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    The Man Who Walked Between the Towers: (Caldecott Medal Winner)
    The Man Who Walked Between the Towers: (Caldecott Medal Winner)
    The Man Who Walked Between the Towers: (Caldecott Medal Winner)
    Ebook43 pages16 minutes

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

    By Mordicai Gerstein

    4.5/5

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    About this ebook

    The story of a daring tightrope walk between skyscrapers, as seen in Robert Zemeckis's The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

    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.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMacmillan Publishers
    Release dateApr 17, 2007
    ISBN9781429939959
    The Man Who Walked Between the Towers: (Caldecott Medal Winner)
    Author

    Mordicai Gerstein

    Mordicai Gerstein (1935-2019) is the author and illustrator of The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, winner of the Caldecott Medal, and has had many 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 at Rembrandt and Superman, Matisse and Bugs Bunny, and began to make my own pictures.” He attended Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, and then got a job in an animated cartoon studio that sent him to New York, where he designed characters and thought up ideas for TV commercials. When a writer named Elizabeth Levy asked him to illustrate a humorous mystery story about two girls and a dog, his book career began, and soon he moved on to writing as well as illustrating. The author of more than forty books, Gerstein lived in Westhampton, Massachusetts.

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    Reviews for The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

    4.5/5

    51 ratings45 reviews

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    • 5/5
      A true story about the man who walked on a rope between the Twin Towers in New York City just before the construction was finished.
    • 4/5
      SUMMARY:A young tightrope walker see the Twin Towers being constructed, in New York City, and dreams of one day walking from one tower to the other on a rope. He gets some of his friends one night and they run a rope between the towers, the next morning he begins his walk, a quater mile in the air. When he gets to the other side his his arrested and sentenced to perform in the park for the children of New York.PERSONAL REACTION:I had heard about the man that did this, he was very brave. I was in my senior year in high school when I watch the second tower being attacked on September 11th, so knowing that the memory of the towers is tied to together with this man's daring walk between the towers, is some what refreshing.CLASSROOM EXTENSION:1.) Use this book in conjuction with the block center.2.) Maybe you could make a "tightrope" course with blocks and 2x4s, this would help develope a childs gross motor skills.
    • 4/5
      I love how this book talks about the twin towers before 9/11. Its nice to see the towers shown in such a wonderful view and not clouded by what happened that day. This book would be great as an introductory into the history of what happened on 9/11 without being too descriptive or negative.
    • 4/5
      Children grow up learning about the terrorist attack on the twin towers but will never really understand why it was on the twin towers. This book explains why the twin towers were so loved and how amazing they really were. It starts off telling the story of Phillippe Petit, the man who walks across a tightrope from one tower to the next. It's a great story that little kids will love. The pictures are wonderful and can tell the story themselves!
    • 5/5
      Mordicai Gerstein does a wonderful job at lightly touching on the topics of 9-11 while keeping it kid friendly. In The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, Philippe Petit, a tightrope walker, sees the WTC being built as a young man. He immediately considers them as the perfect place to walk on the high wire. Petit shows confidence and determination as he tries to fulfill his dream. While the book addresses a heavy topic, it is still appropriate for all ages.
    • 5/5
      This book is great because it mentions the history of the beloved Twin Towers of New York City, as well as the brave attempt of Phillippe Petit to walk across a tightrope between the towers. The illustrations are beautiful and provides a colorful, realistic, and dramatic representation of what really occurred on August 7, 1974. This is an educational book for kids, as well as very entertaining, because we know that those two concepts do not always go hand in hand with each other. The illustrator uses a scribble-like texture, which provides great detail to all of the illustrations which creates a very realistic approach to the story. I like how the illustrations include other important landmarks that can be useful to point out to the young readers. For example, the Statue of Liberty is visible from a high handle as Phillippe walks across the rope. In this particular picture, you can tell how small the Statue of Liberty really is, which gives a helpful representation of how tall the towers really where. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is also beneficial to point out. This story is also educational in the sense of the important instance that happened on September 11, 2001. The newer generation of children should be informed of the the recent events of the Nation's history.
    • 4/5
      Good story in remembrance of the Twin Towers that once stood as the tallest building in New York City. The oil painting illustrations provide views of different perspectives, from those on the street watching above to Philippe high above looking below. The illustrations add to the suspense of the dare-devil act and how dangerous a feat it was for Philippe to walk the tight rope across the two buildings. Though the pictures don’t necessarily tell a different story from the text, they do support the story and add the emotion of the situation. Teaching ideas include: remembering 9/11, exploring other cultures (French) and interests (tight rope walking), ethical issues of abiding by or breaking the law, cause and effect relationships, and emotions/feelings built by illustrations rather than text.
    • 5/5
      For a picture book, this was surprisingly sophisticated. I liked how this book took a hard topic like loss and confusion after 9/11 and helped you to find an understanding and a sort of peace at the end. The story about tightrope walking itself was amusing, and gives children an example of courage and to always chase your dreams. The style of illustration is also very nice.
    • 5/5
      A man with an usually talent, that can walk on thin wires for a thrill. He gathers his friends and stretch a thin wire across the World Trade Centers in NYC. He walks across this wire as crowds of people watch him from below. The man was not charged with anything by the police of New York. This would be a great book to read to students when talking about the Twin Towers and what they once were.
    • 4/5
      A man sets up a tiny rope connecting the twin towers. He walks, dance, and does tricks on the rope disobeying the police officers who tell him to get off of the rope. This story is inspiring and insainly crazy. The man does not let his fear take over and gives the people in New York the courage they need to stay strong. This is a great book for children to understand the great impact that the twin towers have had on people, and eventhough they are gone we still have their memories. This is a great read aloud for all elementary and maybe middle school children. What makes this story incrediable is that it is true!
    • 4/5
      A man who loves two walk on thin lines from tall heights experiences a great thrill. With the help of some friends, he attaches a line between the roofs of the Twin Towers in New York. The man then walks across and plays around on the rope for hours during the day. Policemen arrest him when he finally comes down, but the man was not charged with anything.The book would be useful in a discussion about talents, hobbies, and aspirations.
    • 5/5
      A uplifting story about a tightrope performer who walked across the twin towers. A positive story about the twin towers and following your dreams.
    • 5/5
      Beautifully illustrated book about Phillippe Pettit, who walked a tightrope between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in 1974. Provides a poignant remembrance of the footprint of the towers.
    • 4/5
      Inspirational book about a little know true story. Great way to show you can do anything if you really want to.
    • 5/5
      This tells the true story of a man who tightropes between the twin towers. The story doesn't seem real at first, but when the author introduces the exact date of the incident, you know it is true. This pays a wonderful tribute to the twin towers without being heavy and saddening. The author describes the phenomenon of the man tight-roping, and then at the end of the book, the author talks about how the towers no longer exist, just their memory. Great book! Great way to introduce September 11th to young children.
    • 3/5
      This text, "The Man Who Walked Between The Towers," helps teach children about the twin towers that were in New York City. It tells of a man who actually walked between the towers. This book is also useful to help teach children about September 11th and its historical impact on our country. This is a positive way to teach the history behind the twin towers no longer standing anymore which is mentioned on the last page of the text. Share with your children the amazing history this man had by walking between the two twin towers, and how the towers impacted our country on September 11th.
    • 5/5
      Picture BookGerstein, M. (2003). The man who walked between the towers. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Brook Press.Philippe was a performer who juggled, rode unicycles, and walked on tight ropes. He watched the twin towers rise into the sky of New York City and knew that it would be a perfect place for a tight rope. So even though it was not legal he secretly made plans to walk between the towers. He and a couple of friends dressed as construction workers and worked all night securing the wire between the two towers. By morning it was ready to go and he got ready to go out. He was seen by people from the ground and officers were soon there to arrest him, but he continued to walk and dance on the wire for almost an hour. When he came down he was sentenced to perform in the park. Now that the towers are no longer a part of New York City, they, along with Philippe Pettit’s daring feat, remain as a memory. The dramatic performance of Phillipe Petit is once again brought to life for new generations. In this book, the illustrations portray the same exhilarating excitement and anxiety that the risk-taking performer must have felt on the day of his incredible performance. The two panoramic, fold-out illustrations add the dramatic effect of danger and accomplishment. This book would be perfect for a read aloud to all age levels. Grades 4-12.
    • 5/5
      This touching picture book will speak to students of any grade due to the impact of the tragic events of the World Trade Center and Philippe Petit's historical feat. Younger students will see through Philippe Petit's eyes that anything is possible while older students will see the emotional tie between Petit's story and the memory of the towers. This is a story that can lead to discussions of the social and political conversations on different levels, as well as looking at the simplicity of it. The images capture the essence of simplicity especially with the breathtaking foldouts of Petit's walk and how he must have felt walking in the sky. The writing is also just another element of this successful book - even the first sentence tugs at the readers heart, "Once there were two towers side by side."
    • 5/5
      The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai GersteinThis Caldecott Winner is a wonderful story about a man who tried the amazing feat of walking on a wire between the twin towers. He and a friend sneaked up enough wire to do it by dressing up as construction workers. It took the men all night to secure the rope. Finally, in the morning light Phillipe started walking on the wire. He walked back and forth for almost an hour. He was placed under arrest and sentenced to perform for children in the park. The end of the book says t the towers are now gone, but there is still a wonderful memory about Phillipe Petit walking between them. This story was very touching to me because I remember being a sophomore in high school when the towers fell. I like the way the story tells about a happy memory of a man walking between them and then shortly tells about the towers being gone.I would use this story with a class to discuss with an upper elementary class what happened on 9-11. Many of the students in schools today would not have even been born or would have been very young when it happened. This story would be a good way to introduce this important day in America’s history. I would discuss with the students what they know about 9-11 and tell them the details they did not know.
    • 5/5
      This is a lovely retelling of the true story of Philippe Petit's tightrope walk across the Twin Towers in New York. Gerstein's images, which are contained in different sixed boxes on each page, complement the text in their colour and style, depending on the scene. His simple flowing text describes the incident beautifully and draws the reader into the extraordinary event and, with the images, help to convey the feeling of adventure and freedom that an artist like Petit must have felt on that day.
    • 5/5
      Remarkable, true story that will immediately engage children as they learn of the mischievious antics of aerilaist Philippe Petit. A very respectful and reverent portrayal of the World Trade Centre, that refocuses the tragedy of the 9/11 setting, on the joy and art of Petit, as he made his memorable walk between the towers in 1974. Illustrations are technical, yet playful - including fold-out panels to emphasize the grandeur of the towers and Petit's achievement. Highly worthy of the Caldecott Medal.
    • 4/5
      This book told the story of Philippe Petit in a way that I think anyone from any culture of age range could enjoy. It was an amazing performance which is relatable by many.This book would be good to use for a library program in remembrance of September 11th. It references the fall of the towers but is an uplifting end amazing story.
    • 5/5
      Memory of the Twin Towers connects to 'relate across time'. The story of walking between the towers with lovely illustrations draws you in.
    • 5/5
      The story of Philippe Petit, the aerialist who walked on a wire fitted between the two towers in 1974, is retold in this dramatically illustrated picture book and made all the more dramatic and poignant now that the towers are gone. Gerstein is especially affecting in the last two pages when he imagines with the reader the ghosts of the towers and the memorable day when Petit made his world famous crossing. As well, his artwork, which appear to be made in ink and guoashe compellingly accompany the text with bold colors and changes in tone to build suspense, echo surprise and delight and urge remembrance.
    • 5/5
      Mordicai Gerstein's Caldecott-winning book based on the true story of Philippe Petit - who tightrope walked across the World Trade Center towers in 1974 - is full of suspense and excitement that is engaging for readers of nearly any age. This is a great book for new independent readers, because the text is so engrossing. The pictures are full of the details of city life, and some are expandable to show the scope of Philippe's act. A fun story! Ages 6 and up.
    • 4/5
      In 1974, French street performer Phillippe Petit and his friends steal into the still unfinished World Trade Center, hauling in the supplies for Petit to complete his most daring stunt thus far – tightrope walking on a taut cable wire hung between the top of the Twin Towers. This picture book tells the story of this feat without too much fanfare, letting the story speak for itself. I’m not sure that most young children will appreciate the measurements given in the text, but I think they’ll get the concept of the danger when they see the accompanying photographs, particularly the two pull-out spreads showing just how high up Petit was walking on how small a surface. This is a cute introduction into a tiny bit of New York City history that is probably unknown to many.
    • 5/5
      Caldecott Award for stunning ink and oil paneled paintings. A French aerialist walks a tighrope hung between the Twin Towers of New York city.
    • 5/5
      This is a facinating true story of Philippe Petit who walked on a tightrope between the former World Trade Center twin towers. It tells how he is a street performer who has a dream to walk on a tight rope between the towers. Fun and awe inspiring.
    • 5/5
      This book is based on the true story of Philippee Petit, who tightrope walked between the twin towers in New York City. The students will love the suspense and excitement of this book.
    • 5/5
      This book is a good example of Biography because this book tells about the story of a man named Philippe who walked on a wire between the twin towers. This story also tells a little bit about the twin towers and how they are not there anymore.

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    The Man Who Walked Between the Towers - Mordicai Gerstein

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