McCann conveys the remarkable heroism of Tryszynska-Frederick, a young Jewish nurse imprisoned in the Nazi concentration camp. Luba’s emotional strength, bravery, and determination in the winter of 1944 saved 54 abandoned, starving, and cold Dutch children from their impending death, as she hid them in her barracks for the duration of the war and used her ingenuity and a lot of luck to beg, borrow, and steal food. McCann recounts in lucid narrative prose, with the inclusion of some dialogue, the events and hushed drama as related to her by the real Luba. Well-crafted, this includes a brief introduction and post-script to the Nazi concentration camps and WWII, an epilogue depicting Luba’s official Amsterdam recognition with photographs from the liberation of the camp and a 1995 reunion, and a thorough bibliography of books, articles, film, Web sites, personal letters, and interviews. Realistic oil paintings with collage reflect the darkness of the period and the terrifyingly dangerous environment amid the loving concern within the concealed group. One of the beautiful, positive stories that emerged from that awful time, to be remembered and passed on to young and old alike. (author’s note, including children’s names) (Picture book. 7-12)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2003
ISBN: 1-58246-098-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Tricycle
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2003
Andy Warhol once said, “I am a deeply superficial person,” and he sure comes across that way.
Readers can explore just what makes art art with Andy Warhol.
A fictional Andy Warhol discusses career highlights as he introduces readers to the existential question “What is art?” The story unfolds in a nonlinear fashion with loose-lined illustrations of Warhol’s life. Early on the artist asks readers: “What does a real artist look like anyway?” From there, the story veers from career highlight to career highlight, hitting the Campbell’s Soup series, the Marilyn Monroe silkscreens, the Velvet Underground (not mentioned by name), and Interview magazine. Along the way, the fictional Andy challenges readers to consider the paradigms of fame, art, and celebrity. It’s a cool challenge, but it’s also one that may be a little too hip and a little too glib for readers. Like the real Warhol, the book drops names without explanation and then flits on to a different topic as if it’s a little bored with the old one. The short, blasé sentences and questions to readers that assume answers combine into a slightly condescending tone that might be very Warhol but isn’t very engaging in a biography section. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Andy Warhol once said, “I am a deeply superficial person,” and he sure comes across that way. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 8-10)Pub Date: Oct. 26, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-77715-7
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2021
In the ``Women of Our Time'' series, the first biography from an author noted for innovative looks at social history (Milk, 1986). After President Wilson's stroke during his unsuccessful effort to promote US membership in the League of Nations, his wife—at the behest of his doctors—acted for more than a year as his intermediary, deciding what he was told, summarizing documents for him, and conveying his decisions. Though she was attacked for her role (particularly by the White House staff and the Republican opposition), history credits her with doing a fine job of it; as Giblin concludes, ``she showed a remarkable devotion, courage, intelligence, and sense of what was important...essential qualities for anyone...who hopes to be an effective president.'' Focusing on this crucial period, Giblin describes previous circumstances that were germane to it (Edith's caring for a disabled grandmother as a child; her successful management of a business after her first husband's death; Woodrow's habit of sharing issues and decisions with her, even before their marriage), skillfully enlivening his text with direct quotes from letters, diaries, etc. Scrupulously authentic and lucidly presented: a fascinating glimpse of the political scene, not so long ago. Illustrations not seen. (Biography. 8-12)
Pub Date: May 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-670-83005-4
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1992
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