Saving Lady Liberty

April 1, 2020

PreS-Gr 4-This nonfiction picture book sheds light on Joseph Pulitzer's connection to Lady Liberty and his role in bringing the American icon to the United States. Born in 1847 in Mako, Hungary, Pulitzer moved to America to fight in the Civil War and went on to become a successful newspaper publisher and philanthropist. At the 1878 Paris World's Fair, he became fascinated with the Statue of Liberty and began to actively campaign to bring the statue to the States. He eventually reached out to fellow Americans through his newspaper and offered to print the stories of anyone who made a donation. Young readers will particularly enjoy reproductions of donation letters from kids, pledging money to support the cause. Innerst uses watercolor and acrylic paint, with some ink drawings. Back matter includes fun facts about the Statue of Liberty and Pulitzer, a bibliography, an afterword, a time line, and photos of the statue during its construction and inauguration. VERDICT Although biographies about Pulitzer aren't likely to fly off the shelf, this one is a good jumping-off point for discussions of civic responsibility and philanthropy. A solid, if somewhat additional, purchase for most libraries.-Jennifer Knight, North Olympic Library System, Port Angeles, WA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2020
A poor Jewish immigrant who understood what liberty meant crusaded for Lady Liberty's pedestal. Joseph Pulitzer immigrated to the U.S. from Hungary as a teen to join the Union Army, entering the newspaper business after the Civil War. Traveling in Paris in 1878, Pulitzer saw the exhibited head of the Statue of Liberty. Americans had agreed to build the pedestal in New York's harbor for this French gift--but New Yorkers refused to pay. Pulitzer bought the New York World newspaper and generated some capital, but funds still fell short, the wealthy failing to contribute despite his fiery editorials. Pulitzer hatched a desperate ploy: He urged ordinary people to donate even tiny amounts and promised to print their names and stories in his newspaper. Money and tales poured in, and finally Lady Liberty stood. This is a well-written, inspiring ode to the contributions of immigrants. Pulitzer quotes and excerpts from some of his editorials are included; particularly wonderful are replicas of some handwritten letters from children who donated, literally, pennies. Atmospheric illustrations in brown and blue brushed on sepia-toned backgrounds give a historical feel, with Pulitzer and most secondary characters depicted as white. Excellent information about Pulitzer and the Statue of Liberty, including a timeline, appears in the backmatter. Pulitzer's permanent legacy now beams a beckoning welcome to all American newcomers--a timely reminder. (Informational picture book. 7-10)

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Starred review from April 15, 2020
Grades 2-4 *Starred Review* Unable to spark sufficient financial support from government or wealthy donors to complete a pedestal on which to place France's centennial gift to the U.S., newspaper owner Joseph Pulitzer turned to the public for what Friddell dubs the world's first crowdfunding effort and raised more than $100,000. In this soaring account, which spans Pulitzer's birth in Hungary to Lady Liberty's debut in 1886, the author highlights both Pulitzer's rags-to-riches personal success story and his profound idealism: he had always loved words. And the word he loved best was liberty. Innerst adds to the high tone of this celebration with impressionistically brushed scenes of Lady Liberty's grand features, her frail-looking champion bouncing back from multiple reverses, and ordinary people pitching in coins and small bills to see the iconic statue raised at last. Along with a spread of letters (presumably real ones) that arrived with these contributions ( I am a little girl only eight years old. I send 10 cents"), supporting matter includes an afterword, period photos, a time line, lists of basic facts about both the statue and Pulitzer, and a generous reading list. Though histories of the Statue of Liberty often mention Pulitzer's campaign, this is the most detailed presentation for younger audiences to date. Just another immigrant getting the job done.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)