Liberty Arrives!: How America's Grandest Statue Found Her Home

Byrd tells an informative and visually detailed story about the inception, construction, and transportation of the Statue of Liberty. The text introduces French sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, whom a French judge commissioned to create a U.S. monument--as long as the young nation could raise money for the statue's base. Byrd's finely lined ink and watercolor illustrations show the incremental and labor-intensive process of building the statue. Laborers are seen hammering copper sheets into wooden molds and riveting "the sheets together like a quilt." Byrd movingly describes how, when funding for the pedestal came up short, adults and children across America made donations. This moving ode to a monument--and the collaboration that led to her creation--concludes with a portrait-oriented spread showing Lady Liberty gleaming against sunset skies. Back matter features photographs, a timeline, and a discussion of the statue's symbolism. Ages 6-9. (June)

Gr 1-4--As a national emblem of America's immigrant history, the Statue of Liberty holds a special place in the country's cultural identity. From idea to implementation, Byrd tells the miraculous story of Lady Liberty and how her existence almost didn't happen. Meant to be a gift to the United States for its centennial celebration, she was the brainchild of a French judge and a young sculptor, but it took a full 21 years to make the grand plan a reality. Lengthy text and ink and watercolor illustrations work together to thoroughly describe everything from the early stages of planning to the complicated construction of the actual statue. Byrd's narrative makes clear just how many people, including everyday Americans, were involved in supporting the project's installment. Colorful artwork, many with inset details, make for a visually interesting read with plenty to pore over and discuss. Back matter includes a time line, a diagram of the statue with measurement details, and a helpful bibliography. Short bios include some of the more prominent Americans who were vital to the final construction of the statue. VERDICT While there are a number of titles on this topic, this one offers a unique and valuable perspective and will have a place on most library shelves. Report writers will find this engaging and accessible.--Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA