Her Right Foot, by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris

The Statue of Liberty, one of the most enduring symbols of our great nation, has a story to tell.  A wonderful modern-day story teller, Dave Eggers, tells her story in Her Right Foot, with illustrations by Shawn Harris.  You may know all about the famous statue, that it was built in France, that its framework was designed by Mr. Eiffel, who later designed the famous tower.  You may know that it was disassembled and sent in crates to the United States, where it was reassembled.

Eggers tells that part of the story, but he also tells the part you may not know.  The statue's right foot is portrayed in mid stride.  She is walking, and chains on the ground show that she has been unshackled.  "She is going somewhere!  She is on the move!"  Eggers's theory is that she herself is an immigrant, and for generations now she has greeted immigrants from all over the world the our nation.  Now she is walking because she is striding to meet the next immigrants, to welcome them to our shores.

Her Right Foot is beautifully illustrated, and Eggers's humor and depth capture the real meaning of the Statue of Liberty.  What a great reminder that our nation is a nation of immigrants and a beacon of hope to the world.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the complimentary electronic review copy!