Genre #1: Picture Books - THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS

Bibliographic Data:

Gerstein, Mordicai. 2003. The Man Who Walked Between The Towers. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 0761317910

Plot Summary:

A street performer Philippe Petit, who has found his calling in entertaining others, watches as the World Trade Center towers are constructed in New York City. As he watches their construction, he is attracted to the open space between the buildings and the performance possibilities it offers. He and his friends sneak in just before the towers are completed, running a tightrope wire between the two buildings. At daybreak on August 7, 1974, Philippe Petit walks across the tightrope, feeling happiness and freedom high above the bustling city. Years later, the twin towers are gone, but the fond memories of those buildings are made more special when remembering Philippe Petit’s journey between them.

Critical Analysis:

With stunning illustrations, Gerstein focuses the reader’s attention on the joyful antics of Petit’s street performances set against the backdrop of New York City and the twin towers specifically. Several fold out pages draw the reader’s focus to the height and beauty of the twin towers, reinforcing Petit’s obvious love for these architectural icons. Adding intrigue and suspense to the story, the reader gets to know of Petit’s risky performances around the world before even learning his name. The incorporation of rope or wire in almost every illustration reminds the reader of Petit’s passion and helps move the story along as it builds to his walk between the twin towers.

Additionally, the vibrant hues of each illustration add to the part of the story being told. The darker blues and grays used for the night illustrations contribute to the element of surprise and sneakiness that was required for Petit to gain access to the twin towers for his walk. These contrast with the brighter hues of blues, greens, and yellows that reinforce the daring nature of Petit’s work as it takes place in broad daylight.

Gerstein’s story is told in the simplest of terms, almost deceiving the reader into believing the story is solely about Petit and the risks he takes as a tightrope walker. However, the last pages of the book add a somewhat surprising poignancy as he states “Now the towers are gone” and reminds the reader of the tragedy that unfolded on September 11, 2001. Not leaving the book on such a sad note, Gerstein suggests that our memories of the twin towers can be filled with joy as we reflect on Petit and his tightrope walk.

Review excerpts:

Caldecott Medal, 2004 – “Gerstein ensures that this extraordinary event is imprinted on readers’ minds and creates a powerful, transforming memory.”

School Library Journal – “gorgeous oil-and-ink paintings capture the aerialist’s spirited feat and breathtaking perspectives high above Manhattan harbor”

Kirkus Reviews – “…breathtaking homage to extraordinary buildings and a remarkable man”

Personal Reaction:

This book was a thoughtful and insightful look at an interesting man and his connection to a piece of New York City’s history. I appreciated the vibrant illustrations and the passion that was conveyed in the pictures as they showed different elements of Petit’s performances – from juggling to walking the tightrope wire. Petit’s bravery in achieving his dreams amidst the dangers of physicial injury and breaking the law remind me of the importance of being true to who you are, while also forcing me to think deeply about the ramifications of such actions.

Connections:

Activities
· Read about Petit’s recreations of his 1974 walk in the August 7, 2005, New York Times article “Tightrope Walk Between Twin Towers Is Recalled”

· Make a list of other famous daredevils and what risks they took.

· Try walking across a tightrope. Is it difficult to maintain your balance? Explore what kind of exercise and training is necessary for a performer to be successful at tightrope walking.

· Discuss 9/11 and its aftermath. What other tributes can be made to remember the twin towers?

· Research the history of the World Trade Center towers.

Related Readings

Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully

Starring Mirette and Bellini by Emily Arnold McCully

To Reach the Clouds: My High Wire Walk Between the Twin Towers by Philippe Petit

Women Daredevils by Julia Cummins, Illustrated by Cheryl Harness