The Copper Lady (On My Own History) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Kent Ross (Author), Leslie W. Bowman (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-2?Andre, an orphan, is taken in by a neighbor who treats him poorly. The boy seeks refuge with "The Lady"?the statue that is being built as a gift from the French to the American people. He visits so often that workers let him help with small tasks and the sculptor himself, Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, allows Andre to help hammer out the copper that becomes the statue's little finger. When it is finally time to ship her to America, Andre decides to stow away. When a storm threatens the safety of the statue and the ship itself, the boy reveals himself to report the loose cargo. He tells the captain how he was inspired by what The Lady stands for and his dream of becoming a coppersmith, and the man takes pity on him and allows him to work as a cabin boy in exchange for passage. The tone of this book is not always convincing, especially during Andre's musings on freedom, but it is a good introduction to historical fiction, and offers a story about one of our national symbols from an interesting point of view. The watercolor illustrations, done mostly in browns and grays, help to convey the time and place, and are actually better than most found in beginning readers.?Carrie Schadle, New York Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 1^-3. Young Andre, a Parisian orphan who is mistreated by his guardian, is in awe as he watches and helps in the building of the Statue of Liberty, which will soon be given to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship. Realizing that America may be the place where his misfortune can be turned into dreams, Andrestows away on the ship transporting the gift to its new homeland. In the dramatic conclusion, he saves the statue when the ship encounters a terrible storm on the high seas. This independent reader describes a little-known chapter in the history of the friendship between France and the U.S. Watercolors rendered in soft shades of browns and grays complement the Rosses' historical novel. Young readers will be fascinated as they discover this interesting link between the U.S. and France. April Judge --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876149603
• ISBN-13: 978-0876149607
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #388,274 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This charming story will appeal greatly to young readers!, March 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Copper Lady (Carolrhoda on My Own Books) (Hardcover)

Historical fiction for children, this tale is set in 1880s France. With simple, charming text and lovely, expressive illustrations, it tells the story of Andre, a young orphan in Paris, who visits the site where the Statue of Liberty is being built. As the statue is about to leave Paris, Andre decides to stow away on the ship that will bring it to America. Along the way, the ship hits a terrible storm. Will Andre and the statue make it to America together? Read this book and find out. My kids loved it. We highly recommend it

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Children need historical accuracy!!, April 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Copper Lady (Carolrhoda on My Own Books) (Hardcover)

Unfortunately, I must differ with the praise this book has received. For starters, even though the book covers over a year and a half, Andre doesn't grow and his hair remains nicely cut (Notice that his short pants in the beginning are the same short pants in the end) Even though the book mentions that he snuck scraps of food and water from the kitchen, it's hard to believe the author doesn't mention how hungry he must have been (Boys this age are constantly eating). And he looks so clean when he is found out, how does he do that? Where did he go to the bathroom? And then there's the unbelievable heroics - give me a break!! Realistic fiction for children, no matter the reading level, must be accurately told in both words and pictures. In this case the book fails on both counts.