As a young girl in Cuba she had to take ballet lessons in her tennis shoes. When she was sixteen she had to leave home for New York to follow her dreaAs a young girl in Cuba she had to take ballet lessons in her tennis shoes. When she was sixteen she had to leave home for New York to follow her dream. Just when she was getting noticed she started to go blind and had to have surgery. This is the inspiring story of Alicia Alonso - sure to be appreciated by a young boy/girl who is interested in dance....more
The story of Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt is told in this book. Going back to those dark days when politics and public health collided (lesThe story of Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt is told in this book. Going back to those dark days when politics and public health collided (lesson not learned) we are there as a few people try to connect through shared tragedy. There are lessons here we can still learn from - hopefully we will - as we all try to knit our frayed hopes stronger after COVID....more
Wonderful first book on this amazing poet. Amanda Gorman is such a positive role model for young people trying to find their own artistic voice. I am Wonderful first book on this amazing poet. Amanda Gorman is such a positive role model for young people trying to find their own artistic voice. I am sure we will hear her voice loud and strong in the year to come - great motivational story for the next generation of poets - inspired and hopeful!...more
Very nice first book on WW. Traces the role WW has had on popular culture and how her changing character reflects the role women were expected to adheVery nice first book on WW. Traces the role WW has had on popular culture and how her changing character reflects the role women were expected to adhere to over the decades. Brief bios of people who created/shaped WW are also included. The illustrations are bold and vibrant adding to this well researched addition to the WW mythos....more
Excellent first book on Thurgood Marshall. It is so important for small children to read about people who have helped society move forward due to theiExcellent first book on Thurgood Marshall. It is so important for small children to read about people who have helped society move forward due to their commitment to equal justice for all. This book had just the right amount of information; timeline and list for further reading are provided in the back of the book....more
I really like this board book series. Simple concepts with vibrant colors - and easy to understand words in Spanish! I am going to look for more booksI really like this board book series. Simple concepts with vibrant colors - and easy to understand words in Spanish! I am going to look for more books in this series - really helpful as far as building up my very limited Spanish vocabulary. Hopefully this time next year I will be reading my first books in Spanish only!...more
Powerful meditation on being an African American woman in our society today. Chet'la Sebree lays her heart bare after a relationship with a white man Powerful meditation on being an African American woman in our society today. Chet'la Sebree lays her heart bare after a relationship with a white man fails. She decides to 'field study' herself; trying to trace the many frayed threads of love that seem to snag on her heart when she opens it. Deeply personal and brutally honest; I believe this is an important work that will resonate with many....more
Just as her art intersected commercialization and spiritually the life of (Sister) Corita Kent is that rare intersection of faith and individuality. AJust as her art intersected commercialization and spiritually the life of (Sister) Corita Kent is that rare intersection of faith and individuality. A truly courageous woman who stayed true to herself; even as conservative forces tried to force her to choose between her art and her calling to be a nun. Wonderful illustrations that convey the vibrancy and force of of the artist without trying to copy her....more
Wonderful first book on Pablo Neruda that will hopefully encourage a new generation to seek out his poetry. The illustrations fit well; every page is Wonderful first book on Pablo Neruda that will hopefully encourage a new generation to seek out his poetry. The illustrations fit well; every page is a swirl of words that are found in his poems - as life moves on so do the words. This book does a great job of presenting all the different roles Neruda played through his life - a life that was always lived to the fullest....more
Fantastic book on the childhood of Louise Bennett Coverley. Her love for Jamaican Patois (English-based creole language) is a testimony to the importaFantastic book on the childhood of Louise Bennett Coverley. Her love for Jamaican Patois (English-based creole language) is a testimony to the importance of 'feeling' language. She helped pave the way for many others; Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley benefited from her foundational works. The illustrations are beautiful. ...more
Wonderful book that looks at Monet's boat studio and how he would travel down the river Seine in it. The way he switched canvases as the light would cWonderful book that looks at Monet's boat studio and how he would travel down the river Seine in it. The way he switched canvases as the light would change was a revelation to me - I had no idea he was that exacting as far as the time he would spend on a painting. The illustrations in the book evoke Monet while still retaining vivid originality. A very good book for a small child interested in art....more
Hédi Fried is a little girl who spends time with her best friend Bodri (the family dog). She and her friend Marika have lots of fun together, Marika'sHédi Fried is a little girl who spends time with her best friend Bodri (the family dog). She and her friend Marika have lots of fun together, Marika's dog Bandi and Bodri get along fine. One day she hears Hitler on the radio - and everything changes. This is a heartbreaking story of innocence taken; of a little girl trying to navigate the rings of hell the Nazis constructed around anyone who they considered 'Lebensunwertes Leben' (life unworthy of life). Hédi Fried has become a lecturer on the dangers of racism and the importance of democracy - surely a worthy endeavor....more
This book centers on the imagiary friend Frida Kahlo had as a small girl. A very interesting glimpse into the mind of a creative child who grew up to This book centers on the imagiary friend Frida Kahlo had as a small girl. A very interesting glimpse into the mind of a creative child who grew up to become a global icon. Even as a child Frida saw the world in a way that most of us could not understand; she had a mature and centered outlook on the totality of perception - allowing her to see below the surface of existence. Wonderful book for a young child interested in art. The art goes well with the story....more
The courageous story of Ruby Bridges is presented in this very accessable book from the She Persisted series for children. What Ruby had to go throughThe courageous story of Ruby Bridges is presented in this very accessable book from the She Persisted series for children. What Ruby had to go through just to go to school is unbelievable; the angry crowds yelling at her - one can only imagine how a six year old could even process such hatred. The fact that Ruby was able to persist is testimony to her bravery. Our children need to read about the struggle people like Ruby have endured and overcome....more
Great first book on this iconic athlete. Alex Morgan has accomplished so much on the soccer field, but her tireless advocacy for equal pay for women iGreat first book on this iconic athlete. Alex Morgan has accomplished so much on the soccer field, but her tireless advocacy for equal pay for women in sports is what makes her a fantastic role model. This book would be a nice gift for a young girl (or boy) just starting to play soccer....more
Wonderful first book on this important artist. This is one of my favorite series for small children. The information is easy to follow and the art is Wonderful first book on this important artist. This is one of my favorite series for small children. The information is easy to follow and the art is always vibrant and child friendly. Some of the people covered in this series have had little else written about them. If you know a small child starting to read this is a series worth looking at....more
The inspirational story of how Dolly Madison stayed in the White House even as the British drew near. The story of how the life size painting of GeorgThe inspirational story of how Dolly Madison stayed in the White House even as the British drew near. The story of how the life size painting of George Washington was saved is told while many of the myths that have surrounded this event are addressed. Art meshes very well with the story. Additional information provided for further study....more
Great advice from a pop-culture renaissance man! One of the most satisfying things about reading is the fact that you can tap into the collective wisdGreat advice from a pop-culture renaissance man! One of the most satisfying things about reading is the fact that you can tap into the collective wisdom of so many people; people who may have a different perspective on life that helps you catch a glimpse of something you were missing. This book really did that for me!...more
The tragic true story of Bela Lugosi. From Hungarian actor forced to flee his country to his iconic portrayal of Dracula. Seeking fame ultimately becaThe tragic true story of Bela Lugosi. From Hungarian actor forced to flee his country to his iconic portrayal of Dracula. Seeking fame ultimately became his downfall as a man; extravagant living, drug addiction and infidelity stalked him for years. He turned down the role of Frankenstein and opened the door for his rival - Boris Karloff. The last part of the book covers his collaboration with Ed Wood. The irony of Dracula being more 'alive' than Lugosi in the end is a bitter lesson that fame often hides from those who seek it....more
Surreal and dreamlike with unique art. There are so many original books that are out there! This book is based on the true story the young Indian chesSurreal and dreamlike with unique art. There are so many original books that are out there! This book is based on the true story the young Indian chess master Mir Malik Sultan Khan; as such it is focused on an almost 'quest' like journey that has to be taken before he can become a master. Very original and thought provoking. ...more
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