Pick up a picture book biography of someone you may never
have heard of to inspire you and a young person in your life. These outstanding
books introduce us to people whose lives and enrich our own, giving us models
and opportunities for conversations! Have fun!
My Story, My Dance:
Robert Battle’s Journey to Alvin Ailey
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
illustrated
by James E. Ransome
The
story of local Liberty City Miami talent, Robert Battle, is inspiring. It
celebrates the African-American experience of family, faith and art.
Only the third artistic director for
the highly respected and well-loved Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,
Battles’ early struggles, and warmly supportive family form the framework for
this strong picture book biography. He overcame the need for leg braces as a
young child. Also, his experiences of the music and faith of his church
community, plus his youthful practice of music, dance and martial arts, were
important in preparing him for dance classes. These latter seized his heart,
mind and body, giving direction to his sense of himself.
Ransome’s
pastels capture family scenes, karate, and studio practice sessions. Especially
important in Battles’ experience and dramatic for his future, is the double
page spread of the Ailey dancers he watched onstage. This performance was
featured as a high school field trip with his after-school dance class. The
colors, costumes and fluid movements of the dancers’ bodies’ in Ransome’s
illustrations, partner seamlessly with (wife) Cline-Ransome’s liquid language.
This
beautifully conceived and executed life story includes a foreword with photos
from Battles himself. There are also an author’s note, an illustrator’s note,
bibliography, website, and further reading included at the end.
Simon & Schuster,
$17.99
Interest Level: Grade
2-5
Mr. Ferris and His
Wheel
by Kathryn Gibbs Davis
illustrated by Gilbert Ford
George
Washington Gale Ferris Jr., a civil engineer who was a designer of bridges,
tunnels and roads, had a dazzling idea. He wanted to create a structure for the
1893 Chicago World’s Fair that would rival France’s Eiffel Tower from the
previous event. Although, Ferris’ decided that his structure would move!
He
and his engineering partner, William Gronau worked on a design that used steel
as a framework instead of solid walls. This innovative project was devised during
a time period that tempted inventors to show off new technologies. However,
George had difficulty convincing officials of its safety. Still, there was
nothing else that emerged to compete with George’s design. So, officials agreed
to his plan, but granted him no money to build his proposed structure.
George
tried with no success to get banks’ assistance. Since time was running short,
he became persistent in getting funding, supplies, parts, and workers in place.
The successfully completed Ferris Wheel became a World’s Fair sensation.
Digital
mixed media, ink and watercolor illustrations in a somewhat cartoon-like style
use colors to evoke an era before electricity. Also featured is the stylized
electrical magic of the new invention at night. It could be seen from miles
away!
Not
a typical biography, this nonfiction picture book is fascinating, well written
and researched. Sidebars enhance the story, or explain parts of the text.
Sources, bibliography and websites are included at the end.
Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, $17.99
Interest Level:
Kindergarten – Grade 3
Building on Nature:
The Life of Antoni Gaudi
by Rachel Rodriguez
illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Beginning
with Gaudi’s early life, readers see his delight in the natural world and his
involvement in his family’s business as a metalsmith. Throughout his life - he
trained as an architect – he includes nature both inside and outside his
creations. Several of his imaginative, playful constructions, are featured. Among
these are Vicens House, Guell’s Palace, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila. Descriptions use inviting twists of
language and are partnered with sparkling, intricate illustrations.
The
gouache artwork is colorful, flowing, wild, and beautifully strange. The
storyline is similarly simple and lyrical, with crazy details that suggest
Gaudi’s colorful, striking and original structures.
This picture book biography is an
inviting exploration into a daring artist’s feats of elaborate creativity. An
author’s note, websites, and selected bibliography are important back matter.
Henry Holt, $19.99
Interest Level:
Kindergarten – Grade 4
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