The Statue of Liberty

Children's Literature

What famous lady wears a size 879 shoe and stands 151 feet tall? Better known as the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Enlightening the World stands proudly in New York Harbor as a symbol of the United States. Filled with interesting facts and figures, this book is an excellent introduction to Lady Liberty. It chronicles her birth as a gift from France to the United States and tells readers in vivid detail how this statue has figured in our nation's history. Historical and current photographs present a visual history to accompany the text, and "Did You Know?" sidebars offer the technical numbers that delight young readers. Whether as an addition to a unit on immigration or as a study of our nation's symbols, The Statue of Liberty is an excellent resource for the elementary classroom. 2003, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, Ages 8 to 12.
— Leah Hanson

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Designed for solidly independent readers, these engaging, well-written books present basic facts about their topics and also include insets with little-known trivia. In American Flag, Hess explores the many designs of this emblem and the legend of Betsy Ross. In Liberty Bell, she discusses how the bell was made, its role in the Revolutionary War, and how it cracked. In Statue of Liberty, she describes Lady Liberty's origins and construction, the symbolism and meaning of different parts of the statue, Ellis Island, and recent renovations. The White House offers a fascinating look at the mansion, how it has changed over the years, and why it is so important. All four titles have full-color photographs and reproductions of famous paintings. Libraries already owning the "American Symbols" series (Children's) will find these comparable, although Hess's titles are written for a slightly older audience.-Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.