An American Landmark

During this election year, you may be looking for some patriotic books about our country. Head to the library and check out Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport. You and your children won't be disappointed.

Told in verse, this book chronicles the building of the Statue of Liberty from many points of view. Starting with an idea sparked in 1865 in Glatigny, France, and the first pieces being created in 1876 in Paris, to digging the statue's foundation pit in 1884, Rappaport draws the reader into the statue's origins. Then she presents the many people who played a part in its coming to life -- sculptors, assistants, engineers, construction workers, journalists and children.

Matt Tavares' illustrations capture the essence of each time period, and are done in watercolor, ink and pencil. At the end of the book, the author includes quotes from people who saw the statue for the first time, as well as a list of the statue's dimensions, a timeline of important events and a list of selected sources for further reading. All in all, this is a great book for students aged 8-13 and casual readers of all ages.

Lisa U, CCL