Dave Eggers takes some time to get to taking a close look at the Statue of Liberty's right foot. First, he reveals all of the details of the statue's history before she arrives in New York: the decision to build a statue in France to celebrate the USA's 100th birthday, its construction there, its dismantling for travel, and finally the almost two years it took to reassemble it when it arrived in New York.
Now, he asks his readers to take a close look at Liberty's feet; both of them, but especially the right one. Only then will they notice:
"That's right! She is going somewhere! She is on the move!"
Visitors have noted those things that are most apparent: her size, color, symbolism, headwear, gown, torch and the look in her eyes. Has anyone considered her feet, and noticed that she is on her way somewhere?
"But she is moving. She weighs 450,000 pounds and wears a size 879 shoe, and she is moving. How can we all have missed this? Or even if we saw this, and noticed this, how is it that we have seen and noticed a 450,000 pound human on her way somewhere and said, Eh, just another 150-foot woman walking off a 150-foot pedestal?"
He surmises that there are many places in New York she might want to see. Most importantly, he ends his book with a beautiful tribute to the welcoming nature of the grand lady, and all that she stands for in the eyes of immigrants like herself.
Shawn Harris uses mixed media collage artwork to show readers the history of this very special statue. From the streets of Paris to her new home on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor, we follow her journey. Close-up views are abundant. Horizontal double page spreads exhibit all young readers need to know about Lady Liberty's purpose and her concern for those who make their way to a new life in America.
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