Description
In 1859, The Great Blondin took the most dangerous tightrope walk of his career—a death-defying walk across Niagara Falls. History and STEAM combine for an edge-of-your-seat read.
At the age of four, Jean-Francois Gravelet walked across his first balance beam. Later, he took to the tightrope like a spider to its web and climbed toward stardom. Though his feats became more and more marvelous, he grew bored. That is, until he visited Niagara Falls and imagined doing something that no one else had ever accomplished.
To cross the raging river, the Great Blondin needed determination, an understanding of engineering, and a belief that what he could imagine, he could accomplish. And in 1859, with all of his preparation complete, Blondin stepped out onto the most dangerous tightrope walk he’d ever faced.
Award-winning nonfiction author Donna Janell Bowman uses her trademark in-depth research to give readers a close look at the hard work and meticulous mathematic and scientific planning it took to plan and execute and astonish feat. Adam Gustavson’s detailed illustrations turn this book into an experience that will astound and inspire. This fascinating, STEAM-filled story will have readers holding their breath!
Reviews
“Bowman makes this longer text accessible to a wide range of readers. Gustavson’s gouache and watercolor images transport readers into Blondin’s world…. This well-researched, riveting biography will inspire readers.” —School Library Journal
“The lifelike gouache-and-watercolor illustrations are rich with the drama and tension of Blondin’s performances… Bowman conjures the sheer magnitude of his Niagara endeavor as she describes the calculations, equipment, and manpower needed to simply get Blondin’s rope from one shore to the other. And like the spectators there on June 30, 1859, readers will hold their breath as the Frenchman makes his legendary walk.” —Booklist
“Bowman’s well-researched documentary text re-creates the energy, tactics, skill, engineering, unflinching optimism, and sheer grit of Blondin’s preparations to cross Niagara as well as the skepticism and wonder of all who witnessed his legendary endeavor. Bold, colorful watercolor-and-gouache illustrations capture Blondin’s high-wire escapades… Theatrical lighting, stunning perspectives, and arresting close-ups convey the intensity of Blondin’s feats… Awesome, astounding, death-defying.”—Kirkus Reviews
More Details
F&P: S, Gr 4, Genre B
Lexile: 700L
Themes: Engineering, Problem Solving, Performing Arts
BISAC 1: JNF007060 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Biography & Autobiography / Performing Arts
BISAC 2: JNF039010 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Performing Arts / Circus
BISAC 3: JNF009000 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Boys & Men
