The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
St. Martin's Press 2003
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 4.2 (4th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- risk-taking
- dreams and ambition
- perseverance
- artistry and creativity
- history and memory
- awe and wonder
About this book
This Caldecott Medal picture book tells the true story of Philippe Petit, the high-wire artist who secretly strung a cable between New York City’s Twin Towers in 1974 and walked across the sky. Mordicai Gerstein’s sweeping illustrations and lyrical text capture the wonder, bravery, and artistry of the feat. Perfect for early elementary readers, it invites conversations about dreams, determination, and the city’s skyline. Kids love the breathtaking perspectives and the sense of daring adventure.
Setting: New York City, World Trade Center, 1974
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Man Who Walked Between the Towers right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Man Who Walked Between the Towers. The reading level is AR 4.2, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include courage, risk-taking, dreams and ambition.
How long does it take to read The Man Who Walked Between the Towers?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers takes around 7m to finish. The book has 1,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Man Who Walked Between the Towers have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Man Who Walked Between the Towers has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Man Who Walked Between the Towers?
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers has an AR reading level of 4.2, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.