to the fact that considering 9-11 and equally recalling that prior to 9-11, there had been a serious terrorist bombing in the basement of World Trade Centre, Philippe's and his friend's behaviour and their actions (sneaking clandestinely into the Twin Towers in order for Philippe to do his daredevil stunt) rather sadly and infuriatingly demonstrate just how easily and with no problems it seems to have been for Philippe Petit (and others) to have gained access and unlawful entrance into the WTC (not very good, not even adequate security).
And furthermore (and I do indeed apologise if this might seem a bit anally retentive to some of you), I also am also rather more than a trifle annoyed at both Philippe Petit's daredevil endeavour and that this seems to actually and in fact be totally feted and cheered by the author, by Mordicai Gerstein. For in my humble opinion, Philippe walking on a tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Centre was and remains both foolishly dangerous and also an experiment that could so easily have ended in tragedy and not just for him, but also for police and firefighters, for so-called first responders, who would obviously have needed to rescue Philippe if he had slipped and fallen. So therefore, Phillipe Petit's actions and his stunt of illegally walking "between the towers" I (personally) can and will only consider as extremely problematic at best, and really, the brilliance of Mordicai Gerstein's illustrations notwithstanding, I really and truly cannot see how The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is in any way a good and positive, is an acceptable celebration and remembrance of the World Trade Centre.
And furthermore (and I do indeed apologise if this might seem a bit anally retentive to some of you), I also am also rather more than a trifle annoyed at both Philippe Petit's daredevil endeavour and that this seems to actually and in fact be totally feted and cheered by the author, by Mordicai Gerstein. For in my humble opinion, Philippe walking on a tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Centre was and remains both foolishly dangerous and also an experiment that could so easily have ended in tragedy and not just for him, but also for police and firefighters, for so-called first responders, who would obviously have needed to rescue Philippe if he had slipped and fallen. So therefore, Phillipe Petit's actions and his stunt of illegally walking "between the towers" I (personally) can and will only consider as extremely problematic at best, and really, the brilliance of Mordicai Gerstein's illustrations notwithstanding, I really and truly cannot see how The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is in any way a good and positive, is an acceptable celebration and remembrance of the World Trade Centre.
May 10, 2016
This is a lovely children's book about Philippe Petit, a French street performer who daringly snuck into the World Trade Center in August 1974, strung a cable between the Twin Towers and then walked on the wire, 1,350 feet above ground. Petit and his high-wire stunts been featured in several films, including the Oscar-winning documentary "Man on Wire."
I was working in the juvenile section of my library when I discovered this beautifully illustrated book about him. It's an amazing story, but, since this book was published in 2003, it's also bittersweet because it ends on the note that the Towers don't exist anymore.
Still, this is a charming children's book. Recommended for parents who wouldn't worry they were inspiring their kids to climb tall things.
I was working in the juvenile section of my library when I discovered this beautifully illustrated book about him. It's an amazing story, but, since this book was published in 2003, it's also bittersweet because it ends on the note that the Towers don't exist anymore.
Still, this is a charming children's book. Recommended for parents who wouldn't worry they were inspiring their kids to climb tall things.
August 2, 2011
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 irrepressible personality.
I was not charmed by the book when it won the Caldecott Meal in 2003. In fact I'm not even sure I read it. But after viewing Man on Wire and seeing the incredible time, effort and luck involved, I have a new appreciation for the story and the way Gerstein told it. For example, the use of line - both vertical and horizontal - highlight the 1340 foot height and the 440 lb cable that spanned the distance between the towers.
Gerstein's retelling is accurate, as far it goes. The illustration of Petit, who was balancing a policeman's cap on his nose after he was arrested, is actually in the film, and foreshadowed his appearance at the 2009 Oscars, when he did the same with the Oscar statuette (available to view on YouTube, of course). My favorite illustrations, however, are the 3 horizontals as the sun is rising on the morning of August 7, 1974 and Philippe is stretching out his arms, ready to make his dream come true.
Gerstein dedicates his book "To Philippe Petit for the gifts of his courage, his impeccable art, and his mythic sense of mischief." He also mentions that he'd often enjoyed Petit's New York street performances in the 1970's, although he did not see the walk between the towers himself. For me, the background knowledge about Petit himself has been critical to my appreciation of Gerstein's book. It engages interest in the book in the same way an author study can. Teachers and librarians should take advantage of this opportunity to pair the Man on Wire DVD with The Man Who Walked Between the Towers so kids can be awed and inspired by an event that will never be repeated. Adults will also want to read the award-winning Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.
I was not charmed by the book when it won the Caldecott Meal in 2003. In fact I'm not even sure I read it. But after viewing Man on Wire and seeing the incredible time, effort and luck involved, I have a new appreciation for the story and the way Gerstein told it. For example, the use of line - both vertical and horizontal - highlight the 1340 foot height and the 440 lb cable that spanned the distance between the towers.
Gerstein's retelling is accurate, as far it goes. The illustration of Petit, who was balancing a policeman's cap on his nose after he was arrested, is actually in the film, and foreshadowed his appearance at the 2009 Oscars, when he did the same with the Oscar statuette (available to view on YouTube, of course). My favorite illustrations, however, are the 3 horizontals as the sun is rising on the morning of August 7, 1974 and Philippe is stretching out his arms, ready to make his dream come true.
Gerstein dedicates his book "To Philippe Petit for the gifts of his courage, his impeccable art, and his mythic sense of mischief." He also mentions that he'd often enjoyed Petit's New York street performances in the 1970's, although he did not see the walk between the towers himself. For me, the background knowledge about Petit himself has been critical to my appreciation of Gerstein's book. It engages interest in the book in the same way an author study can. Teachers and librarians should take advantage of this opportunity to pair the Man on Wire DVD with The Man Who Walked Between the Towers so kids can be awed and inspired by an event that will never be repeated. Adults will also want to read the award-winning Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.
July 2, 2017
From the book jacket: In 1974, as the World Trade Center was being completed, a young French aerialist, Philippe Petit, threw a tightrope between the two towers and spent almost an hour walking, dancing and performing tricks a quarter of a mile in the sky.
My reactions
Gerstein brings the sense of awe and wonder to Petit’s amazing feat. He also recognizes the illegality of the stunt and that Petit was arrested and charged with a crime for trespassing, though his sentence was to perform free for the children of New York.
His illustrations are beautifully rendered, and I particularly enjoyed those from a “bird’s-eye” perspective. They even evoked a sense of vertigo. Two fold-outs expand the scope, one showing the view as Petit crosses the wire, with birds flying beneath him, and the Hudson far below, the other giving a sense of the vertical height from the ground as spectators watch in amazement.
My reactions
Gerstein brings the sense of awe and wonder to Petit’s amazing feat. He also recognizes the illegality of the stunt and that Petit was arrested and charged with a crime for trespassing, though his sentence was to perform free for the children of New York.
His illustrations are beautifully rendered, and I particularly enjoyed those from a “bird’s-eye” perspective. They even evoked a sense of vertigo. Two fold-outs expand the scope, one showing the view as Petit crosses the wire, with birds flying beneath him, and the Hudson far below, the other giving a sense of the vertical height from the ground as spectators watch in amazement.
June 24, 2013
An amazing true story about a man who walked a high wire between the twin towers as it was being built in 1974. (A year before I was born) Another well-deserved Caldecott award winner, the illustrations do much for adding to the amazing story of this man. The change in reading the book from vertically to horizontally on some pages with some pages folded over for extended pictures really adds to the book. As well as the poignant reminder at the end of the book that the twin towers no longer stand, something I had to explain to my 5 yr old. An engaging story that my 5 yr old and I loved, but was over the head of my twin preschoolers. This will definitely be one we visit again in the future.
October 20, 2018
I've always been interested in the high wire walker and the art of moving in high places as a spiritual practice - cathedral builders, Mohawk skyscraper builders, the Wallendas - and this children's picture book captures something of that. Philippe Petit's feat/stunt can never be repeated or surpassed as the structures themselves were defeated. An interesting pinpoint in history, artfully presented by Gerstein.
July 13, 2009
I think I might have really liked this book as a kid. Shit happens though and what I might have liked as a kid I don't really care for anymore.
October 6, 2017
I never heard about Philippe Petit or his famous tightrope walk between the World Trade Center's Twin Towers in 1974, so it's not surprising that I was blown away by the story. I mean, I couldn't believe it really happened! But obviously it did, and here's the proof:
Gerstein's illustrations capture the magnitude and drama of Philippe's accomplishment perfectly. I got dizzy just by looking at the pictures, haha!
By the way, Philippe Petit really did lie down to rest in the middle of a 5/8-inch tightrope 1,340 feet above ground, and here's the proof for that:
Also, Gerstein's use of dramatic foldout spreads is amazing:
I wasn't that impressed by Gerstein's text though: it is supposed to be lyrical and occasionally even rhymes, but somehow it didn't flow for me. However, the story seems to be well-researched but at the same time sounds magical and suspenseful instead of dry, and I really appreciate that.
Gerstein's illustrations capture the magnitude and drama of Philippe's accomplishment perfectly. I got dizzy just by looking at the pictures, haha!
By the way, Philippe Petit really did lie down to rest in the middle of a 5/8-inch tightrope 1,340 feet above ground, and here's the proof for that:
Also, Gerstein's use of dramatic foldout spreads is amazing:
I wasn't that impressed by Gerstein's text though: it is supposed to be lyrical and occasionally even rhymes, but somehow it didn't flow for me. However, the story seems to be well-researched but at the same time sounds magical and suspenseful instead of dry, and I really appreciate that.
December 31, 2022
This 2004 Caldecott Medal winner is perhaps for older children than the little ones to whom picture books are usually read. The wonderful drawings do tell the story, however.
In 1974, the young French aerialist Phillippe Petit walked his tightrope back and forth between the nearly completed twin towers of the World Trade Center. In his book, Mordicai Gerstein captured all the drama and danger of Petit's feat.
In 1974, I was still nursing my second son. Lost in the baby zone, as my girlfriends and sisters called it. Wondering if my marriage could be saved. (It could not.)
In 2001, I watched on TV, along with everyone else, as those towers crumbled, over and over. I can still call up those images in my mind.
But it was not until I read Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann in 2010, that I learned about Phillippe Petit's amazing feat. Reading that book gave me a way to make just a bit of sense of it all.
Reading this picture book at the end of 2022 was a study for me concerning the amount of things I either failed to notice or failed to integrate into my understanding of this world as I passed through it in my younger years. And that is why I read, why I revere writers.
In 1974, the young French aerialist Phillippe Petit walked his tightrope back and forth between the nearly completed twin towers of the World Trade Center. In his book, Mordicai Gerstein captured all the drama and danger of Petit's feat.
In 1974, I was still nursing my second son. Lost in the baby zone, as my girlfriends and sisters called it. Wondering if my marriage could be saved. (It could not.)
In 2001, I watched on TV, along with everyone else, as those towers crumbled, over and over. I can still call up those images in my mind.
But it was not until I read Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann in 2010, that I learned about Phillippe Petit's amazing feat. Reading that book gave me a way to make just a bit of sense of it all.
Reading this picture book at the end of 2022 was a study for me concerning the amount of things I either failed to notice or failed to integrate into my understanding of this world as I passed through it in my younger years. And that is why I read, why I revere writers.
July 17, 2021
2004 Caldecott
Philippe had walked between the steeples of Notre Dame Cathedral in his home city of Paris. Why not do the same to the World Trade Center towers in NY City? The rope had to be installed in secret, at night (pre mega-surveillance equipment). Scary task with friends.
He walked at sunrise on Aug 7, 1974. The double-wide fold-out pages capture this well.
The police were waiting on the other side, so he turned around and enjoyed an hour up at 1/4 mile above the ground. He even had the skill to lay down on the rope!
The judge sentenced him to 'perform in the park for the children of the city'.
Kids are sure to read this book again in amazement of this true story and the illustrations that give goosebumps from up high.
Philippe had walked between the steeples of Notre Dame Cathedral in his home city of Paris. Why not do the same to the World Trade Center towers in NY City? The rope had to be installed in secret, at night (pre mega-surveillance equipment). Scary task with friends.
He walked at sunrise on Aug 7, 1974. The double-wide fold-out pages capture this well.
The police were waiting on the other side, so he turned around and enjoyed an hour up at 1/4 mile above the ground. He even had the skill to lay down on the rope!
The judge sentenced him to 'perform in the park for the children of the city'.
Kids are sure to read this book again in amazement of this true story and the illustrations that give goosebumps from up high.
November 4, 2017
2004 Caldecott Medal
In 1974, a French aerialist, Philippe Petit, tightrope walked between the Twin Towers. This nonfiction picture book has beautiful illustrations, a few foldout pages to enhance his "dance" between the towers, and the story itself is exciting to read. My kids kept asking me, " Did this REALLY happen? Is this a true story?" They all thoroughly enjoyed this story.
In 1974, a French aerialist, Philippe Petit, tightrope walked between the Twin Towers. This nonfiction picture book has beautiful illustrations, a few foldout pages to enhance his "dance" between the towers, and the story itself is exciting to read. My kids kept asking me, " Did this REALLY happen? Is this a true story?" They all thoroughly enjoyed this story.
September 11, 2014
Beautiful story, beautifully told. I was taken aback by the end when he points out that the towers aren't there anymore... I told my kids, that's a story for another time! If you liked Man on Wire (and who didn't?) you'll like this.
February 6, 2018
My son and I absolutely adored this book. Between the true life events and the way the author handled the tribute to the twin towers at the end, it was lovely. Fabulous writing and illustrations. I 100% recommend this book to elementary aged kids. Heck, it was such a great story I think anyone of any age will enjoy it. I sure did!
February 22, 2009
“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 Twin Towers in 1974. The text and illustrations combine perfectly and immerse readers into the dangerous and astonishing risk Philippe took that day. Two gorgeous foldout pages produce amazing views of Philippe from the ground looking up and from a bird looking down towards him. Gerstein’s ink and oil paintings create his Caldecott winning and deserving illustrations.
American themes are found throughout this book. A bald eagle soars across the cover. Philippe’s character parallels the American spirit in many ways. Gerstein describes Philippe as feeling “free” as long as he stayed on the wire. Philippe was alone and “not afraid.” Gerstein describes Philippe as brave, independent and free. He is a risk-taker who perseveres and seizes the moment. Since these traits are revered by Americans, I believe Gerstein intentionally portrays Philippe this way in order to honor the Americans who died in the towers.
Besides the Caldecott Medal (2004), The Man Who Walked Between the Towers also received the American Library Association Notable Book Award (ALAN), the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (BGHBA) and the 2003 New York Times Best Illustrated (NYTBI) Award. Clearly, this piece of literature pays tribute to the American spirit and the memory of World Trade Center towers. Extraordinarily written and illustrated, The Man Who Walked between the Towers, allows readers of all ages to experience this wondrous and uplifting true event.
I believe this book can be used with students of all ages. Many younger children do not know about the tragic events that took place at the World Trade Center. These students can appreciate the book at face value. Older students can have rich discussions that go beyond Philippe Petit and include the subtle symbolism found throughout the book. I personally appreciate the book because it allows readers to remember something uplifting that took place at the World Trade Center and respectfully pays tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Mordicai Gerstein skillfully chronicles the adventure of Philippe Petit, a street performer, who walked on a tight rope between the Twin Towers in 1974. The text and illustrations combine perfectly and immerse readers into the dangerous and astonishing risk Philippe took that day. Two gorgeous foldout pages produce amazing views of Philippe from the ground looking up and from a bird looking down towards him. Gerstein’s ink and oil paintings create his Caldecott winning and deserving illustrations.
American themes are found throughout this book. A bald eagle soars across the cover. Philippe’s character parallels the American spirit in many ways. Gerstein describes Philippe as feeling “free” as long as he stayed on the wire. Philippe was alone and “not afraid.” Gerstein describes Philippe as brave, independent and free. He is a risk-taker who perseveres and seizes the moment. Since these traits are revered by Americans, I believe Gerstein intentionally portrays Philippe this way in order to honor the Americans who died in the towers.
Besides the Caldecott Medal (2004), The Man Who Walked Between the Towers also received the American Library Association Notable Book Award (ALAN), the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (BGHBA) and the 2003 New York Times Best Illustrated (NYTBI) Award. Clearly, this piece of literature pays tribute to the American spirit and the memory of World Trade Center towers. Extraordinarily written and illustrated, The Man Who Walked between the Towers, allows readers of all ages to experience this wondrous and uplifting true event.
I believe this book can be used with students of all ages. Many younger children do not know about the tragic events that took place at the World Trade Center. These students can appreciate the book at face value. Older students can have rich discussions that go beyond Philippe Petit and include the subtle symbolism found throughout the book. I personally appreciate the book because it allows readers to remember something uplifting that took place at the World Trade Center and respectfully pays tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
November 6, 2014
This book features daring feats, crazy acrobatics, and a police arrest. Obviously it was an immediate hit with my 4 year old. It tells the true story of Philippe Petit, who managed to sneak into the under construction World Trade Center and tightrope walk between the towers. Most interesting to me was the part about how he got the wire in place, most interesting to my son was how he managed to spend hours going back and forth on the wire before he decided to climb off for his arrest.
MINUS ONE BIG HUGE HONKING STAR for the second to last page, which shows a skyline with a faint outline where the towers used to be, and notes that although the towers are gone they and the walk can live on in our memory. Now, I'm not about withholding info from my kid and a have a "you're old enough to ask, you're old enough to get a straight answer" policy on questions. But I was not prepared for that page or the questions that ensued, and it was a little annoying because this book was about an amazing caper pulled off in a time when capers could still happen, not about a terrorist attack. I'd argue that the eventual fate of the towers was completely irrelevant to the story. If it had been a friend telling me about how her dad put a climbing wall in her basement when she was little and they spent every weekend hanging upside, and then ended it with "and then my house burned down 37 years later but gosh do I still remember that climbing wall" I'd think she was being a bit of a drama llama. Just saying. It wasn't pertinent.
MINUS ONE BIG HUGE HONKING STAR for the second to last page, which shows a skyline with a faint outline where the towers used to be, and notes that although the towers are gone they and the walk can live on in our memory. Now, I'm not about withholding info from my kid and a have a "you're old enough to ask, you're old enough to get a straight answer" policy on questions. But I was not prepared for that page or the questions that ensued, and it was a little annoying because this book was about an amazing caper pulled off in a time when capers could still happen, not about a terrorist attack. I'd argue that the eventual fate of the towers was completely irrelevant to the story. If it had been a friend telling me about how her dad put a climbing wall in her basement when she was little and they spent every weekend hanging upside, and then ended it with "and then my house burned down 37 years later but gosh do I still remember that climbing wall" I'd think she was being a bit of a drama llama. Just saying. It wasn't pertinent.
February 24, 2012
I cannot believe I never read or heard of this book before now! I never even knew about Petit and his high-wire dancing! This is a nonfiction book which primary through advanced readers can enjoy. This book received the Caldecott Medal in 2004. I rated this book 5 star because I truly enjoyed the way the illustrations and words complimented each other. The story is about Philippe Petit and his daring choice to walk and dance on a tightrope between the World Trade Center towers in 1974. Without the pictures, this book would not be as fascinating. This book would appeal to a wide age-group of children because tightrope walking is not something they may be able to imagine very easily, especially the younger ones. When the children are able to see what Petit saw from high above New York City, the story goes to a whole new level. This book can be used to instruct children when focusing on art, bravery, and New York City.
February 4, 2010
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is a beautiful book by Mordicai Gerstein. It tells the story of a tight rope walker who walked between the Twin Towers in New York City. The book won the Caldecott Medal in 2004 and was published by Roaring Book Press/Millbrook Press.
I love to use this book around September 11th. It is a way to tell some of the history of the Twin Towers, as well as talk about what happened on 9/11. Many of my students in second grade, who weren't even born yet, have heard about what happened that day and many have misinformation. This is a way to introduce the subject with young students and discuss what happened. Students are often amazed at the "man who walked between the towers" especially when I point out my window to the Chicago skyline and they can see for themselves how high he would have been.
I love to use this book around September 11th. It is a way to tell some of the history of the Twin Towers, as well as talk about what happened on 9/11. Many of my students in second grade, who weren't even born yet, have heard about what happened that day and many have misinformation. This is a way to introduce the subject with young students and discuss what happened. Students are often amazed at the "man who walked between the towers" especially when I point out my window to the Chicago skyline and they can see for themselves how high he would have been.
April 23, 2014
I've been friends with this book for a while, but only decided to read to read it to a few classes this week. I underestimated it. I thought it was a neat little "read to yourself" book, but that it wouldn't make a good read aloud. I was completely wrong. Every group I've read it to has been extremely interested, and has bombarded me with questions as soon as I was finished reading. I'll definitely be adding it to my regular rotation.
May 28, 2016
The illustrations are beautiful and the story is moving in this picture book. It considers the event of the 9/11 attacks through the perspective of events surrounding Philippe Petit, the tightrope walker who crossed between the Twin Towers in NYC in 1974.
November 23, 2017
The sotry about street entertainer from 1974 Philippe Petit and his daring walk between the twin towers. Death defying even in the illustrations is sure to keep the reader turning pages!
December 2, 2008
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 twin towers of New York City. The words are poetic, lively, and rhythmic, managing to be both soothing and suspense building. The included details about the cable are a nice touch for kids who are fact junkies. A very enjoyable read. I was a little taken aback by the glorification of someone breaking the law, but the the themes of the story, that a person can accomplish great things, and the feelings of freedom, lessened my distress. Also, the ending opens up for a dialog about the incident at the twin towers for older children.
Publishers Weekly
This effectively spare, lyrical account chronicles Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between Manhattan's World Trade Center towers in 1974. Gerstein (What Charlie Heard) begins the book like a fairy tale, "Once there were two towers side by side. They were each a quarter of a mile high... The tallest buildings in New York City." The author casts the French aerialist and street performer as the hero: "A young man saw them rise into the sky.... He loved to walk and dance on a rope he tied between two trees." As the man makes his way across the rope from one tree to the other, the towers loom in the background. When Philippe gazes at the twin buildings, he looks "not at the towers but at the space between them.... What a wonderful place to stretch a rope; a wire on which to walk." Disguised as construction workers, he and a friend haul a 440-pound reel of cable and other materials onto the roof of the south tower. How Philippe and his pals hang the cable over the 140-feet distance is in itself a fascinating-and harrowing-story, charted in a series of vertical and horizontal ink and oil panels. An inventive foldout tracking Philippe's progress across the wire offers dizzying views of the city below; a turn of the page transforms readers' vantage point into a vertical view of the feat from street level. When police race to the top of one tower's roof, threatening arrest, Philippe moves back and forth between the towers ("As long as he stayed on the wire he was free"). Gerstein's dramatic paintings include some perspectives bound to take any reader's breath away. Truly affecting is the book's final painting of the imagined imprint of the towers, now existing "in memory"-linked by Philippe and his high wire. Ages 5-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
A nice description of a nice book. This makes me want to read it again.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 6-In 1974, a young Frenchman saw the completion of the World Trade Center towers as an irresistible invitation to stretch a cable between them and dance across it. Gorgeous oil-and-ink paintings capture the aerialist's spirited feat and breathtaking perspectives high above Manhattan harbor. Winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
This review is too brief to really explain what makes this a wonderful book.
Kirkus Reviews
A spare recounting of Philippe Petit's daring 1974 wire walk between the Twin Towers depicts him as a street performer who defies authority to risk his feat, is arrested, and then sentenced to perform for the children of New York. At the conclusion, on the only non-illustrated page are the stark words, "Now the towers are gone," followed by the changed skyline and finally by a skyline on which are etched the ghost-like shapes of the towers as memory of the buildings and of Petit's exploit. At the heart are the spreads of Petit on the narrow wire, so far above the city that Earth's curve is visible. Two ingenious gatefolds draw readers' eyes into the vertiginous sweep of wirewalker-sky and city below. Unparalleled use of perspective and line-architectural verticals opposed to the curve of wires and earth-underscore disequilibrium and freedom. In a story that's all about balance, the illustrations display it exquisitely in composition. Readers of all ages will return to this again and again for its history, adventure, humor, and breathtaking homage to extraordinary buildings and a remarkable man. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5+)
I saw very little humor in this book, except perhaps the part where he enjoyed performing in the park for children. The writer is correct about the gatefolds, and their effect on perception in the illustrations.
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 twin towers of New York City. The words are poetic, lively, and rhythmic, managing to be both soothing and suspense building. The included details about the cable are a nice touch for kids who are fact junkies. A very enjoyable read. I was a little taken aback by the glorification of someone breaking the law, but the the themes of the story, that a person can accomplish great things, and the feelings of freedom, lessened my distress. Also, the ending opens up for a dialog about the incident at the twin towers for older children.
Publishers Weekly
This effectively spare, lyrical account chronicles Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between Manhattan's World Trade Center towers in 1974. Gerstein (What Charlie Heard) begins the book like a fairy tale, "Once there were two towers side by side. They were each a quarter of a mile high... The tallest buildings in New York City." The author casts the French aerialist and street performer as the hero: "A young man saw them rise into the sky.... He loved to walk and dance on a rope he tied between two trees." As the man makes his way across the rope from one tree to the other, the towers loom in the background. When Philippe gazes at the twin buildings, he looks "not at the towers but at the space between them.... What a wonderful place to stretch a rope; a wire on which to walk." Disguised as construction workers, he and a friend haul a 440-pound reel of cable and other materials onto the roof of the south tower. How Philippe and his pals hang the cable over the 140-feet distance is in itself a fascinating-and harrowing-story, charted in a series of vertical and horizontal ink and oil panels. An inventive foldout tracking Philippe's progress across the wire offers dizzying views of the city below; a turn of the page transforms readers' vantage point into a vertical view of the feat from street level. When police race to the top of one tower's roof, threatening arrest, Philippe moves back and forth between the towers ("As long as he stayed on the wire he was free"). Gerstein's dramatic paintings include some perspectives bound to take any reader's breath away. Truly affecting is the book's final painting of the imagined imprint of the towers, now existing "in memory"-linked by Philippe and his high wire. Ages 5-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
A nice description of a nice book. This makes me want to read it again.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 6-In 1974, a young Frenchman saw the completion of the World Trade Center towers as an irresistible invitation to stretch a cable between them and dance across it. Gorgeous oil-and-ink paintings capture the aerialist's spirited feat and breathtaking perspectives high above Manhattan harbor. Winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
This review is too brief to really explain what makes this a wonderful book.
Kirkus Reviews
A spare recounting of Philippe Petit's daring 1974 wire walk between the Twin Towers depicts him as a street performer who defies authority to risk his feat, is arrested, and then sentenced to perform for the children of New York. At the conclusion, on the only non-illustrated page are the stark words, "Now the towers are gone," followed by the changed skyline and finally by a skyline on which are etched the ghost-like shapes of the towers as memory of the buildings and of Petit's exploit. At the heart are the spreads of Petit on the narrow wire, so far above the city that Earth's curve is visible. Two ingenious gatefolds draw readers' eyes into the vertiginous sweep of wirewalker-sky and city below. Unparalleled use of perspective and line-architectural verticals opposed to the curve of wires and earth-underscore disequilibrium and freedom. In a story that's all about balance, the illustrations display it exquisitely in composition. Readers of all ages will return to this again and again for its history, adventure, humor, and breathtaking homage to extraordinary buildings and a remarkable man. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5+)
I saw very little humor in this book, except perhaps the part where he enjoyed performing in the park for children. The writer is correct about the gatefolds, and their effect on perception in the illustrations.
February 19, 2018
This book was super interesting. I didn't know that someone actually walked across the twin towers. It gave me anxiety just reading the book. Obviously he survived but wow I can't even imagine being there.
February 12, 2018
The beautiful illustrations and simple words tell the story of the French aerialist Phillipe Petit. In 1974, Phillipe and his friends sneaked in to the unfinished World Trade Center buildings and set a plan in to motion that would allow Phillipe to tight rope walk between the two towers. This story is certain to intrigue young readers and it preserves an interesting moment in history!
October 15, 2012
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 across the towers as everyone watched from below. After he made it to the other building, the cops were waiting to arrest. He was sentenced to perform in the park for the children of the city. This book is a memory of joyful moments that happened with the twin towers now that they no longer stand.
3a. Illustrations
b. The illustrations in the book were breath taking. The way that the author illustrated these pictures made you feel as if you were there. The upward views looking down on the city gave you the immense feeling of suspense. You felt that you were on top of the tight wire with Philippe Petit and that you could fall at any time. The illustrations really complemented the story text and even help tell the story in an incredible way. I love his use of blues and greys as a calming effect during such a suspenseful storyline. The illustrations were very unique and enjoyable to view.
c. A great example of the suspenseful drawings of the story is on a big fold out page on pages 22-23. This giant fold out page shows Philippe Petit at the middle of his tight rope journey between the towers. It gives you an aerial view looking down on the city. It makes you feel nervous, anxious, worried and on the edge of your seat. I think that is just so powerful for a picture to affect your mood in such a way. This is just one of the many pictures that appeal to your emotions throughout this story. There is no wonder why it was a Caldecott Medal Winner.
4. I think this is a great story to bring into the classroom around the time of September 11th. Especially now that the kids in elementary school were not alive when the twin towers were hit, so the only memory they have of them is 9/11. I think this would be a great book to read to them on that day and give them another memory, a joyful one, about the Twin Towers in New York. You could also link some writing into reading this by asking them to write in their journal that day what they know or their memories on the Twin Tower buildings.
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 across the towers as everyone watched from below. After he made it to the other building, the cops were waiting to arrest. He was sentenced to perform in the park for the children of the city. This book is a memory of joyful moments that happened with the twin towers now that they no longer stand.
3a. Illustrations
b. The illustrations in the book were breath taking. The way that the author illustrated these pictures made you feel as if you were there. The upward views looking down on the city gave you the immense feeling of suspense. You felt that you were on top of the tight wire with Philippe Petit and that you could fall at any time. The illustrations really complemented the story text and even help tell the story in an incredible way. I love his use of blues and greys as a calming effect during such a suspenseful storyline. The illustrations were very unique and enjoyable to view.
c. A great example of the suspenseful drawings of the story is on a big fold out page on pages 22-23. This giant fold out page shows Philippe Petit at the middle of his tight rope journey between the towers. It gives you an aerial view looking down on the city. It makes you feel nervous, anxious, worried and on the edge of your seat. I think that is just so powerful for a picture to affect your mood in such a way. This is just one of the many pictures that appeal to your emotions throughout this story. There is no wonder why it was a Caldecott Medal Winner.
4. I think this is a great story to bring into the classroom around the time of September 11th. Especially now that the kids in elementary school were not alive when the twin towers were hit, so the only memory they have of them is 9/11. I think this would be a great book to read to them on that day and give them another memory, a joyful one, about the Twin Towers in New York. You could also link some writing into reading this by asking them to write in their journal that day what they know or their memories on the Twin Tower buildings.
September 30, 2016
1) This is an awesome book to use in the classroom! It is about an aerialist that follows his dreams that he has always longed to do. He started out juggling and balancing in the park, and went on to want to tie a rope between the Twin Towers that had just been through being built. He wanted to walk across the rope and perform up there for everyone. However, he knew the police would not allow it, so he gathered some helpers and went up there at night to tie a rope across the two buildings, they were all dressed as construction workers to blend in. As soon as the sun came up, he began walking out onto the line where he was not scared, but felt free. People began noticing and were scared for him, calling for him to get down. The police officers raced to the top of the building and tried to get him to come down, but he stayed out there walking, running, and dancing. He finally surrended, and the police officers arrested him. The judge sentenced him to perform in the park for the children, and did so happily. However, now the towers are gone from sigh, however the people of New York still say as if you can still them and him walking in the middle.
2) Grade Level: K-3, Age Level: 5-8 years old
3) Appropriate classroom use of this book would be History to tell the history of the Twin Towers, and how it still matters today.
4) Individual students who might benefit from this book would be students that like adventure books, or students that like learning about things that have went on in History and how they still relate to us today.
5) Small group use of this book could be to discuss how this character made a difference and what are some of his character traits that made him who he was, and then have them write down their character traits that they like about themselves.
6) Whole class use of this book could be to read as a class a couple of days before 9/11 and tell why the Twin Towers are so memorable to America today, and discuss what the children already know about the topic, what they want to know, and then we could put what we have learned making a KWL chart.
7) Related Books: Tuesday, Fireboat, The Three Pigs
8) Multimedia connections: There is a Kindle version available, and also an animated Scholastic film made about the book that would be good to show and kid friendly for the classroom.
2) Grade Level: K-3, Age Level: 5-8 years old
3) Appropriate classroom use of this book would be History to tell the history of the Twin Towers, and how it still matters today.
4) Individual students who might benefit from this book would be students that like adventure books, or students that like learning about things that have went on in History and how they still relate to us today.
5) Small group use of this book could be to discuss how this character made a difference and what are some of his character traits that made him who he was, and then have them write down their character traits that they like about themselves.
6) Whole class use of this book could be to read as a class a couple of days before 9/11 and tell why the Twin Towers are so memorable to America today, and discuss what the children already know about the topic, what they want to know, and then we could put what we have learned making a KWL chart.
7) Related Books: Tuesday, Fireboat, The Three Pigs
8) Multimedia connections: There is a Kindle version available, and also an animated Scholastic film made about the book that would be good to show and kid friendly for the classroom.
December 9, 2014
Book Information:
This book is a picture book and the reading level is PK-5
Summary:
Philippe Petit is a street performer who performed in front of the twin towers everyday. One day he got the idea to dress as a construction worker and snuck a four hundred and forty pound reel of wire into the elevator. Him and his friend during nightfall carried the wire one hundred and eighty floors to the roof where they fastened the cable from one tower to the next. When morning hit, Philippe walked out on the wire and began to walk across it. As people began to notice what was happening a quarter of a mile up in the sky, police were alerted and they went to the top of the towers and ordered Philippe to get down. Once he was ready he walked to the opposite toward and was arrested. The judge ordered him to perform for children in the park, which he did without complaining. Now that the twin towers are gone, the memory of them and the memories of Philippe Petit walking between them on August 7, 1974 still remain. The illustrations show what is happening along with the words of the story. The pictures look like they are photograph snippets and you, as the reader, are looking at these photographs from long ago. The colors are very soft and serene. On the second to the last page, there is no more towers in the picture was there looks to be smoke rising from where they once stood. This illustration is showing the scene right after they were hit and collapsed.
Instructional Information:
This book would be great to use on the anniversary of 9/11 because it is geared towards younger children. If you were doing a lesson in your class on the anniversary of 9/11 you could read this book and then discuss what happened back in 2001.
Contextual Information:
The theme of this book is perseverance and the topic is focused around the Twin Towers. This book is written for both males and females and is not geared toward one gender or another. In addition, this book is written from a narrative point of view since the story is written in past tense.
Gerstein, M. (2003). The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Brookfield, Conn.: Roaring Brook Press.
This book is a picture book and the reading level is PK-5
Summary:
Philippe Petit is a street performer who performed in front of the twin towers everyday. One day he got the idea to dress as a construction worker and snuck a four hundred and forty pound reel of wire into the elevator. Him and his friend during nightfall carried the wire one hundred and eighty floors to the roof where they fastened the cable from one tower to the next. When morning hit, Philippe walked out on the wire and began to walk across it. As people began to notice what was happening a quarter of a mile up in the sky, police were alerted and they went to the top of the towers and ordered Philippe to get down. Once he was ready he walked to the opposite toward and was arrested. The judge ordered him to perform for children in the park, which he did without complaining. Now that the twin towers are gone, the memory of them and the memories of Philippe Petit walking between them on August 7, 1974 still remain. The illustrations show what is happening along with the words of the story. The pictures look like they are photograph snippets and you, as the reader, are looking at these photographs from long ago. The colors are very soft and serene. On the second to the last page, there is no more towers in the picture was there looks to be smoke rising from where they once stood. This illustration is showing the scene right after they were hit and collapsed.
Instructional Information:
This book would be great to use on the anniversary of 9/11 because it is geared towards younger children. If you were doing a lesson in your class on the anniversary of 9/11 you could read this book and then discuss what happened back in 2001.
Contextual Information:
The theme of this book is perseverance and the topic is focused around the Twin Towers. This book is written for both males and females and is not geared toward one gender or another. In addition, this book is written from a narrative point of view since the story is written in past tense.
Gerstein, M. (2003). The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Brookfield, Conn.: Roaring Brook Press.
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