The Man Who Walked Between Two Towers

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gerstein, Mordicai. 2003. THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS. Ill. by Mordicai Gerstein. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 0-7613-1791-0

2.      PLOT SUMMARY

Using lyrical words and dramatic ink and oil paintings, author and illustrator Mordicai Gerstein tells the true story of Philippe Petit, a street performer from Paris who dreamed of one day walking a tight rope between the two towers of the World Trade Center. A thrilling tale from start to finish, Gerstein shares how Petit accomplished his seemingly impossible act with the help of several friends, and the clever use of disguises and a covert scheme to bypass the police and owners of the buildings.

3.      CRITCAL ANALYSIS

Gerstein begins his story with a fairytale-like introduction: “Once there were two towers side by side.” This use of lyrical prose continues on all throughout this delightful true story of a street performer who dreams of walking between the two towers with nothing but seven-eighths of an inch thick rope beneath him. Gerstein touches on some tense moments, such as when the rope is almost dropped while Philippe and his friends are trying to get it in place, or when the police show up on the roofs of both towers and Philippe continues to dance back and forth between them on his rope.

The ink and oil illustrations are dramatic and, for those who spare no love for heights, stomach-dropping, making use of two fold out spreads (one horizontal, one vertical) in order to give the reader a clearer idea of just how high above ground Philippe actually is.

This book is a retelling of actual events that occurred in the 1970s. Philippe Petit is a real man and he really did walk a tightrope between the Twin Towers on August 7, 1974. Because this book is based in reality, the 2001 loss of the World Trade Center is acknowledged: “Now the towers are gone. But in memory, as if imprinted on the sky, the towers are still there.” The last image readers are left with is a memorial to the Twin Towers, transparently rising above the New York skyline with a small figure of man walking between them.

In general, this book is a wonderful story to share with readers of all ages. It carries a message of reaching for the stars, no matter how impossible it might seem. Emphasizing the fact that this is a true story, as well, will inspire generations to come.

4.      REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Winner of 2004 Caldecott Medal

Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “unique and uplifting book”

Review in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “dramatic paintings include some perspectives bound to take any reader's breath away”

5.      CONNECTIONS

*This book would be a wonderful piece for leading a discussion on going after your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem.

*Check out other works written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. He has written over 30 books for children.

*Another book for children about reaching for the stars:

Barasch, Lynne. KNOCKIN’ ON WOOD: STARRING PEG LEG BATES. ISBN 1584301708