By Matt Tavares
This is an illustrated biography of tightrope walker Jean Francois Gravelet, nicknamed the Great Blondin. This books tells and shows the anxiety and excitement of his awe-inspiring crossings of the Niagara River from the Canadian side to the American side. He crossed on a rope that was more than 1,100 feet long and just 3 inches wide, hanging 160 feet above the raging river. People came from everywhere to view the stunt. Some people came to watch him cross, others thought he thought he would fall, others thought he wouldn’t show up. He did show up and he crossed the river several times, adding more elaborate tricks and techniques each time. This is a beautiful book with great watercolor paintings and a great biography.
Review by Debbie Woolsey, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 1-4
Author Website: http://www.matttavares.com/
Crossing Niagara
By Matt Tavares
Candlewick Press
36 pages
Release Date: April 12, 2016
