Building Liberty: A Statue is Born Book

The Statue of Liberty is one of the greatest landmarks in America, but few know the story behind how this lady began welcoming people to American shores. Through the eyes of four fictional boys, readers observe the Statue of Liberty as it is designed, built, shipped to the United States, and reassembled on an island in New York harbor. A gift from France in celebration of the American Day of Independence-July 4th-the Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of liberty, freedom, and acceptance in the United States. During its earliest conception in France, readers witness a young boy's experience as an apprentice in the workshop of the creators of the statue. His experience teaches the values of hard work and perseverance and the pride that one can take in a job well done. The second boy comes across the statue in a very different form. He sees her disassembled as she crosses the Atlantic ocean to her new home in America. His role in transporting Liberty teaches him about himself and about the power of a community united. Ben, the third boy in our journey, is a young newsboy in New York City. He is helping to raise money for the stand of the statue so that she may be properly fitted onto the island. But despite his excitement over her arrival, he finds that not everyone is as thrilled about Liberty coming to America. Rebuffed by passers-by and even his friends, Ben continues to work for what he believes and to help the Statue. Finally, the Statue has arrived in America and is ready to be reassembled. The fourth boy takes part in helping Liberty to find her home. Through his eyes readers see the importance of her arrival and the impact she will have on the United States. An added bonuscan be found in the last pages of this book. They include technical drawings with detailed descriptions of the construction of the statue-any future architect, engineer, or sculptor, is sure to find it fascinating.

Publishers Weekly

In cartoon panels and economical text, four fictional characters describe aspects of the progress of Building Liberty: A Statue Is Born by Serge Hochain. Beginning with young Leo's metalworking apprenticeship in France with Frederic-Auguste Bertholdi and Gustave Eiffel, the book follows the Statue of Liberty's progress across the Atlantic aboard a French naval ship through the eyes of young Francois, and young Ben describes fundraising efforts to pay for the statue in the States. The fourth perspective comes from Angus, an Irish immigrant who helps construct the statue in New York harbor. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.