For America’s 100th Birthday, the people of France were
building a giant gift! It would be one of the largest statues the world had
ever seen—weighing nearly as much as 40 elephants! But Lady Liberty arrived on
our shores in 350 pieces. And she could not be put together without a pedestal
to hold her up. Few of America’s millionaires were willing to foot the bill.
And without funds for a pedestal, Lady Liberty would remain trapped in her
crates, scattered about Bedloe’s Island.
Could everyday Americans—including schoolchildren—collect
enough pennies to help Liberty rise?
Chana Stiefel’s charming narrative and Chuck Groenink’s
playful illustrations highlight an inspiring story about the unstoppable spirit
of America—and what we can accomplish when everyone works together!