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Her Right Foot
If you had to name a statue, any statue, odds are good you'd mention the Statue of Liberty. Have you seen her?She's in New York. She's holding a torch. And she's taking one step forward. But why?In this fascinating, fun take on nonfiction, uniquely American in its frank tone and honest look at the literal foundation of our country, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue. What they find is about more than history, more than art. What they find in the Statue of Liberty's right foot is the powerful message of acceptance that is essential to an entire country's creation. Can you believe that? Plus, this is the fixed format version, which looks almost identical to the print edition.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2017
64 people are currently reading
2439 people want to read
About the author
Dave Eggers
338 books9,483 followersDave Eggers is an American writer, editor, and publisher. He is best known for his 2000 memoir, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, which became a bestseller and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction. Eggers is also the founder of several notable literary and philanthropic ventures, including the literary journal Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, the literacy project 826 Valencia, and the human rights nonprofit Voice of Witness. Additionally, he founded ScholarMatch, a program that connects donors with students needing funds for college tuition. His writing has appeared in numerous prestigious publications, including The New Yorker, Esquire, and The New York Times Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 862 reviews
September 29, 2017
Wonderful!!!!!!!
.....FOR young CHILDREN ... ( and students of life of all ages)
Dave Eggers and illustrator Shawn Harris created an awesome children’s book of the Statue of Liberty in mid-stride....and all that she symbolizes.
“The lady was on the move”......
“walking out to sea to light the way for those coming to our shores”.....
The symbol of America is *welcome*.......as our lady is doing!
Dave Eggers book expresses love - tolerance- curiosity- teaching our children to be brave and what our country is suppose to stand for in an unsettling world.
.....FOR young CHILDREN ... ( and students of life of all ages)
Dave Eggers and illustrator Shawn Harris created an awesome children’s book of the Statue of Liberty in mid-stride....and all that she symbolizes.
“The lady was on the move”......
“walking out to sea to light the way for those coming to our shores”.....
The symbol of America is *welcome*.......as our lady is doing!
Dave Eggers book expresses love - tolerance- curiosity- teaching our children to be brave and what our country is suppose to stand for in an unsettling world.
February 9, 2021
The history and symbolism of The Statue of Liberty including a special look at her right foot! Written in a conversational style that keeps you turning the pages to learn more. A great read!
September 21, 2017
A charming picture book about one of the United States’ most recognizable landmarks. The Statue of Liberty has many symbolic features, but it’s her right foot that captures author Dave Egger's imagination. She's perpetually in motion! Where is she going? Where has she been?
This book made my heart swell! The conversational style makes it fun to read aloud. The first half is filled with fun facts about the Statue of Liberty, many that were new to me. I loved the paper collage style on many of the pages. It reminded me of how people from different backgrounds came together to create something new. You can see examples of the playful and colorful illustrations on illustrator Shawn Harris's web page.
Her Right Foot tells the story of the Statue of Liberty’s long journey from Paris, France to New York Harbor. She's a gift of friendship that came to represent hope and freedom for the millions of people seeking refuge and opportunity within America’s shores. The author theorizes on why Lady Liberty's work will never be done and why she'll never be content to stand still. It's a timely reminder that our freedoms and ideals must never be taken for granted. Like the famed statue, we must always remain vigilant and keep moving to protect the values we hold most dear.
LINKS
• The Statue of Liberty was built to welcome immigrants – that welcome must not end by Dave Eggers
• A NEW COLOSSUS: The story behind the Statue of Liberty’s unexpected transformation into a beacon for refugees and immigrants
___________
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Chronicle Books. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It will be available on September 19, 2017!
This book made my heart swell! The conversational style makes it fun to read aloud. The first half is filled with fun facts about the Statue of Liberty, many that were new to me. I loved the paper collage style on many of the pages. It reminded me of how people from different backgrounds came together to create something new. You can see examples of the playful and colorful illustrations on illustrator Shawn Harris's web page.
Liberty and freedom from oppression are not things you get or grant by standing around like some kind of statue. No! These are things that require action. Courage. An unwillingness to rest.
Her Right Foot tells the story of the Statue of Liberty’s long journey from Paris, France to New York Harbor. She's a gift of friendship that came to represent hope and freedom for the millions of people seeking refuge and opportunity within America’s shores. The author theorizes on why Lady Liberty's work will never be done and why she'll never be content to stand still. It's a timely reminder that our freedoms and ideals must never be taken for granted. Like the famed statue, we must always remain vigilant and keep moving to protect the values we hold most dear.
LINKS
• The Statue of Liberty was built to welcome immigrants – that welcome must not end by Dave Eggers
• A NEW COLOSSUS: The story behind the Statue of Liberty’s unexpected transformation into a beacon for refugees and immigrants
___________
I received this book for free from Netgalley and Chronicle Books. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. It will be available on September 19, 2017!
July 24, 2022
Fantastic book about this iconic symbol that will leave both children (and adults) with questions about where we are going as a nation. I have a really bad feeling that if we do not connect with our history (both the good and bad parts of it) we will not find that which 'unites' us - and then we will be in a new state.
October 21, 2017
Consider your country, America. Consider what our teachers have been charged to do. Facing a future where the children of America are inadequate in the realm of nonfiction, our educators have been told to get them to read more factual fare. And slowly, not overnight but within just a few years, nonfiction trade publications for kids have become more and more interesting. The trickle down effect to children’s librarians (who love the literature but have only come into the briefest contact with terms like “expository nonfiction”) is that everyone is becoming more and more educated in the rules that regulate informational books these days. There may have once been a time when something like Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers was slotted into the fictional picture book section due to its tone alone, but those days are past. I am not blind to the irony that a fiction writer for adults is rocking the nonfiction book world for kids. But I am also not blind to the fact that nonfiction for kids these days has gotten awesome. Now we’ve seen nonfiction picture books research subjects completely ignored by adult titles (Day-Glo Brothers, for example) but this is one of the few times that I’ve seen a casual true-to-life observation with larger implications conveyed in a meaningful way to a young audience. Sincere, earnest, and genuine in its care, Her Right Foot stands far above other Statue of Liberty books, conveying something particularly important and necessary to the times in which we live.
There is a place called France (presumably where the naked ladies dance, but let's not get ahead of ourselves) where once a present was made. A lady. A rather tall lady capable of being seen from far distances. From France, Edouard de Laboulaye and Frederic Auguste Bartholdi created, shipped, and sent Lady Liberty to American shores. Once brown, now green, she stands outside of New York City . . . or does she? As it turns out, the one thing the Statue of Liberty is not doing is merely standing. And if she's moving, why? To whom? Who needs her most? Eggers spills all.
There is a kind of children’s book that makes me wary. It’s not the celebrity picture book. With very few exceptions those books are almost always ludicrously awful. Rather it’s the adult author that starts writing for children. I watch them cautiously with wary eye. Jane Smiley makes horsey books for 10-year-olds while Brad Meltzer reinvents the picture book biography with unique subjects. All well and good. Some folks knock it out of the park from the get-go, like Louise Erdrich and her Birchbark House tales. But Eggers made me edgy. Sure he founded 826NYC, a not-for-profit writing program that focuses on kids ages 6 to 18. That proves he cares about children. But he also wrote the adult novel version of Where the Wild Things Are called The Wild Things, which skews him sharply into the McSweeney’s hipster world of writing. He wrote a piece for Who Done It? but that was more YA than anything else. In short, there was no guarantee that Her Right Foot wouldn’t be precious, patronizing, or self-conscious to its core. That it isn’t is as much a credit to the subject matter as to its writer.
There is a predecessor to this book, of course. This Bridge Will Not Be Gray is very much a companion nonfiction picture book to Her Right Foot. It has a similar style, voice, size, and like the publisher of this book (Chronicle Books) was put out by a small arty press (McSweeney’s). That said, This Bridge faced criticism that Her Right Foot appears to have largely eschewed. Kirkus was particularly aggrieved, saying that Eggers is, “Striving for whimsy when he’s not being patronizing.” I should mention that other journals like Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal were far kinder in their critiques. To my mind, the two books differ the most in intent. This Bridge is, like Her Right Foot about a famous landmark. Or, as PW put it, it’s about the fact, “that situations and objects that appear unchangeable do, in fact, come from somewhere, and that adults can squabble even more foolishly than children.” Fine points but the whole reason folks go gaga for Her Right Foot is that it’s coming with the right message at the right time. Where This Bridge was given lukewarm praise like, “a labor of love” and “pleasing”, Her Right Foot is being called “indisputably timely”, “a must-purchase”, and “crucial and timely”. This time Kirkus is calling the book “heartfelt” and no one could really disagree.
In an interview Eggers conducted in conjunction with this book he explained its origins. Like most New Yorkers, Eggers made no effort to go to the standard tourist destinations when he actually lived in town. After moving away and returning for a visit, however, he went on a visit to the Statue of Liberty and was shocked when he discovered that she is posed mid-stride. Now we’ve seen a plethora of picture books for kids discussing immigration coming out in the past two to three years. These range from specific ( My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo) to esoteric and vague (The Journey by Francesca Sanna) but very few successfully reinforce for young readers the fact that immigrants are essential to the health of this great nation. Nimbly Eggers loops old-time Italian, Polish, Norwegian, and Glaswegian immigrants to more contemporary Cambodian, Estonian, Somalian, Nepalian, Syrian, and Liberian immigrants. Then he punches you squarely in the gut with the lines, “It never ends. It cannot end.” I don’t really consider myself a particularly patriotic individual normally, but this is where I tear up. This conversational style that Eggers has perfected feels less teacher to student and more like a really good friend telling you about this amazing thing he discovered on vacation. In this life you get people, children even, to remember things by weaving a story. If this book is capable of reminding even a small percentage of its readers that people are people are people, it will have done its job tenfold.
Of course some adults don’t care for the tone. I’ve encountered this already. They find Eggers’ conversational manner to be akin to an intrusive and unwanted narrator. I’ve heard his writing style compared to that of Lemony Snicket, which is just rather odd when you think about it. I understand their points. Eggers seems incapable of resisting the urge to include at least one Nico reference in his picture book (we would have also accepted Neko Case). But what I don’t think these adults have done, and this is key, is read this book aloud. Preferably to children. Preferably to willing children. As someone who had to read aloud many picture books to many children in my capacity as a children’s librarian, I learned real fast that some books are destined to be readaloud classics, while others slot far more neatly into the one-on-one slot. And while reading Her Right Foot in my head sounded one way, reading it out loud to my children was an entirely different experience. So much so that the bloody book now makes me choke up when I read it. Almost every time. And far from sounding like it’s coming from some smug adult writer’s Sholes and Glidden (a criticism This Bridge Will Not Be Gray faced repeatedly) there’s an honesty to the writing. I don’t doubt for a minute that the author believes what he says. Also, I don’t doubt for a minute that the author believes that what he says is important.
In all this talk about voice and narrative nonfiction and big green ladies walking into the sea it’s odd that it has taken me this long to commend the artistry of Shawn Harris. He’s a debut picture book illustrator, with loads of record and poster art to his name. I’m not sure who the art director at Chronicle was for this book but fair play to them. Looking at this title there is no way I would have thought this was Harris’s first. The design, layout, and general sense of humor smack of an old hand in the biz. Apparently the whole lot of them were constructed in construction paper and India ink. That’s it. Now I don’t think anyone’s necessarily going to reach for this book because of the art. It does a good job in keeping the focus squarely on what Eggers is saying, but is by no means a primary draw.
And yes. I’ll admit it. When I think of the Statue of Liberty walking I think of Ghostbusters 2. If you lived in during the 80s and 90s and claim you don’t think of that as well then I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. Of course, now I’ll have something else in my brain, battling for domination, whenever I think of Lady Liberty on the move. Heck, I haven’t even properly addressed the fact that the “Further Reading” section isn’t just the same rote Statue of Liberty titles, but books like We Came to America by Faith Ringgold, Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say, Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (that one's a bit of a stretch) and more! Even the endpapers, subtle though they may be, are carefully crafted. Every element of this book feels intentional. But more than that the book is actually really interesting to kids. They like the voice of the narration. They like the mystery element to the statue’s foot. And quite frankly they like knowing that they live in a country where there’s this gigantic symbol of freedom, beckoning immigrants 24/7. We live in times where people doubt our leaders’ abilities to live up to Liberty’s promise. At least we have her there. Always on the move. Always ready to do more.
For ages 6 and up.
There is a place called France (presumably where the naked ladies dance, but let's not get ahead of ourselves) where once a present was made. A lady. A rather tall lady capable of being seen from far distances. From France, Edouard de Laboulaye and Frederic Auguste Bartholdi created, shipped, and sent Lady Liberty to American shores. Once brown, now green, she stands outside of New York City . . . or does she? As it turns out, the one thing the Statue of Liberty is not doing is merely standing. And if she's moving, why? To whom? Who needs her most? Eggers spills all.
There is a kind of children’s book that makes me wary. It’s not the celebrity picture book. With very few exceptions those books are almost always ludicrously awful. Rather it’s the adult author that starts writing for children. I watch them cautiously with wary eye. Jane Smiley makes horsey books for 10-year-olds while Brad Meltzer reinvents the picture book biography with unique subjects. All well and good. Some folks knock it out of the park from the get-go, like Louise Erdrich and her Birchbark House tales. But Eggers made me edgy. Sure he founded 826NYC, a not-for-profit writing program that focuses on kids ages 6 to 18. That proves he cares about children. But he also wrote the adult novel version of Where the Wild Things Are called The Wild Things, which skews him sharply into the McSweeney’s hipster world of writing. He wrote a piece for Who Done It? but that was more YA than anything else. In short, there was no guarantee that Her Right Foot wouldn’t be precious, patronizing, or self-conscious to its core. That it isn’t is as much a credit to the subject matter as to its writer.
There is a predecessor to this book, of course. This Bridge Will Not Be Gray is very much a companion nonfiction picture book to Her Right Foot. It has a similar style, voice, size, and like the publisher of this book (Chronicle Books) was put out by a small arty press (McSweeney’s). That said, This Bridge faced criticism that Her Right Foot appears to have largely eschewed. Kirkus was particularly aggrieved, saying that Eggers is, “Striving for whimsy when he’s not being patronizing.” I should mention that other journals like Publisher’s Weekly and School Library Journal were far kinder in their critiques. To my mind, the two books differ the most in intent. This Bridge is, like Her Right Foot about a famous landmark. Or, as PW put it, it’s about the fact, “that situations and objects that appear unchangeable do, in fact, come from somewhere, and that adults can squabble even more foolishly than children.” Fine points but the whole reason folks go gaga for Her Right Foot is that it’s coming with the right message at the right time. Where This Bridge was given lukewarm praise like, “a labor of love” and “pleasing”, Her Right Foot is being called “indisputably timely”, “a must-purchase”, and “crucial and timely”. This time Kirkus is calling the book “heartfelt” and no one could really disagree.
In an interview Eggers conducted in conjunction with this book he explained its origins. Like most New Yorkers, Eggers made no effort to go to the standard tourist destinations when he actually lived in town. After moving away and returning for a visit, however, he went on a visit to the Statue of Liberty and was shocked when he discovered that she is posed mid-stride. Now we’ve seen a plethora of picture books for kids discussing immigration coming out in the past two to three years. These range from specific ( My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo) to esoteric and vague (The Journey by Francesca Sanna) but very few successfully reinforce for young readers the fact that immigrants are essential to the health of this great nation. Nimbly Eggers loops old-time Italian, Polish, Norwegian, and Glaswegian immigrants to more contemporary Cambodian, Estonian, Somalian, Nepalian, Syrian, and Liberian immigrants. Then he punches you squarely in the gut with the lines, “It never ends. It cannot end.” I don’t really consider myself a particularly patriotic individual normally, but this is where I tear up. This conversational style that Eggers has perfected feels less teacher to student and more like a really good friend telling you about this amazing thing he discovered on vacation. In this life you get people, children even, to remember things by weaving a story. If this book is capable of reminding even a small percentage of its readers that people are people are people, it will have done its job tenfold.
Of course some adults don’t care for the tone. I’ve encountered this already. They find Eggers’ conversational manner to be akin to an intrusive and unwanted narrator. I’ve heard his writing style compared to that of Lemony Snicket, which is just rather odd when you think about it. I understand their points. Eggers seems incapable of resisting the urge to include at least one Nico reference in his picture book (we would have also accepted Neko Case). But what I don’t think these adults have done, and this is key, is read this book aloud. Preferably to children. Preferably to willing children. As someone who had to read aloud many picture books to many children in my capacity as a children’s librarian, I learned real fast that some books are destined to be readaloud classics, while others slot far more neatly into the one-on-one slot. And while reading Her Right Foot in my head sounded one way, reading it out loud to my children was an entirely different experience. So much so that the bloody book now makes me choke up when I read it. Almost every time. And far from sounding like it’s coming from some smug adult writer’s Sholes and Glidden (a criticism This Bridge Will Not Be Gray faced repeatedly) there’s an honesty to the writing. I don’t doubt for a minute that the author believes what he says. Also, I don’t doubt for a minute that the author believes that what he says is important.
In all this talk about voice and narrative nonfiction and big green ladies walking into the sea it’s odd that it has taken me this long to commend the artistry of Shawn Harris. He’s a debut picture book illustrator, with loads of record and poster art to his name. I’m not sure who the art director at Chronicle was for this book but fair play to them. Looking at this title there is no way I would have thought this was Harris’s first. The design, layout, and general sense of humor smack of an old hand in the biz. Apparently the whole lot of them were constructed in construction paper and India ink. That’s it. Now I don’t think anyone’s necessarily going to reach for this book because of the art. It does a good job in keeping the focus squarely on what Eggers is saying, but is by no means a primary draw.
And yes. I’ll admit it. When I think of the Statue of Liberty walking I think of Ghostbusters 2. If you lived in during the 80s and 90s and claim you don’t think of that as well then I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. Of course, now I’ll have something else in my brain, battling for domination, whenever I think of Lady Liberty on the move. Heck, I haven’t even properly addressed the fact that the “Further Reading” section isn’t just the same rote Statue of Liberty titles, but books like We Came to America by Faith Ringgold, Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say, Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty (that one's a bit of a stretch) and more! Even the endpapers, subtle though they may be, are carefully crafted. Every element of this book feels intentional. But more than that the book is actually really interesting to kids. They like the voice of the narration. They like the mystery element to the statue’s foot. And quite frankly they like knowing that they live in a country where there’s this gigantic symbol of freedom, beckoning immigrants 24/7. We live in times where people doubt our leaders’ abilities to live up to Liberty’s promise. At least we have her there. Always on the move. Always ready to do more.
For ages 6 and up.
April 29, 2018
A delightful examination of this symbol of freedom, how she came to be and what she stands for, a nonfiction book aimed at children with a powerful message and deeper meaning. Timely and important topics that open up conversations with children (and this adult learned a thing or two as well).
Eggers, who founded 826NYC a nonprofit that ‘empowers students to write their own paths forward, undefined by circumstance,’ shows he puts his efforts where his heart lies and gets special kudos from me for that alone.
Eggers, who founded 826NYC a nonprofit that ‘empowers students to write their own paths forward, undefined by circumstance,’ shows he puts his efforts where his heart lies and gets special kudos from me for that alone.
February 9, 2021
An illustrated book with a small but important perspective on Lady Liberty, that you can tell by looking for her right foot that she is not passively waiting, but moving forward, moving to the sea to welcome those in greatest need of refuge. The delivery of the non-fiction text is like other Eggers's books for young people, not really so much a story but more like Uncle Dave talking about the statue (which was a gift from France and assembled there first), and telling us not to just visit it and stand around like a statue but to move forward toward compassion, hope and charity and away from fear and hate. It's a reminder for kids (and their likely parents and guardians who know Eggers' name and would thus pick it up) to take a more open view of caring for refugees.
March 22, 2025
Note: My copy has 57 pages. I don't think the number listed on GR is accurate.
ETA 3/22/25: reread since my country is a dumpster fire and I needed a reminder that not everyone hates immigrants
This is a lovely tribute to immigrants, with whimsical artwork (appreciate the diversity too) and a very easy to follow/sincere tone.
And being a history nerd, it was neat to learn more about the Statue of Liberty's creation and Emma Lazarus' superb and powerful poem!
The messages of this book are still so relevant, but easily (and unfortunately) forgotten. Books like Her Right Foot give me hope for the future.
ETA 3/22/25: reread since my country is a dumpster fire and I needed a reminder that not everyone hates immigrants
This is a lovely tribute to immigrants, with whimsical artwork (appreciate the diversity too) and a very easy to follow/sincere tone.
And being a history nerd, it was neat to learn more about the Statue of Liberty's creation and Emma Lazarus' superb and powerful poem!
The messages of this book are still so relevant, but easily (and unfortunately) forgotten. Books like Her Right Foot give me hope for the future.
December 6, 2017
The story of the Statue of Liberty is vitally important - now more than ever. As our country becomes progressively closed off from the rest of the world, as our country moves deeper into the heart of xenophobia (thanks, Supreme Court, for backing a racist, anti-Muslim ban!) - we need to remember what our country stands (stood?) for.
We are a country of immigrants. Immigrants, incidentally, who stole the land from natives, but that's a different story.
So we need a book that looks behind us but also looks within us. We need a book that celebrates the beauty of immigration, the vibrant cultures that make up the fabric of this country. We desperately need this book.
But we don't need this book to be written by David Goddamned Eggers.
Boy, do I love the message behind this book.
Boy, did I learn some interesting facts.
Boy, did my hand turn the pages with ever-increasing rage at the cutesy, smug narrator who traipses through history and winks and cajoles and nudges and treats the weight of history with a poke to the ribs. This narrator reminds me of hipsters high-fiving each other over how cool they are while condescending to everyone around them. Except the "everyone around them", in this case, is children because that is (ostensibly) the target audience for this book.
Tell me, though, what child is going to savor these self-satisfied lines?:
"They said this all in French, the language of the French, a people who appreciate the absurd."
"Is she going to Soho to get a panini?"
"Is she going to the West Village to look for vintage Nico records?"
Honest to God. Is any of that even remotely necessary? All these precious asides? All this smug authority? Toward children?
Nico? Paninis? Come on. Be serious, dude. Immigration is a serious, weighty topic that deserves better treatment than this. Way better treatment.
NB: Having said all this, the illustrations are lovely and engaging. Creative use of construction paper and India Ink, quite reminiscent of Christian Robinson. The art, like the topic, deserves better.
We are a country of immigrants. Immigrants, incidentally, who stole the land from natives, but that's a different story.
So we need a book that looks behind us but also looks within us. We need a book that celebrates the beauty of immigration, the vibrant cultures that make up the fabric of this country. We desperately need this book.
But we don't need this book to be written by David Goddamned Eggers.
Boy, do I love the message behind this book.
Boy, did I learn some interesting facts.
Boy, did my hand turn the pages with ever-increasing rage at the cutesy, smug narrator who traipses through history and winks and cajoles and nudges and treats the weight of history with a poke to the ribs. This narrator reminds me of hipsters high-fiving each other over how cool they are while condescending to everyone around them. Except the "everyone around them", in this case, is children because that is (ostensibly) the target audience for this book.
Tell me, though, what child is going to savor these self-satisfied lines?:
"They said this all in French, the language of the French, a people who appreciate the absurd."
"Is she going to Soho to get a panini?"
"Is she going to the West Village to look for vintage Nico records?"
Honest to God. Is any of that even remotely necessary? All these precious asides? All this smug authority? Toward children?
Nico? Paninis? Come on. Be serious, dude. Immigration is a serious, weighty topic that deserves better treatment than this. Way better treatment.
NB: Having said all this, the illustrations are lovely and engaging. Creative use of construction paper and India Ink, quite reminiscent of Christian Robinson. The art, like the topic, deserves better.
September 4, 2017
Wow. This book. One for laughs and facts and cries. One for inspiring readers to be on the move for making a welcoming place.
September 13, 2017
The illustrations are beautiful and engaging and the message of the book is important and well-communicated, but the voice was off to me. It doesn't read like a book for children and I found some of the humorous asides off-putting and strange.
August 19, 2017
In Her Right Foot, Eggers introduces readers to the engaging history of the Statue of Liberty, from her origins in France, her long journey to the United States, and eventual home on Ellis Island. Facts told in colloquial, declarative statements build to a thoughtful look at Lady Liberty's right foot, which rises as if in motion. Where is she going?, Eggers wonders. His theory that she, remembering her immigrant roots, yearns to meet those seeking asylum is moving and memorable. A must for readers of all ages, this story is a powerful reminder of the importance of history and empathy.
October 6, 2017
The narrator of this book talks directly to the reader: "Did you know that the Statue of Liberty comes from France? This is true. This is a factual book." The book sort of meanders through lesser known facts about the Statue of Liberty, all very amusing.
Then about halfway through, the narrator confesses, "...there is one thing you might not know, and this is the central point to this book -- a point the author apologizes for taking so long to get to." The point is apparent from the title. It's about Lady Liberty's right foot.
The narrator asks the reader to pause, to think, to discuss the fact that her right foot is raised and it looks like she's going somewhere. She is on the move. There are some silly guesses as to where she's going -- SoHo? the West Village? Trenton?
Then we get to the meat of the book. The narrator calls it "an idea," "a theory," "a reminder." And here it is: "Liberty and freedom from oppression are not things you get or grant by standing around like some kind of statue. No! These are things that require action."
The book ends in a powerful series of dramatic page turns. Each page builds on the idea that the Statue of Liberty actively, purposefully reaches out to welcome immigrants to the United States. She has done so and will continue to do so. (This is the point where I get shivers and then turn the page and read "The New Colossus" and get more shivers.)
What a stunning work of non-fiction for children. Pair with another of my favorites Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land.
Then about halfway through, the narrator confesses, "...there is one thing you might not know, and this is the central point to this book -- a point the author apologizes for taking so long to get to." The point is apparent from the title. It's about Lady Liberty's right foot.
The narrator asks the reader to pause, to think, to discuss the fact that her right foot is raised and it looks like she's going somewhere. She is on the move. There are some silly guesses as to where she's going -- SoHo? the West Village? Trenton?
Then we get to the meat of the book. The narrator calls it "an idea," "a theory," "a reminder." And here it is: "Liberty and freedom from oppression are not things you get or grant by standing around like some kind of statue. No! These are things that require action."
The book ends in a powerful series of dramatic page turns. Each page builds on the idea that the Statue of Liberty actively, purposefully reaches out to welcome immigrants to the United States. She has done so and will continue to do so. (This is the point where I get shivers and then turn the page and read "The New Colossus" and get more shivers.)
What a stunning work of non-fiction for children. Pair with another of my favorites Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land.
August 29, 2017
An important book to have in every library, this book breathes new life into a statue that many of us may have taken for granted. Eggers conversational style reaches out to every reader, reminding them of what they might already know and then giving them new information (and apologizing that it takes him a while to get there). The illustrations are equally engaging, simple and active, bright colors, peopled in all aspects of the creation and admiration of the statue. But what is most important is that the statue's right foot is not planted on the ground but in a state of motion as is she, symbolically, still reaching out to those who are coming to our shores. An important message, gently but firmly told.
October 22, 2017
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers is mostly a history of The Statue of Liberty that begins with humor and ends with an important message about America and immigrants. Some of the background is familiar, which Eggers acknowledges, but there are also some surprises. In fact, there is one big surprise involving something important about the statue’s right foot. The narration builds a positive relationship by directly addressing a reader, sometimes teasingly, sometimes with compliments. This pays off at the end when Eggers delivers his innovative interpretation of the statue. The Shawn Harris cut-paper artwork is decidedly modern, which reinforces a new way of seeing our well-known neoclassical statue. Her Right Foot is fun, and it’s likely to be a favorite with young readers even as it reminds us about America’s important mission to welcome “the poor, the tired, and the struggling to breathe free.”
September 15, 2017
What a great book! Eggers introduces readers to the engaging history of the Statue of Liberty, including something that I had never heard before: the Statue of Liberty is in mid-stride!! I DID NOT KNOW THIS!!! What does this mean? It's significance? "The symbol of America is a symbol of welcome. It's a woman in a robe walking out to sea, to light the way for those coming to our shores." -Dave Eggers
Important.
Important.
August 31, 2017
Great point to bring up; many good historical tidbits for child readers. Nice illustration style. Unfortunately--annoying, almost condescending, text.
My book has Shawn Harris clearly listed as illustrator. Not sure why Goodreads thinks otherwise.
My book has Shawn Harris clearly listed as illustrator. Not sure why Goodreads thinks otherwise.
June 12, 2017
So great! What a fun concept (definitely something I didn't know)! And the illustrations are perfect for the telling of the story. I loved this!
October 29, 2017
This book on the Statue of Liberty could not be more timely for our world today. The book first looks at the French origins of the statue made to celebrate the centennial of the United States. From small renderings to large pieces of the full-sized statue, Bartholdi, the artist shipped the statue to New York City in 214 crates. Statue assembly in New York took 17 months. The copper statue was originally copper brown, but aged to the green lady we know today. The book then focuses on the statue’s right foot, a foot that is moving rather than standing still. This symbol of our nation welcoming refugees and immigrants from around the world is stepping forward, just as we must to welcome new people to our shores.
This book is a lovely cross between a picture book and a nonfiction read. Shaped as a book that is shorter and thicker than most picture books, it offers illustrations on all of the pages. The text length is welcoming for younger readers and will also work as a read aloud.
The book moves from being a factual read about the statue itself and how it was built and came to America. It transforms into a call for our nation to live up to that symbol, to step forward as well. It becomes something more than the facts, more than the details. It brings the statue and our values to life.
Rumbles of awards surround this title. It deserves all of them. Unique and fabulous. Appropriate for ages 5-9.
This book is a lovely cross between a picture book and a nonfiction read. Shaped as a book that is shorter and thicker than most picture books, it offers illustrations on all of the pages. The text length is welcoming for younger readers and will also work as a read aloud.
The book moves from being a factual read about the statue itself and how it was built and came to America. It transforms into a call for our nation to live up to that symbol, to step forward as well. It becomes something more than the facts, more than the details. It brings the statue and our values to life.
Rumbles of awards surround this title. It deserves all of them. Unique and fabulous. Appropriate for ages 5-9.
July 27, 2021
Her Right Foot is a very engaging, giant (it's 100+ pages) non-fiction picturebook about the Statue of Liberty and her message of acceptance emphasized by her right foot in mid-stride.
Dave Eggers's narration is conversational and full of fun facts, and his message of acceptance is timely and heart-warming.
Shawn Harris's art style is not necessarily my personal favorite but the illustrations are fun and creative, and I loved the 3D effect created by the collage.
Liberty and freedom from oppression are not things you get or grant by standing around like some kind of statue. No! These are things that require action. Courage. An unwillingness to rest.
Dave Eggers's narration is conversational and full of fun facts, and his message of acceptance is timely and heart-warming.
Shawn Harris's art style is not necessarily my personal favorite but the illustrations are fun and creative, and I loved the 3D effect created by the collage.
November 14, 2017
This is a remarkable book on many levels. The retro art and palette, the pacing and integration of complex information, the depth of content presented in accessible conversational style, and the ultimate conclusion combine to make this an ideal book for middle grade readers. Second person direct address voice is difficult to find in quality books, and this one does it with flair. There is an ironic, nearly snarky, tone, but one that doesn't overdo the effort. The span from the creation era through the iconic era and on to the future are impressively handled and I can't think of another recent book that so effectively links history to current events, spanning 150 years.
Back matter provides additional fuel to my argument that this picture book was never meant for babies, but is instead an ideal match for the humor, curiosity, and cautious idealism of adolescents.
Back matter provides additional fuel to my argument that this picture book was never meant for babies, but is instead an ideal match for the humor, curiosity, and cautious idealism of adolescents.
January 17, 2018
There are many things that I love about being a librarian. One is that I get to read lots of new books. Another is that I am always learning new things. For example, did you know that Lady Liberty is actually walking? I didn't. And I've visited her - seen her in person. I knew a lot of the information David Eggers shares with us in this book - but there were new things that I did not know. And things I would like to learn. I would like to see a picture of Lady Liberty before she turned green in 1920. I may have seen one at the museum - but I don't remember it. And I want to revisit the statue, just so I can look at her right foot again. Read this book. You will learn things. And you will enjoy Eggers amusing and informative writing style. And you will, most likely, love the amazing illustrations created by Shawn Harris.
August 21, 2017
This was so much better than I anticipated. Yes the book is heavy on the history of Lady Liberty but it does so with cheek and sass. But the story changes halfway to focus specifically on her right foot, and how she is preparing to walk away. But where is she walking? To welcome new people to this land. The story focuses on her symbolism a friend to immigrants. As a lighthouse for those seeking a new future. A fantastic book that is the perfect lesson on who this country was and what our forefathers believed.
January 16, 2018
Such a unique take on a nonfiction picture book. The focus of this story, the Statue of Liberty's right foot, is so original and when I arrived at the narrator's "central point," I was speechless. The final page and text, is powerful. The artwork is fun and engaging and compliments the narrator's somewhat snarky tone.
October 30, 2017
This book is a must read. The illustrations were excellent. The book explains how the Statue of Liberty was made. There were humorous parts, and plenty of cool facts. Both adults and children will enjoy this book.
~April
~April
November 21, 2017
Incredible. I loved it...just loved it!
It's a wonderful age-appropriate book about the Statue of Liberty, where she was built, and how she came to live in the United States. And adorable humor. And the right foot? Read it...learn something new.
It's a wonderful age-appropriate book about the Statue of Liberty, where she was built, and how she came to live in the United States. And adorable humor. And the right foot? Read it...learn something new.
January 19, 2018
I did not realize that about the Statue of Liberty's right foot, and when Eggers revealed the fact--before he even commented on it--I got chills and knew exactly where he was going with it. I think of the Statue of Liberty in a whole new light now.
October 26, 2017
Stunning, moving, and incredibly timely.
January 6, 2018
What a great opener for wonder! What do you already know about the Statue of Liberty and better yet What is special about her right foot?
December 30, 2017
An easily accessible book for kids that teaches interesting facts about the construction of and story of the Statue of Liberty.
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