Liberty Arrives!: How America’s Grandest Statue Found Her Home

Gr 1-4–As a national emblem of America’s immigrant history, the Statue of Liberty holds a special place in the country’s cultural identity. From idea to implementation, Byrd tells the miraculous story of Lady Liberty and how her existence almost didn’t happen. Meant to be a gift to the United States for its centennial celebration, she was the brainchild of a French judge and a young sculptor, but it took a full 21 years to make the grand plan a reality. Lengthy text and ink and watercolor illustrations work together to thoroughly describe everything from the early stages of planning to the complicated construction of the actual statue. Byrd’s narrative makes clear just how many people, including everyday Americans, were involved in supporting the project’s installment. Colorful artwork, many with inset details, make for a visually interesting read with plenty to pore over and discuss. Back matter includes a time line, a diagram of the statue with measurement details, and a helpful bibliography. Short bios include some of the more prominent Americans who were vital to the final construction of the statue.