In the ``First Impressions'' series, a detailed, perceptive portrait of a contemporary painter who has received both critical admiration and popular acclaim, by a long-time friend who first wrote about Wyeth in the 60's. Meryman's primary focus is Wyeth's boyhood—a choice that, in this case, is appropriate: his lively youth and relationship with his colorful but overwhelming father, N. C. Wyeth, is not only of particular interest to young people but crucial to Andrew's development. N.C., who had hoped for recognition as a painter, was best known as a fine illustrator; he was also a respected teacher. Andrew was lucky to be the last of his five gifted children, thriving in the vibrant family milieu but also benefiting from some benign neglect. His own work is seen here as a rich, creative blend of N.C.'s rigorous instruction and fertile example, and of an artist's compelling need to find his own way. Countering the popular conception of Andrew as a throwback or traditionalist, Meryman points out both the emotional complexity of his subjects and their treatment and the intellectual nature of compositions that, like abstract art, are determined more by form and color than by content. The paintings reproduced are well chosen to represent Wyeth's development and range. A fascinating, entertaining, and beautiful book. Excellent color reproductions with full citations; b&w photos; index. (Biography. 11+)
Pub Date: June 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-8109-3956-8
Page Count: 92
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1991
Marguerite Henry died barely two years ago, after living the life of which most writers dream: She wrote from the time she was young, her parents encouraged her, she published early and often, and her books were honored and loved in her lifetime. Her hobby, she said, was words, but it was also her life and livelihood. Her research skills were honed by working in her local library, doing book repair. Her husband Sidney supported and encouraged her work, and they traveled widely as she carefully researched the horses on Chincoteague and the burros in the Grand Canyon. She worked in great harmony with her usual illustrator, Wesley Dennis, and was writing up until she died. Collins is a bit overwrought in his prose, but Henry comes across as strong and engaging as she must have been in person. Researchers will be delighted to find her Newbery acceptance speech included in its entirety. (b&w photos, bibliography, index) (Biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: March 10, 1999
ISBN: 1-883846-39-0
Page Count: 112
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This is required reading, embracing the ideals that “we all need mercy, we all need justice, and—perhaps—we all need some...
"Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done,” proclaims Stevenson’s adaptation for younger audiences of his 2014 New York Times bestseller, a deeply moving collage of true stories dedicated to transforming the U.S. criminal justice system.
The story begins in 1983, when 23-year-old Stevenson, a Harvard Law intern, found the moral resolve to join the pro bono defense team of a capital punishment case in Georgia. Throughout his journey, he highlights numerous cases that demonstrate unfair policies and practices throughout our criminal justice system. These examples form an incisive critique of mass incarceration resulting from state and federal policy changes in the late 20th century. He continues to lead the Alabama-headquartered Equal Justice Initiative, whose mission it is to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable. Stevenson argues that, “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” These important stories put a human face on statistics and trends and give us tested strategies to reverse the oppressive consequences of racial and economic injustice in our country. This inspiring book will ignite compassion in young readers and show connections between the history of slavery, Reconstruction, and the present day.
This is required reading, embracing the ideals that “we all need mercy, we all need justice, and—perhaps—we all need some measure of unmerited grace.” (notes, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-525-58003-4
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Delacorte
Review Posted Online: June 23, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
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