The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Bibliography:
Gerstein, Mordecai. 2003. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Ill. by Mordecai Gerstein. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 0761317910.

Plot Summary:
In this non-fiction picture book, Mordecai Gerstein describes how a French acrobat made his way across a wire between the Twin Towers in 1974 New York City. Philippe Petit knew that, in order to accomplish this feat, it would have to be in the process of erecting the two skyscrapers. The reader is taken on Petit's journey as he accomplishes this task, then is arrested and taken into a New York court of law to await the consequences. The last two pages give a very emotional yet simple tribute to the World Trade Center of the past and explain how the Twin Towers are imprinted on the future.

Critical Analysis:
The story is elegantly-written, using child-centered language and concepts in order to pull in the reader. It begins with the concoction of the idea - an idea that many may consider as one of a lunatic. Philippe Petit wants to walk a wire between the World Trade Centers as they are being constructed in New York City in 1974. The reader is taken through Petit's thought processes as he determines how to get around the laws (which would obviously not deem this trick appropriate). It describes the scheme, in which others are involved, and the trials and eventual success of this attempt. It doesn't end with the completion of the goal, though. The consequences following the action are described, but not in a moralistic manner. The story wraps up with a touching, undetailed account of the buildings' fate. This ending will give goosebumps.
New York City circa 1974 looks much like the New York of today to the uneducated eye, though some of the clothing illustrations give away the time warp that is so evident in some forms of media. The pictures demonstrate Petit's view of the entire ordeal, with a few of them giving insight as to what the audience was seeing as the show was taking place. The lights of the city shine more apparently than the light of the stars on the night illustrations, which keeps the story centered around the city itself. The waking of the city is shown, though not through the actions of its inhabitants. It is shown through the eyes of the man who was walking through the air a quarter of a mile above the ground. The pages showing the act from the viewers' perspectives fold out, which helps the reader to feel as if he or she is actually standing below the performance. It really gives the impression of seeing something so tiny, so impossible, that a double-take is necessity. The birds look down upon Petit as the illustrations show their view as well. Next the reader is taken back down to Earth, where he or she is looking up at the judge's desk with Petit, wondering what fate awaits him. The last two pictures reveal two New York skylines: one as it stands today, tower-less, and the other bearing the faint images of what used to be such a recognizable landmark in the Big Apple.
This book takes the tragic events of a day that is now ingrained in our nation's history and transforms come of the characters into an uplifting and meaningful story appropriate for all ages.

Awards:
Caldecott Medal Winner, 2004

Connections:
This book is appropriate for all age levels. It would make a great read-aloud for elementary-age students on the anniversary of September 11 as it does not focus on the tragic deaths of that day, but instead tells the story of the birth of two buildings and the accomplishment of a dream. This is one story centering around the Twin Towers that the youth of America will view as uplifting and inspiring, as opposed to most other information relating to the World Trade Center. It can also serve as a motivational story for children and adults alike as it focuses on the dedication of one man and the completion of his vision. This book was written in memoriam of September 11, but the tragedy is not named specifically. Instead, the last pages of the book refer to the event with the simple words, "Now the towers are gone. But in memory, as if imprinted on the sky, the towers are still there."