The book, “The Man Who Walked Between The Towers,” is the perfect way to gently introduce elementary students to the events of 9/11. This 2004 Caldecott winner is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of Philippe Petit’s tightrope walk between the Twin Towers, while also paying respect to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Mordicai Gerstein is an author and illustrator of more than thirty children’s books. During the 70’s, Gerstein was living in New York and was a fan of Philippe’s street performances. Although he stated that he did not witness the walk between the towers, he expressed admiration for Philippe’s courage and his unique talents as an artist.
Gerstein won the 2004 Caldecott medal for his beautiful ink and oil painting illustrations in The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. Along with these illustrations, Gerstein tied together the amazing story of Philippe Petit with the historic tragedy of the terrorist attack that destroyed the twin towers.
Mordicai Gerstein wants us to remember: “Just as the massive towers of the World Trade Center remain in memory, so too does the image of a young man walking in the air between them.”