Are you looking for a great book to teach, comparing an actual event to its fictional account? If so, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gertein is a great picture book for doing just that. The book is also a wonderful resource for highlighting the character traits of courage and triumph.
The handout contains all printables plus a link to the Google Slides version of the book study.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
Reading Level
The Lexile Measure for The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is AD480L. The School Library Journal recommends the book for Kindergarten-Grade 6. Because the book is based on the true story of Philippe Petit, it appeals to older students.
Genre
Scholastic categorizes this story as informational text and historical fiction. Note: The text is written using lyrical words that resemble poetry.
Begin by locating different versions of the story. If your library doesn’t have a copy of the book, my Google search came up with printable and YouTube readings.
Teaching Ideas
Using the Book to Teach Key Concepts
The story of Philippe Petit’s daring high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974 captivates readers with its blend of true history and artistic interpretation.
This book is perfect for helping students understand how authors shape historical events into stories. By contrasting the real-life event with the picture book’s narrative, students will practice analyzing the author’s choices and cross-referencing facts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.9
Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history.
Philippe Petit’s walk is a clear example of courage, but it also helps students think critically about what it means to be brave. Ask students questions like, “What defines courage? Or “Is all bravery positive”? This type of discussion can lead to conversations about personal experiences with courage or acts of bravery students have witnessed in their own lives.
Vocabulary Development
In addition to the thematic lessons, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers is an excellent tool for introducing new vocabulary. Words like “cathedral,” “frantically,” and “swayed” can be highlighted in context to build understanding.
Instead of simply quizzing students on definitions, engage them in applying these words. For example, discuss how “frantically” conveys the urgency in Petit’s situation as he rushes to complete his daring feat before the authorities catch him.
Discussion Questions for Deep Engagement
To get students thinking critically about the story, try posing some of these questions during or after reading:
- Which of Petit’s high-wire acts do you think was the most dangerous? Why?
- Why do you think the judge’s punishment for Petit—performing for children in the park—was appropriate or not?
- How do the illustrations help “tell” the story? Focus on specific images, such as the judge’s facial expressions or the portrayal of the towering skyscrapers, to analyze how the visuals add depth to the narrative.
Writing Prompts
Encourage students to explore the story further with writing prompts that let them reflect on both the fictional and real-life aspects of Petit’s adventure:
- List the obstacles Petit faced before, during, and after his walk.
- Compare the book’s version of the event to the historical account. How does each one shape your view of Petit’s character?
Digital Option
Whether you prefer printables or digital resources, my Man Who Walked Between the Towers Book Study includes both. You can grab your handouts and access the Google Slides version, making integrating into any lesson easy.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers sparks discussions on courage, highlights the beauty of blending history with fiction, and helps students practice critical thinking.
This book is a wonderful resource for adding meaningful lessons on historical events, personal courage, and authorial choices to your classroom.
If you missed the link above, here it is again.
