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Donna Bowman Bratton

King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara Hardcover – Illustrated, October 1, 2019

by Donna Janell Bowman (Author), Adam Gustavson (Illustrator)

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In 1859, Jean-Francois Gravelet, known as The Great Blondin, walked across the Niagara River on a tightrope. What kind of man would do something like that? And more importantly, how do you become that man?
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 with his family troupe, he 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 an engineering process, determination, and a belief that what he could imagine, he could accomplish.

In 1859, with all of the work completed, Blondin would step out onto the most dangerous tightrope walk he'd ever faced.
Author Donna Janell Bowman's trademark in-depth research gives readers a clear and exciting look into the accomplishments of The Great Blondin, as well as the hard work, determination, and meticulous mathematic and scientific planning it took to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. Adam Gustavson's detailed illustrations turn this book into an experience that will inspire readers of all ages.

Reading age

6 - 10 years
Print length

48 pages
Language

English
Grade level

1 - 2
Lexile measure

700L
Dimensions

8.8 x 0.4 x 11.2 inches
Publisher

Peachtree Publishing Company
Publication date

October 1, 2019
ISBN-10

1561459372
ISBN-13

978-1561459377
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

“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

About the Author

Donna Janell Bowman is the author of a number of children’s books, including the award-winning Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness. She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Adam Gustavson is the illustrator of more than twenty books for children, as well as numerous periodicals. He holds a master of fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and teaches at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He lives in New Jersey.

Product details

Publisher : Peachtree Publishing Company; Illustrated edition (October 1, 2019)
Language : English
Hardcover : 48 pages
ISBN-10 : 1561459372
ISBN-13 : 978-1561459377
Reading age : 6 - 10 years
Lexile measure : 700L
Grade level : 1 - 2
Item Weight : 1.05 pounds
Dimensions : 8.8 x 0.4 x 11.2 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #416 in Children's Performing Arts Biographies (Books)
- #782 in Children's American History of 1800s
- #2,405 in Children's Boys & Men Books (Books)

Customer Reviews:
7 ratings

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K. M. Nuttall

Suspenseful and Informative!

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2020

I just read this book with my son, and we were mesmerized!! What an incredible story–and so well written and researched. I loved all of the little details about how he actually prepped and completed the tighrope walk across Niagra Falls. I also rad on the author's blog that she was able to connect with Blondin’s great great grandson in France!! The stars definitely aligned. I also love how this book encourage kids to think critically and be problem solvers. Don't miss out on a riveting journey into the past! We couldn't put the book down!

One person found this helpful

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James Clark

This book is wonderful!

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2019

For kids this book is really amazing and fun!

Great illustrations and a very fascinating subject for kids. What kid wouldn't be interested in a man walking across Niagara falls on a rope :)

As an adult I learned a lot as well. I hadn't heard of the Great Blondin... the fact that he cooked breakfast and served it on a tight rope above the falls is just hard to even imagine!

Get this book for your kids... or get this book for yourself.. 5 stars!

One person found this helpful

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Patricia Souder

Incredible story artistically told

Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2020

Although I knew someone had crossed Niagra on a tightrope, I gained a whole new appreciation for the artistry and engineering skills Blondin employed to accomplish this amazing feat because of the author's outstanding research and storytelling skills and the artist's brilliant illustrations. Thank you, Donna Janell Bowman and Adam Gustavson for making me hold my breath during Blondin's many exploits that culminated in his danger-defying trips across the roaring Niagra.

Helpful

Lindsay Leslie

LOVED!

Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2019

What couldn't Blondin do on a tightrope? This non-fiction picture book story about Jean-Francois Gravelet, known as The Great Blondin, packs in all the wonderful details about what led him to attempt the Niagara Falls stunt and how he managed to cross. The kids will be holding their breath while pouring over all the interesting facts!

One person found this helpful

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NFWriterforKids

STEM + Suspense = a riveting read

Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2019

You might think that a story about a funambulist who carried people on his back and fried eggs while wire-walking across Niagara Falls would be exciting enough. But, Bowman also adds significant scientific background to the story making it not only breathtaking but also deeply educational. There are many classroom and bedtime lessons here.

One person found this helpful

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Kari Lavelle

Fascinating story with STEM lessons

Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2019

I had never heard of The Great Blondin before I was introduced to this fascinating story, mostly set in 1859 Niagara Falls. Well-researched and beautifully written, this book would be a great addition to any home/school library.

One person found this helpful

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Susie Kral

Kids will love this book!

Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2019

What an interesting story, and told with such flair! Both the author and illustrator have done a wonderful job of bringing this Blondin to life. Kids will be amazed by this showman and his daring feats!

One person found this helpful

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King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara Hardcover – Illustrated, October 1, 2019

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