Lady Liberty: A Biography

Lady Liberty: A Biography

By: Doreen Rappaport
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright: 2011

Rappaport tells through the eyes of those who created her and worked to make her come together. It begins in 1865 as an idea, but then tens years later Edouard Laboulayes dream starts to take shape. Most immigrant workers; engineers, carpenters, coppersmiths and more work together to build Lady Liberty.

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or Guided Reading


Lexile Level: AD760L

Key Vocabulary: liberty; dictator; sculptor; coppersmith; structural engineer; publisher

Web Resources:
Meet the Author: Students can learn about Dorren Rappaport and what she likes to do http://www.doreenrappaport.com/

Teacher Guide: http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763625302.btg.1.pdf

Comprehension Strategies:

Before Reading: Students should fill out a KWL chart.

After Reading: Popcorn Discussion answering these questions

1. Why did Edouard de Laboulaye want to give America a gift?
2. Where is the Statue of Liberty located? Why was this location selected?
3. Why do you think some people mocked the statue?
4. Why do you think soldiers who fought in the Civil War gave so much money to fund the statue?
5. Describe the process used by the builders to create the statue.
6. What were the obstacles overcome by those working to create this statue and built it in America?
7. How many years of planning and work did it take to make the Statue of Liberty a reality?

Writing:

Have each student imagine himself or herself as a statue of liberty.Ask students to draw pictures of what they might wear or hold and to label what those things represent to them. Students will have to explain their reasoning behind each item.