Gerstein, M. (2003). The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. New Milford, CT: Roaring Book Press.
Summary: This is the true story of an extraordinary street performer, named Philippe, who was inspired by the newly built Twin Towers in 1974. With help from his friends, his goal was to tightrope walk on a wire between the buildings without permission! He and his small crew disguised themselves as construction workers and worked all night to get the wire ready. Without sleep, Philippe then walked the wire several times the next morning, at one point lying down! He was arrested and sentenced to perform in the park, which he gladly did.
Reading Level:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K-3.1-10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K-3.5-10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K-3.1, 2, 3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K-3.1,.2, 3, 4
History-Social Science CA Content Standards
3.4.3
Curriculum Suggestions:
Related Links:Awards:
Tags: contemporary, elementary, picture books, historical, nonfiction
Summary: This is the true story of an extraordinary street performer, named Philippe, who was inspired by the newly built Twin Towers in 1974. With help from his friends, his goal was to tightrope walk on a wire between the buildings without permission! He and his small crew disguised themselves as construction workers and worked all night to get the wire ready. Without sleep, Philippe then walked the wire several times the next morning, at one point lying down! He was arrested and sentenced to perform in the park, which he gladly did.
Reading Level:
- Quantitative: Lexile 480
- Qualitative: Grade 3 / Medium. This picture book is slightly to moderately complex. The illustrations are colorful and plentiful, greatly enhancing and essential to understanding the text since the wording is minimal. The reader may need more background information to fully appreciate the historical importance of the story (i.e. geography, Twin Towers, etc). But the language and story structure are simple and highly engaging.
- Content Area: Language Arts, Social Studies
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.K-3.1-10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K-3.5-10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.K-3.1, 2, 3
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.K-3.1,.2, 3, 4
History-Social Science CA Content Standards
3.4.3
Curriculum Suggestions:
- Class creates art of things they would walk between on a tightrope
- Compare and contrast the experience of others who have attempted to cross between the towers or other structures
- Be a street performer for a day! What would you do and how would you do it?
Related Links:Awards:
- Caldecott Medal, 2004
- Boston Globe - Horn Book Award, 2004
- Carnegie Medal for Excellence, 2006
Tags: contemporary, elementary, picture books, historical, nonfiction