Lady Liberty Is On The Move!

Nonfiction picture book Her Right Foot, written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris, is a thought-provoking look at a symbol we all recognize: the Statue of Liberty.  Eggers, however, does not focus on her face or her torch as he points out that most representations or discussions of her do, but at her right foot, which is mid-stride.  Published in 2017 by Chronicle Books, this picture book’s intended audience is children in kindergarten-3rd grade, but the information it presents–who built the statue and where, how it was constructed, what various parts of her represent–may be new to the adult readers of this story as well.  Eggers’ notice of the fact that “She is on the move!” spurred him to write this book, asking his readers in a dry, conversational tone to think about the fact that this iconic American symbol of welcome is moving. His theory, vibrantly illustrated by Harris, is that she, herself an immigrant, must continue to meet immigrants “in the sea” rather than standing still and waiting for change.  Photos of the statue, as well as a photo of “The New Colossus” sonnet at her base, accompany Eggers’ source notes and suggestions for further reading, making this book one to read to our children, to our friends, to our neighbors to spur thought and conversations around this timely topic.