Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring, fresh take on the welcoming Statue of Liberty.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Dave Eggers digs into the welcoming nature of the Statue of Liberty by focusing on HER RIGHT FOOT. She's always been seen as a beacon for people who come to America "yearning to breathe free." But Eggers as the unseen narrator speaking directly to the reader points out that many people haven't noticed that she's not just standing there with her torch. She's actually stepping toward the harbor, seemingly walking out to sea to greet the incoming immigrants and visitors. In addition to this fresh perspective, the book is filled with fun facts about the statue, the sculptor who created it, and where it came from.
Is It Any Good?
At a time when anti-immigrant sentiments and policies are being hotly debated, this upbeat, funny, artistically stunning book about the Statue of Liberty couldn't be more timely. Her Right Foot teaches kids lots of history and facts about the statue, but most important, it underscores the statue's meaning by spotlighting the design detail of Lady Liberty's leg and foot in motion. She is "on the move" to greet the immigrants and visitors coming to America.
This beautifully designed book, with exquisite mixed-media illustrations by Shawn Harris, provides a wonderful, openhearted, kid-friendly introduction to the issue of immigration.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the author's take on the Statue of Liberty in Her Right Foot. Does the idea that she's stepping toward the harbor to greet immigrants change what you thought about it before?
What do you think the Statue of Liberty means to people who come to the United States from other countries?
Does learning about the statue make you want to see it for yourself sometime?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Shawn Harris
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : History
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- Publication date : September 19, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 104
- Available on : Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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