Author Statement: by Elizabeth Mann ; Illustrated by Alan Witschonke
Series Name: Wonders of the World Book
Audience: Juvenile
Age range lower: 9
Age range upper: 13
Specs: 28 pages in color (original paintings and archival art), double gatefold, timeline, bibliography, index
Pages: 48
Trim Size: 10" X 10" X 7/16"
Language code 1: eng
Publication Date: 20110414
Copyright Year: 2011
Statue of Liberty: A Tale of Two Countries
The true story of America's most beloved symbol -- a tale of art and idealism.
With her right hand she lifts a torch, the light of liberty. In her left hand she holds a book whose cover reads "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI," the date of the signing of the United States' Declaration of Independence. Under her left foot is a broken chain, a symbol of the end of slavery.
The Statue of Liberty pays homage to what is best about the United States, yet it originated in France. Living under the repressive rule of a self-proclaimed emperor, sculptors Édouard de Laboulaye and Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi wanted to show their countrymen that tyranny is not inevitable and that there is a place in the world where all citizens have "unalienable rights" that no government can take from them.
After two decades of planning, cajoling, fundraising, designing and building, these artists brought their dream of "Liberty" across the ocean. Now, 125 years after she was placed on her pedestal in New York Harbor, she continues to inspire people all over the world.
So does her story.
| Bio: | Elizabeth Mann is the author of 12 other titles in the Wonders of the World series, which was cited by Booklist as a 10-best non-fiction series. Alan Witschonke has illustrated six of books in the Wonders of the World series. |
