Statue was finally installed on Bedloe Island. Impressed by U. S. democracy, French judge Êdouard de Laboulaye hired sculptor Frédéric–Auguste Bartholdi to create a statue of the Roman goddess Liberty. The narrative outlines the process: The creation of clay models followed by larger versions that he continued to scale up until the measurements of the large, copper statue were figured. Disassembled, the copper statue remained boxed while people in the United States struggled to raise enough money for the pedestal. A promise from Joseph Pultizer to print the name of every donor in the New York World led to schoolchildren saving the day with their penny contributions. A timely history illuminates the ideals, cooperation, and community effort behind this iconic work of art. (Ages 7–11)

A deeply informative and gorgeously illustrated look at the Statue of Liberty, from award-winning nonfiction master Robert Byrd.

America's most iconic national symbol was a gift from France to the United States--provided America raised the money for the pedestal on which it was to stand. Urged on by the publisher Joseph Pulitzer, it was raised, largely with the help of children, in the first example of a crowd sourced fund-raising campaign. This book tells the story of the best gift ever: how it was designed, created, transported, and then finally erected on its pedestal in the entrance to New York Harbor. Readable text is enhanced with illustrations chock-full of historical detail in Bob Byrd's lighthearted, witty style.