Less mesmerizing than Wilder’s prose but similar in its simple sentences that convey big ideas.
This condensation of the long, peripatetic life of Laura Ingalls Wilder will intrigue fans of the Little House series.
After scant pages of prologue and the early life of Wilder’s mother, the text begins a straightforward chronology with a mind-numbing parade of temporary homes, hardships and triumphs, and many, many descriptions of building construction. (No wonder Ma always seemed so tired.) Those who have read the Little House series will recognize names, places and incidents that went straight from Wilder’s memory into her novels—more so than most works of fiction, as the text notes. (Readers will eventually learn the reason: Wilder initially expected to publish an autobiography for adults). Quotes from Wilder are interspersed with facts about her life, and a few facts are noted as different from her fiction. Ironically, the text sometimes reads like a lifeless summary of episodes that sparkle in the novels. However, there is a noteworthy emphasis on literacy—especially for girls—and on the values of three generations of “strong, smart women.” Also, the biography extends Wilder’s life far beyond the chronological boundaries of her books and into her writing career, relationship with daughter Rose and final years. The illustrations are lovely pencil drawings that pay homage to Garth Williams’ work while maintaining originality.
Less mesmerizing than Wilder’s prose but similar in its simple sentences that convey big ideas. (author’s note, epilogue, craft project, recipes, list of books by Wilder, glossary, further reading) (Biography. 8-12)Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-8050-9542-5
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano/Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2014
An inspiring read for aspiring athletes and other dreamers.
A young African American girl, inspired by Olympic excellence, propels her way to an Olympic berth and a better life with support from her family and community.
Lowe was 4 when she sat in front of the television and witnessed the greatness of Florence Griffith Joyner at the 1988 Olympics. She decided then and there to become an Olympian despite her family’s socio-economic struggles in small-town Paso Robles, California. She learned team dynamics early from her sisters and managed to hold on to her dream despite periods of instability due to homelessness and her stepfather’s violence. Lowe became a junior leader at the local recreation center and landed her first job at 12, allowing her to develop leadership skills that helped her on and off the field. She was further aided in her pursuits by Granny Booker, who opened her mind to new horizons, and Grandma Bea, who opened her home and heart to her granddaughter. Lowe’s partnership with supportive coaches led her to the 2004 U.S. Olympic high jump team. Now a four-time Olympian and world record–holding female high jumper, Lowe’s indomitable spirit and tenacity will engage and motivate young readers. The topics of diligently working toward long-term goals, familial loyalty, and self-mastery are clearly illustrated in this book. This memoir is organized in a manner that allows readers to experience the internal and external battles many Olympians face along their paths to victory.
An inspiring read for aspiring athletes and other dreamers. (photo credits) (Nonfiction. 8-12)Pub Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781338741520
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
Not a complete biography of a painter but a noteworthy study of his most famous genre.
A handsome exploration of an artist’s love affair with ballet.
Rubin returns to a much-loved topic almost two decades after her earlier Degas and the Dance (2002). She describes the artist’s preference for painting in a studio as opposed to his fellow impressionists, who loved the outdoor light. How he observed the ballerinas of the Paris Opera Ballet and how he posed them are carefully explained. Rubin also pays particular attention to the various media that Degas employed, from oils to pastels to chalk. She includes information about his failing eyesight and the sculptures he created late in life. A profusion of reproductions, many full-page and all full-color (except when the originals are not), showcases the beautiful attention to detail that Degas cared about so deeply. His dancers are caught in the moment as they adjust their costumes, rehearse, or execute a step, and thoughtful captioning provides helpful interpretation. While ballet lovers will enjoy this glimpse into a 19th-century world (one painting includes Jules Perrot, a noted choreographer), art students will learn much from the exploration of techniques that Degas employed. The inclusion of two glossaries, of art terms and of ballet terms, highlights the book’s balance.
Not a complete biography of a painter but a noteworthy study of his most famous genre. (author’s note, notes, where to see artworks by Degas, bibliography) (Biography. 9-12)Pub Date: April 16, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2843-3
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Feb. 5, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2019
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