Liberty!

by Allan Drummond

A symbol of freedom – the Statue of Liberty

Here is the story of the exciting day in 1886 when the Statue of Liberty was unveiled to the world. A small boy stands at the foot of the statue, ready to relay a signal to its creator way up in Liberty’s crown, telling him it is time. As anticipation builds, the boy describes the bustling scene in the harbor and on the island – all of New York waiting, including two hundred women suffragists and the President of the United States. In detailed vignettes we see the construction of the statue in France, its voyage to America, and its installation in New York Harbor.

Through rhythmic, evocative prose and energetic pen-and-wash illustrations, we are made to feel the excitement of those gathered to see Liberty’s face for the first time, and to remember all that she represents.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Historical Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are free . . . to say what we want . . .
and to believe what we want . . .
and we must help others to be free . . .

Drummond presents a loving behind the scenes glimpse at the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty.



Freedom is like a flame we must hold high and give to others and keep burning bright all around the world.

[Haley Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liberty! is about a young boy who is at the scene of the Statue of Liberty being shown for the first time. He describes the many people and things are there including men and women, Americans and the French, French and American Flags, the President and many more. Mr. Bartholdi has the boy signal for the release of the rope and the flag falls away for Lady Liberty to be revealed to all. He talks about how this statue is a symbol for liberty, freedoms and equality for all. Some of the major themes of this story include liberty, equality and union. These themes are shown through the various groups that are at the event as well as the connections that he makes at the end of the story. I enjoyed this book because it took a historical event and put a personal story along with it. I would recommend this book for reading to young children because I believe that it is a good way to discuss the basis of a historical event that is important to our country. It can also bring up the topics of equality and spark further discussion.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great description of setting. I really was compelled to read this aloud. I've read books about the construction of the Statue of Liberty before, but this one really captured the essence of excitement that surrounded the erection of this great monument. Told in fragmented sentences it really brings the pandemonium of the scene to life and the illustraions are just right for this sort of book.

[Melissa Trumbo]

Great re-telling of the day the Statue of Liberty was unveiled. Beautiful illustrations depict the day with bright, bold pictures. The true story is about a boy who was chosen to give the signal to unveil the Statue of Liberty. He tells the story from his point of view and talks about the different ships and people who were there, including the President. It also talks about what the Statue of Liberty stands for, and that's freedom. Great history book for elementary kids.

[Kelsi Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that before a teacher reads this book to her class that it offers a not to read to the students; it starts out as a note and tells them to imagine what it would be like to be a little boy in 1886 standing on the foot of an enormous statue. This would be a great book to introduce a section about American and how Lady Liberty was founded! LOVED THIS BOOK!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice and the pictures are pretty.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think kids will really enjoy Liberty.