You Wouldn't Want to Be a Worker on the Statue of Liberty! (Revised Edition)

You Wouldn't Want to Be ...

by John Malam, David Antram (Illustrations)

Get ready . . . as a young French sculptor, you're about to embark on one of the most ambitious artistic projects of the 19th century. This interactive series will enthrall young and reluctant readers (Ages 8-12) by making them part of the story, inviting them to become the main character. Each book uses humorous illustrations to depict the sometimes dark and horrific side of life during important eras in history. There's not a moment's rest for a worker on the Statue of Liberty. Find out all about the inspiration for the statue, the process of its construction, and its journey to New York city.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Picture Books, American History, Historical, Juvenile

40 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

John Malam is a British historian, archaeologist, and author of numerous children's non-fiction books. He attended the University of Birmingham.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You Wouldn't Want to be a Worker on the Statue of Liberty" by John Malam was a fun read. This book is based on if the audience were to build the Statue of Liberty. They had a lot of fun "handy hints" to teach you about things you would need to do to get this project going and to keep it going. I also think it is great because the book can be interesting for many age groups. It can be simple for younger children or you can read all of the side facts and it can be more of a history lesson for the older children.

I would really use this book to teach about an iconic figure of our country. Everyone knows about the statue of liberty, however not everyone knows why it is green, where it came from, and why was it given to us. I recommend this book for ages 7-11.

[Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from a great series for reluctant readers! Focusing on how the Statue of Liberty came to be, the author does a great job of giving young readers just enough information to be informative, yet fun. I even learned things from reading this! Filled with great illustrations, this is an excellent book for anyone needing more information about this great gift from France. A great resource book to add to your collection.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a few things with this book. I always thought the statue was built and brought over in a short amount of time. I had no idea that it took over 10 years for it to be built and erected. Plus all the work that went into creating the plans and the measuring from a small Maquette, a scale model of the statue, to the full size Lady. Great information and wonderful illustrations.

[Lydia Hattrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure I like the premise of this book, it being a bit negative. It's an interesting perspective but I think it is more important for the next generation to view The Statue of Liberty as an important symbol of the foundations America has in liberty and how we can share that with world, as a positive thing, then as a job to be dreaded.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Wouldn't Want to Be a Worker on the Statue of Liberty provides fascinating information about the iconic monument. I had no idea prior to reading this book that the statue took so long to come to fruition and that the statue was original copper colored but developed a patina or verdigris after being exposed to the elements. This series is so much fun and provides loads of wonderful facts.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! The story keeps your interest. It gives historical facts but never in a boring, textbook type way. The pictures and captions are great! The humor is appropriate. Great for my fifth graders.

[Jeanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book talking this to 4th graders.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a interesting look at the steps that went into building the Statue of Liberty and the various symbolism it incorporated.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about how the Statue of Liberty was built. It did not appear to be a very dangerous job (as there were no accidents), but it was a time consuming job.

[Becca]

I love how this book is not only funny but the kids can learn all about how the Statue of Liberty came about and the process it took to build it.

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read to learn the history.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Construction.

[GNRLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love an insider's view of something that many of us never consider. How WAS the Statue of Liberty made, anyway? It turns out it took much longer than planned, involved many people and was quite dangerous. Readers will love the illustrations, which are not only instructive but filled with humor as well, and appreciate the short bursts of text explaining each step of the design, creation, and assembly of this amazing gift from France that has become an icon of freedom and liberty for our country. Recommended for anyone interested in the way things work (or are made), or who likes knowing the inside scoop.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher (8yo) read.

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all the "You Wouldn't Want to Be..." books

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Avoid Working on the Statue of Liberty” by John Malan

Some say that Bartholdi's mother, Charlotte, was the model for Liberty's face. (p11)
Handy hint: Wash your hands after you've touched the copper – or your skin will turn green! (p13)

“On 1 November 1886 (110 years after the Declaration of Independence)” (p29)