Caldecott Medal (2004): The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein is the true story of Philippe Petit, the great acrobat and street performer who dared to walk between the twin towers (which stood one thousand three hundred and forty feet high) on August 7, 1974. Despite the great danger and trouble that would await him, he risked his life to take the greatest challenge as an acrobat. Gerstein is also the author and illustrator of many other books such as The Old Country, The Mountains of Tibet, The White Ram, and Sholom's Treasure.

Gerstein illustrations are dramatic and detailed in this text, which further illuminate the difficulty associated with such a task. His illustrations are revealed in several two page fold out drawings, full page sketches and some pages with multiple pictures on one. Each image offers visions of multiple angles to show various perspectives of the great height and daring quest. His illustrations further emphasize the daring adventure that Petit undertook and how high he was willing to walk. Through the use of colorful illustration, Gerstein shows the daring feat and the character's determination to conquer this quest. This book also reminds us of those two magestic presences that rose above in the New York skyline and how their memory will forever be preserved.

I particularly love this story because it is amazing to see how this man took such a great risk! He chanced a lot to do what he was determined to do! This is a great read aloud also for getting the kids to think and wonder, especially for teaching them about how readers ask questions as they read. It is quite a non-conventional topic for a picture book, so it leads to great discussion! Often times, they are so drawn to this character and his actions (especially when they find out that someone actually did this!) that they want to find out more about him, see actual photos and research about his life (I heard that they are coming out with an adult movie about him soon). It is quite a great story on so many levels! It also sparks discussion about the Twin Towers and how they are no longer in existence. During conversations about 9/11, it often allows students to fathom the massive size of such monuments being destroyed. This is definitely a book that can be used in teaching many facets about literature and life.