One of America's most popular artists is introduced for early readers in the On My Own Biographies series. Lowery (Laurie Tells, 1994, etc.) does well in presenting O'Keeffe in simple language that captures the feelings of self- doubt and courage that were requisite for the young artist to break away from accepted styles and paint what was in her head. The book opens with O'Keeffe's staring at the stark desert of New Mexico, then flashes back to her earlier life as an art teacher. Her childhood in Wisconsin is covered only in an entry in the chronology. Her rather extraordinary marriage to Alfred Stiegletz is dealt with in a few brief sentences, although the scene in which he encounters O'Keeffe's abstract work for the first time is given strong dramatic weight (it launched her career as an artist). It is not easy to write simply well, but Lowery makes this a literary experience as well as a learning one. Newcomer Draper's illustrations portray the story of the woman well, admirably attempting renderings of O'Keeffe's best-known works in the backgrounds. Still, it's always a disappointment when no reproductions of an artist's work are included; this book has only a small black-and-white photo of O'Keeffe in front of one of her skull paintings at the end. (chronology) (Biography. 5-9)
Pub Date: July 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-87614-860-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
"From the beginning the baby was a disappointment to her mother," Cooney (The Story of Christmas, 1995, etc.) begins in this biography of Eleanor Roosevelt. She is a plain child, timid and serious; it is clear that only a few people loved her. After her parents die, she is cared for in the luxurious homes of wealthy relatives, but does not find acceptance until she arrives in a British boarding school, where she thrives on the attention of the headmistress, who guides, teaches, and inspires her. Cooney does not gloss over the girl's misery and disappointments; she also shows the rare happy times and sows the seeds of Eleanor's future work. The illustrations of house interiors often depict Eleanor as an isolated, lonely figure, her indistinct face and hollow eyes watching from a distance the human interactions she does not yet enjoy. Paintings reveal the action of a steamship collision; the hectic activity of a park full of children and their governesses; a night full of stars portending the girl's luminous future. The image of plain Eleanor being fitted with her first beautiful dress is an indelible one. Readers will be moved by the unfairness of her early life and rejoice when she finds her place in the world. An author's note supplies other relevant information. (Picture book/biography. 5-9)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-670-86159-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
In first-person voice, Aldrin highlights points from his childhood that led to his dream of being an astronaut and making the historic moon landing. Coincidental details like his mother’s maiden name, “Moon,” and his favorite movie hero, the “Lone Ranger,” suggest clues to his destiny. After West Point, he joined the Air Force because “he wanted to fly more than anything.” Minor’s usual beautiful and realistic illustrations effectively convey spatial perspectives and movement, adding depth to the narrative. However, the cover design and type layout are confusing, indicative of a biography instead of an autobiography—a brief intro could have clarified it. Aldrin’s message in an author’s note avows, “If you set your sights high, you may accomplish more than you ever dreamed.” Pair this with Don Brown’s One Giant Step for a child’s-eye view on space exploration. (Flight/space exploration chronology) (Picture book/biography. 6-9)
Pub Date: June 1, 2005
ISBN: 0-06-055445-2
Page Count: 40
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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