“Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty”
by Chana Stiefel, illustrated by Chuck Groenink.
Scholastic Press, New York, 2021, 40 pages, Grades 1-2.
One of the most famous icons of the United States is the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Due to the close relationship between the United States and France, the French people wanted to create a gift for America. This gift was the Statue of Liberty. Since the country declared its freedom from Great Britain in 1776, the French nation built this beautiful sculpture for the 100th birthday of the nation. It took several years to build and eventually stood 305 feet, 1 inch high. When complete, the French shipped the Statue of Liberty in a number of sections to the United States. But this is where the problems begin in the United States. Chana Stiefel writes a charming book about how these difficulties are overcome in America. The name of this title is “Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty.”
After several years of splendid work in France, the Statue of Liberty is set to arrive in New York Harbor in time for the 100th birthday of the nation. But a major issue happens in the United States. The country has not collected enough money to build the massive base necessary to hold up the enormous statue.
The rich people of New York seem to have an indifferent attitude about contributing to the completion of the concrete and steel base. So instead of being erected, the Statue of Liberty lays on the island in numerous crates. Joseph Pulitzer, a Jewish/Hungarian immigrant is shocked by this sentiment and decides to use his newspaper, The “New York World,” to rally support to complete the foundation. Since the rich people don’t seem to care, the newspaperman turns to his readership. He offers to print the names of everyone donating to the completion of the huge footings. Soon, schoolchildren across the country become intrigued with Pulitzer’s offer. Pennies, nickels and dimes soon begin pouring Into the newspaper office. Everyone is shocked at the response of the children. But time is important, the Statue of Liberty has been laying in crates for months. Do the schoolchildren raise enough money to complete the task?
How much does the Statue of Liberty weigh? How much concrete and steel are needed to hold up this beautiful colossus? Can pennies really do the trick?
Does the enthusiasm of the children get Congress to wake up? Would you give your allowance to see something amazing happen? How do the children accomplish so much? To find out the answer to these and other questions, go to the library and check out the beautifully written and illustrated story, “Let Liberty Rise! How America’s Schoolchildren Helped Save the Statue of Liberty” by Chana Stiefel.
This is such a refreshing story. Chana Stiefel and Chuck Groenink have created a delightful picture book about one of the most inspiring icons of American history. Sometimes the children have to lead the adults. This book is a great read aloud and has important facts about the building and design of the Statue of Liberty. This book is sure to give you a lift. I liked it and am sure you will as well.
