The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
on Goodreads (15,434)
What’s inside...
The story of a daring tightrope walk between skyscrapers, as seen in Robert Zemeckis's The Walk, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In 1974, French aerialist Philippe Petit threw a tightrope between the two towers of the World Trade Center and spent an hour walking, dancing, and performing high-wire tricks a quarter mile in the sky. This picture book captures the poetry and magic of the event with a poetry of its own: lyrical words and lovely paintings that present the detail, daring, and--in two dramatic foldout spreads-- the vertiginous drama of Petit's feat. The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is the winner of the 2004 Caldecott Medal, the winner of the 2004 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books, and the winner of the 2006 Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video.
Age
6-9
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Philippe Petit
Discussion points
What do you think Philippe Petit felt while walking between the towers?
Why is it important to follow your dreams, like Philippe did?
What can we learn from the people who helped Philippe achieve his dream?
How did the author use illustrations to make you feel like you were up high with Philippe?
What would you have done if you were in Philippe's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Philippe's place, asking how they might have felt doing something so daring.
Discuss the importance of persistence and courage in achieving goals, drawing parallels to challenges in your child's life.
Point out the teamwork and support Philippe received, highlighting the value of helping and being supported by others.
Explore the book’s illustrations together, discussing how they contribute to the story and how they make your child feel.
Ask your child to think about a big dream they have and what steps they could take to achieve it, reinforcing the book’s theme of ambition and perseverance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Determination
Explanation: The protagonist, Philippe Petit, demonstrates immense courage and determination by walking on a tightrope between the Twin Towers. He meticulously plans and faces numerous challenges to achieve his dream.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and courage in facing their own challenges, whether it’s tackling a difficult subject in school or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Petit’s act of walking on the tightrope is not just a physical feat but also a profound demonstration of creative expression and innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think outside the box and use their creativity to solve problems and express themselves in unique ways.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: While Petit’s achievement is awe-inspiring, the story also delicately hints at the legal and safety ramifications of his unauthorized act, teaching about the consequences that follow our choices.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that every action has a consequence, and it’s important to consider the impact of their decisions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Focus and Discipline
Explanation: The intense concentration and discipline Petit exhibits while preparing and performing his tightrope walk are fundamental to his success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying focused and disciplined when working toward a goal, be it in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Despite the obvious danger, Petit overcomes his fears to accomplish the seemingly impossible tightrope walk.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of overcoming fears and the resilience needed to face and conquer personal anxieties or uncertainties.