The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Gerstein, Mordicai. 2003. THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS. Ill. by Mordicai Gerstein. Brookfield, CT: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 0761317910

*Plot Summary

When French aerialist Philippe Petit looks up at the almost complete World Trade Centers in New York City, he sees more than just two incredibly tall buildings. He sees a challenge. “If he saw three balls, he had to juggle. If he saw two towers, he had to walk! That’s how he was.” In August of 1974, Petit secretly goes to the roof of the south tower, and with the help of friends, strings a five-eighths inch thick cable across the forty feet between the twin towers. The next day he spends an hour walking, dancing, and even laying on the wire to the amazement of all who see him.

*Critical Analysis

The author and illustrator, Mordicai Gerstein, has created an awe inspiring book with plain, straightforward narration and interesting illustrations. Although the text offers little dialogue and only a few descriptive phrases, accompanied by the illustrations, it provides enough to keep readers curious about the fast-moving plot. Knowing that the story is nonfiction makes the character Philippe Petit intriguing; however, Petit's performance between the towers drives the story. Gerstein balances Petit’s 1974 performance with the events on September 11, 2001. He strikes this balance respectfully, without being overly sentimental or overly enthusiastic.


In addition to the excitement created by the story itself, Gerstein’s illustrations also encourage readers to keep turning pages and find out if Philippe will be successful in his attempt to walk between the towers. The layout of the illustrations, along with the simple text, creates tension and adds to the plot. Gerstein arranges multiple separated pictures on one page to show the progression of time and Petit’s activities. For example, he places three illustrations showing the gradual tightening of the wire and the time passing from night to dawn. Arrangements like this one add details to enhance the text.

Gerstein also uses perspective to convey drama in the story of Petit’s high wire act. In one scene, readers see the barely visible city and water below as Philippe crawls down the ledge of the roof to retrieve the misguided wire. Gerstein chooses key scenes to show up close, like the width of the cable. In a picture storybook depicting a person’s performance on a high wire act at one thousand three hundred forty feet, accurately portraying the setting is essential, and Gerstein’s use of color, perspective, and point of view are excellent.

*Personal/Student Response

Although I had seen this book around, for some reason I had never bothered to pick it up and take a look inside. As soon as I realized the subject of the book, I was excited to find out more because the idea of a person performing between the twin towers amazed me. I shared this book with three fifth grade classes in the library. One student from each class asked whether Petit is still alive today; they were very interested in the real man. Other students found it almost impossible to believe that someone actually did this. Next time I read this to fifth grade classes, I will either add more information about the actual event or give them an opportunity to do some research.

Finally, I was impressed with how much the kids enjoyed the illustrations. One student even commented on the feeling one double page spread gave her. She felt relaxed and peaceful when looking at the depiction on Philippe performing between the towers. I was delighted to hear such a response, and I have a feeling Gerstein would appreciate it too!

*Review Excerpts

“Gerstein’s dramatic paintings include perspectives bound to take any reader’s breath away. Truly affecting is the book’s final painting of the imagined imprint of the towers, now existing ‘in memory’ –linked by Philippe and his high wire.”
Publishers Weekly

“Here’s a joyful true story of the World Trade Center from a time of innocence before 9/11.”
BookList

“The pacing of the narrative is as masterful as the placement and quality of the oil-and-ink paintings.”
School Library Journal

*Connections

-Research and write a “newspaper article” about the actual event.
-Research the life of Philippe Petit.
-Discuss the events of September 11, 2001. (What happened? What has happened since the attack?)
-Just as the book depicts the memory of Petit’s feat and the World Trade Centers, students may write about an important or favorite memory from their lives.
- Research the building of the twin towers. (Find out about the architects, the construction length, and construction techniques.)
-Write a journal entry concerning a passion, connecting to Petit’s passion for performing.