Jan Greenberg
Jan Greenberg is one of the most engaging individuals you will ever meet. She has quite an interest in and is extremely knowledgeable about art (her husband is an art dealer) and she loves beautiful jewelry, which are also works of art. This lucky lady has a husband who finds unique pieces at the auction houses such as Sotheby's. At the time we met, Jan had just returned from a trip to Bhutan. She remarked on the foods, lots of rice, chicken in sauces, cheese and hot peppers. She has a friend there who is working to preserve the local cultural arts--woodcarvings, textiles and religious paintings. She also went on a trek in the Himalayas and met many fascinating individuals including a 10 year old reincarnate who is treated like the Dali Lama with whom we are more familiar. She visited schools with hardly any resources, yet they were teaching classes in English.
Jan has been writing for more than two decades and it all began with fiction for young readers. When her kids were young, she wanted to write an autobiography about her family to share with her daughters. It became a work of fiction and the result was a story about a girl growing up in St. Louis. Fiction she felt was her forte and so she sent the manuscript out. Sandra Jordan at Farrar Straus Giroux found the book in the slush pile and now they have teamed up to write books together-nonfiction books. Sandra discovered that really preferred writing to editing, and when Jan looks at art, she wants to write a poem. Still her books take plenty of research and she does not let herself get bogged down with all of the research information nor does she allow it to interfere with the story that she is writing. It is the story that pulls kids in. While reading the story, the kids will learn the more formal aspects of the art forms and the vocabulary associated with it.
She and Sandra decided that they wanted to write a book for kids about contemporary art-post WWII-because so much of it at a glance is truly bewildering. The result was a book entitled The Painter's Eye: Learning to Look at Contemporary American Art. Then they produced The Sculptor's Eye: Looking at Contemporary American Art, which is according to a Kirkus review "A companion to The Painter's Eye...that's equally enriching, intelligently organized and provocative." After completing several books that were more of a survey nature, they decided to focus on one artist--and it was important that they agree on the artist, that a good story exist and that they like the art. Their choices included Chuck Close, and the resulting book Chuck Close, Up Close has garnered awards, prizes and has appeared on nearly two dozen best book lists. In a Bulletin Review, Deborah Stevenson remarked "The fact that Close's art and life are facets of each other is clear, and his consequent involvement of his friends in his paintings will make him particularly intriguing to young readers (as will his return to painting after a spinal injury bereft him of much independent movement)."
After that venture, the duo decided that to move into the field of architecture. Frank Geary was "hot" plus all of his work is visually interesting. He was extremely cooperative and Jan even went to Spain to check out the new Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa. The book Frank O. Gehry: Outside In won an Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding nonfiction and also appears on many best book lists. As noted in the CCBC review "...the work of this 20th century architect will expand readers' understanding of what architecture is and what it can be." Another artist that the two featured was Jackson Pollock in a cleverly titled book Action Jackson which which is nicely summed up by our review Claudia Mills "The creative process is thrillingly captured and illuminated for picture-book reader in this portrait of artist Jackson Pollock, as he paints his masterpiece "Lavender Mist" in the early summer months of 1950." This book received a Sibert honor among its many other accolades.
As for her book about Van Gogh (Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist), it was requested by Random House, and was done in conjunction with an upcoming exhibit. Since there were a lot of books about this artist, the format presented a challenge, especially since the publisher wanted a straight biography. Since there were over 600 letters that Van Gogh had written, Jan and Sandra felt that they could rely on the artists own words to create their story. It gave them a chance to provide some new insights and also explore the myths and see the real man, thus expanding kids' knowledge about the artist and his work. The book also won many honors and awards. To quote from Booklist "Greenberg and Jordan...offer yet another outstanding artist's biography. In elegant, captivating language, they debunk myths about Van Gogh as a lunatic and loner."
After all of these books about male artists, Jan and Sandra felt that they had to do a book about a woman artist. They chose sculptor Louise Bourgeois, who at the time of the writing was still working. The trauma of her childhood, which included an authoritarian father whose mistress was her tutor and a fully aware and compliant mother, significantly influenced her work. As Jan said, it is good to see that art is a creative way to channel anger and frustration. According to the review by Vicki Arkoff of the Midwest Book Review "This fascinating biography of renegade fine artist Louise Bourgeois presents her as an inspiring role model for young teens, especially girls. Runaway Girl is a rare look at one of the most controversial artists of the 20th century, providing a distinctive, intimate look at the life and work of the sculptor."
One of her most recent books, Romare Bearden: A Collage of Memories, was published by Abrams, the house already producing the catalog for the exhibit of Bearden's work. They wanted a book. Jan did this one on her own without Sandra who was deeply involved in another project. The paintings were based on Bearden's memories of his childhood, and she knew that she could put them to good use to illustrate her book. Hazel Rochman (Booklist, Sep. 15, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 2)) remarked that "Romare Bearden filled his collages with images of everyday life as he lived it, and this beautiful, large-size volume with exquisite reproductions of his art is both a biography and an exciting accessible introduction to his amazing work." Jan said that she didn't have the space in the book to really analyze Bearden's art. Her book fits with the exhibit and it tells many anecdotes of his life. The work is not arranged chronologically, but is more thematic and it successfully tells the story of his life.
Jan always felt compelled to write and remarked that every project presents its own challenges. While she is not herself an artist, she has taken courses and her life has been filled with art as noted previously due to her husband's career. Jan was born in St Louis in 1942 and spent 15 years in private girl's school. She spent one year at the University of Arizona and then went to Washington University in St. Louis. She majored in English with an art minor. Married at twenty, she is now the proud mother of three daughters and several grandchildren. She has completed a Masters in Education at Webster University and also all the coursework for a PhD in education. However, instead of writing her thesis she wrote a novel. So it is pretty clear that she comes to her craft with a good foundation in the arts, education and writing skills. The world of nonfiction also fit better with her life style, because you can start a project-do the research-put it aside and then come back to it later. Even though Jan does not worry about books appearing on the best seller lists, the awards and prizes that she has won clearly demonstrate that the value of her nonfiction work is widely recognized.
Contributor: Marilyn Courtot
Reviews
Action Jackson
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker
The creative process is thrillingly captured and illuminated for picture-book readers in this portrait of artist Jackson Pollock, as he paints his masterpiece Lavender Mist in the early summer months of 1950. With Pollock, we breathe "the scent of salt marshes and sea lavender" as he walks to the gray weathered barn that serves as his studio, where he spreads out his canvas "like a sheet, smoothing it flat with his large hands. He wants his paintings to be big, big as the sky out West where he grew up, flat as the marshland behind the house." We sit waiting with Pollock, until "at last he stands" and begins to cover the canvas with his sprays and spatters of house paint, swooping and leaping like a dancer. As the days go by, the process continues--"Paint, paint and more paint, dripping, pouring, flinging"--then, finally, the reader turns the page and sees a stunning reproduction of the finished painting. Greenberg and Jordan's text is wonderfully vivid and immediate; Parker's art reflects the abundant energy of Pollock's style while refraining from mere imitation. The authors' end notes are astonishing in their meticulous detail, allowing young readers to see how authors can recreate reality from primary source material. Books on the fine arts for young readers don't get any better than this. 2002, Roaring Brook Press, $16.95. Ages All. Reviewer: Claudia Mills (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
• The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
• Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2002; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
• Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
• Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
• The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States
• Choices, 2003; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States
• Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2002; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
• Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
• Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, July 22, 2002; Cahners; United States
• School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2002; Cahners; United States
• School Library Journal: Best Books, 2002; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
• Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Book 2003 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
• Red Clover Children's Choice Picture Book Award , 2003-2004; Nominee; Vermont
ISBN:0761316825
Chuck Close Up Close
Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
Chuck Close, a contemporary artist, has not had an easy life. Growing up with an undiagnosed learning disability, and later struck with a debilitating disease that would have ended the career of most, he never gave up. Whether you enjoy his art or not, the story of his life is an inspiration. After years of struggle, he was accepted by the Yale University School of Art and in 1970 had his first one-man show. His fame grew, but 18 years later he was paralyzed from the neck down when a spinal artery collapsed. It appeared that his careeer was over. But Chuck Close did not stay down. He fought hard and eventually through rehabilitation was able to regain partial use of his arms. Today, he is still painting and has had a hundred shows, including a retrospective of his paintings at the Museum of Modern Art. The authors also have included an excellent one-page glossary, description of portraiture, and a list of the figues in the book and their locations. Included are a brief bibliography and a list of museums exhibiting Close's works. 1998, DK Ink, $19.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
Chuck Close Up Close
Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
This profile of modern portrait painter Chuck Close is a perfect example of form following function. After all, how "up close" can one get in just 48 pages, much of it used (of necessity) for illustration? Close enough, it turns out. For the function here is to look at the work of a man who paints portraits in breathtaking proportions: head only, no shoulders, measuring 6 by 7 feet, maybe 8 by 9. From a distance, Close's early portraits are photographically realistic. But "up close," each viewer will be overwhelmed by a different detail: how an artist represents focus, or shadow, or hair. The book's enlarged close-ups of the paintings emphasize this, as do the authors' questions to the reader. Some questions are more compelling ("Do we ever really know someone, no matter how close we get to him?") than others ("Is that what you think you look like?") Most compelling is when the artist speaks for himself, which he frequently does. After a paralyzing illness confined Close to a rehabilitation facility, he spoke of evening visitors who appeared at the foot of his bed: "I realized just how important these disembodied images of heads were. It reconnected me. It was the first time I ever really accepted the fact that I was making portraits. Prior to that I'd always referred to my paintings as heads." As the artist moves into his more abstract period, the authors keep readers grounded in reality. They let the artist speak of "finding new colors" by blending reds, blues, and yellows right on the canvas. Although it seemed remiss to omit mention of pointillist Georges Seurat as a forerunner of Close's later color work, the authors speak eloquently of the "authority" of Close's own rhythmic colors. The pattern, they write, "sucks you into a swirling vortex. Imagine a spaceship like the Millennium Falcon accelerating into hyperspace." End material includes a brief, concise history of portraiture, comparing a period portrait of Henry VIII's son with a modern Close, then asking "Which portrait is more realistic? Which way would you choose to be painted?" The implied question left for reader is, What is realistic? Doors to great questions are opened here. 1998, DK Ink, 10 x 11, 48 pages, $19.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Diana Star Helmer (The Five Owls, March/April 1998 (Vol. 12, No. 4))
Chuck Close Up Close
Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
This book about contemporary artist Chuck Close had a wonderful effect: after reading it, I immediately traveled into New York City to the Museum of Modern Art where a Chuck Close exhibit was showing. That is how much I enjoyed this engaging look at Close's paintings. Whether one likes or dislikes his work, there is no denying their magnetism and strange fascination. Almost all of his paintings are huge, oversized depictions of heads of his friends, acquaintances, family, and fellow artists. Close starts with a photograph of the subject's head--a frontal, unemotional view--and, working with grids, produces portraits. He began doing realistic, black and white heads and progressed to using color. In between, some other techniques and media he used included fingerpainting on canvas, pulp paper collage, and bright dots of color. Growing up with serious learning disabilities, art was Close's way to shine. In 1988 Close suffered a rare spinal artery collapse, an incident that he calls "the event," that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Once again he had to fight, this time after months of rehabilitation, to continue producing his art. And continue he does to this day, with a paintbrush strapped to his hand. His life is an inspiration to others who must overcome difficulties. The photographs of Close at work and especially the works themselves, a glossary, a section explaining what is a portrait, a bibliography, and a list of some museums that display his works complement and enhance the spare text in which the authors allow Close's own words to convey the essence of his life and art. Even though the look of this book screams "juvenile," readers of all ages will be able to appreciate it. Glossary. Photos. Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 1998, DK Ink, 48p., $19.95. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Jane G. Van Wiemokly (VOYA, August 1998 (Vol. 21, No. 3))
Best Books:
• Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
• Best Books, 1998; Parents Magazine; United States
• The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
• Books in the Middle: Outstanding Books, 1998; Voice of Youth Advocates; United States
• Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1998; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
• Capitol Choices, 1998; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
• Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
• The Children's Literature Choice List, 1999; Children's Literature; United States
• Fanfare Honor List, 1998; Horn Book; United States
• Middle And Junior High School Library Catalog, Eighth Edition, 2000; H.W. Wilson; United States
• Not Just for Children Anymore!, 1999; Children's Book Council; United States
• Notable Books for Children, 1999; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books, 1998; Cahners; United States
• Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, March 1998; Cahners; United States
• Reading Magic Awards, 1998; Parenting; United States
• Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002 ; California Department of Education; California
• School Library Journal Book Review Stars, March 1998; Cahners; United States
• School Library Journal: Best Books, 1998; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
• Boston Globe--Horn Book Awards Honor Book 1998 Nonfiction United States
• Norman A. Sugarman Children's Biography Award 2000 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2000; Nominee; Vermont
• Lone Star Reading List, 1999-2000; Nominee; Texas
• Maine Student Book Award, 1999-2000; Nominee; Maine
• Tayshas High School Reading List, 1999-2000; Nominee; Texas
ISBN:078942486X
Frank O. Gehry : Outside In
Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
This biography of Frank Gehry, the rumpled California architect recently declared a "national treasure," stretches our thinking about art and architecture. From his cardboard furniture to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, Gehry challenges viewers. Readers learn of his grandmother's influence on him when she sat on the floor building block cities with him. The design of the book is striking--quotes from Gehry writ large, sketches mixed with photos, and juxtapositioning photos such as a Czech office building and a picture of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing (to which the building has aptly been compared). This man floats ahead of us thinking about architecture's possibilities. The endmatter lists metaphors used to describe his work (an exploded artichoke) and buildings in progress all over the country. With the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. adding one of Gehry's crumpled-paperesque buildings in the next few years, this book ought to attract plenty of readers. Says the text, "What seemed shocking twenty years ago makes us curious today." 2000, DK Ink, $19.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Frank O. Gehry : Outside In
Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
This fascinating biography introduces the life and work of the architect Frank O. Gehry. The book explores the mind of the creator of some of the most unusual architecture in the world today. Can inspire creativity! Part of the "DK Ink" series. 2000, DK Publishing, $19.95. Ages 10 to 12. Reviewer: M. Thomas (Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1))
Frank O. Gehry : Outside In
Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan
At first glance, this book appears aimed at elementary school readers. The large type and the preponderance of photographs contribute to this impression, but upon delving more deeply into the beautiful volume, the reader is surprised pleasantly. The large fonts are colored and varied, chosen to complement the photographs of Gehry's unusual works. Gehry is the Canadian-born architect of such unusual and breathtaking buildings as the Nationale-Nederlanden office building in Prague, the Experience Music Project in Seattle, and more recently the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. The book takes readers from ten-year-old Gehry hearing a handwriting reader's prediction that he would become an architect to his current project, the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Sidebars and insets describe Gehry's visions of certain projects, helping readers understand the architect's philosophy. At the same time, the reader's imagination is challenged, and one is able to realize that there really are few limits to what can be created. Although this book will not provide much in the way of biographical information, young people interested in both art and architecture will find it absorbing and visually stimulating. Authors of the acclaimed Chuck Close, Up Close (DK Ink, 1998/VOYA August 1998), Greenberg and Jordan have created a compelling portrait of the artist and architect whose work epitomizes the motto "Think Different." Glossary. Biblio. Appendix. Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, DK Ink, 48p, $19.95. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Marlyn Roberts (VOYA, August 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 3))
Best Books:
• The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States
• Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 2000; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
• Capitol Choices, 2000; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
• Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
• Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2000; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
• Fanfare Honor List, 2000; Horn Book; United States
• Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2000; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
• Not Just for Children Anymore!, 2001; Children's Book Council; United States
• Notable Books for Children, 2001; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• Parent's Guide to Children's Media, 2000; Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media, Inc.; United States
• School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2000; Cahners; United States
• School Library Journal: Best Books, 2000; Cahners; United States
• Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
• Benjamin Franklin Award Honor 2001 Juvenile-Young Adult Nonfiction United States
• Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Recommended Title 2001 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Vermont
• Maine Student Book Award, 2001-2002; Nominee; Maine
• Tayshas High School Reading List, 2002; Nominee; Texas
ISBN:0789426773
Heart to Heart : New Poems Inspired by Twentieth-Century American Art
edited by Jan Greenberg
The compiler grew up inventing tales for art she saw at the St. Louis Art Museum and so put together this anthology to celebrate the power of art to inspire language. The pairings are amazing in both rightness and intensity of word and visual image. The range of mood and artist is impressive; from a photographed Calder to a dreamy Man Ray, from children's book authors like Carole Boston Weatherford to award winning adult poets like Donald Finkel. 2001, Abrams, $19.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
• Best Books for Young Adults, 2002; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
• Capitol Choices, 2001; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States
• Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
• Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2001; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
• Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001; IRA Children's Literature and Reading SIG and the Los Angeles Unified School District; United States
• Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
• Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• School Library Journal Book Review Stars, April 2001; Cahners; United States
• School Library Journal: Best Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
• Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book 2002 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
• Kentucky Bluegrass Award, 2003; Nominee; Kentucky
• Maine Student Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Maine
• Tayshas High School Reading List, 2002; Nominee; Texas
ISBN:0810943867
The Painter's Eye : Learning to Look at Contemporary American Art
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Pop art and abstract expressionism are not my cup of tea but now that I've read this book I feel better informed when studying contemporary American art. The authors have provided me with a precise vocabulary to express myself and enough background through conversations with the artists to look at Wayne Thiebaud's "Five Hot Dogs," for example, and want to bite in...I've got the Rolaids ready just in case!. 1994 (orig. 1991), Delacorte, $20.00 and $9.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature)
The Painter's Eye : Learning to Look at Contemporary American Art
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
The Painter's Eye by Jan Greenberg's and Sandra Jordan's presents the work of contemporary American artists. Whichever way you go, the co-authors' biographies of and knowing introduction to the works of such artists as Helen Frankenthaler, Andy Warhol, and Sam Gilliam will help readers appreciate what 20th century artists mean to say. 1994 (orig. 1991), Delacorte, $20.00 and $9.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
• Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K-Grade 6, Tenth Edition, 1993 ; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
• Best First Novels for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
• Bulletin Blue Ribbons, 1991; Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States
• Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 1991; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
• Lasting Connections, 1991; American Library Association; United States
• Notable Books for Children, 1991; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• School Library Journal: Best Books, 1991; Cahners; United States
• Teachers' Choices, 1992; International Reading Association; United States
ISBN:038530319X
Romare Bearden : Collage of Memories
Jan Greenberg
In this handsome, oversized book, kids and adults, too, can learn about the life and work of one of the great African-American artists of the twentieth century. Romare Bearden created scenes from his childhood often using painted paper, scraps of fabric and other materials to create large collages. There is a fabulous photograph of Romare and his family, and unlike the hero of his book Li'l Dan, Romare grew up in a life of privilege and was able to satisfy his natural curiosity through books and the people around him. Many of these memories he turned into art, and the reproductions fill the pages of Greenberg's book. Life in the South was not as free as his family liked so they, like many African-Americans, migrated north and ended up in Harlem. But Romare moved back and forth from the big city to the county as he visited relatives in Charlotte and Lutherville. The kindness of Romare and his family comes out in their rescue of a frail young lad named Eugene who lived in a seedy boarding house. Farwell Eugene is a collage commemorating their friendship and Eugene's death. Kids will learn that Romare was talented and good at most everything he tried--sports, school and art, and his career as a social worker and song writer, but it was art that he loved. When he married Nanette Rohan she convinced him to return to art. He developed his own unique style of photomontages and created a new series entitled Projections. Now he had found his style. Greenberg also points out how important jazz was to Romare and how it influenced his art (and interestingly, with the Marsalis Quintet CD, how it has come full circle with his art now serving as the basis for jazz numbers). It is heartening to learn how he was finally recognized as a great artist and also how he spent much of his time encouraging younger African American artists. "He helped fund the Cinque Gallery in New York City to showcase their work." The book concludes with a look at the works created while he lived in St. Martin; again a whole new look to his work. The closing pages provide readers with a look at Romare at work in his studio, an Author's Note, a timeline, a bibliography, a text note, a glossary and a list of places where one can view his artwork. For the casual reader, the story of Romare Bearden will be a delight and for African-American kids, it offers another wonderful and perhaps unknown role model. For any serious art student this book is a must. 2003, Abrams, $17.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature)
Best Books:
• Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, August 25, 2003; Cahners; United States
• Top 10 Art Books for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
ISBN:0810945894
Runaway Girl : the Artist Louise Bourgeois
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
As they did so brilliantly for the architect in Frank R. Gehry: Outside In and Chuck Close Up Close, the authors examine the career of a still-producing sculptor, Louise Bourgeois, and help readers understand the art, the artist, and the times in which she worked. Most readers are not familiar with Louise Bourgeois's work although it appears in over thirty U.S. museums in sixteen states. Known for her standing wood pole shapes, installations, surprising arrangements of found objects, non-representational or symbolic mounted collections, Bourgeois also includes representational body parts throughout her work. The product of a well-to-do, tapestry-repairing French family, an authoritarian father, and an acquiescing mother, Bourgeois attributes her need for art to working out early childhood anger over many things, including her father's hiring of a tutor who was also his mistress with her mother's full knowledge. Full of archival pictures from the artist's family, the book also includes many photographs of her work that show the variety of her creations well enough. However, readers may have trouble responding to some of the titled works, such as lumpy body suits, feet under glass, or a house with a guillotine suspended above it, either because they are so enigmatic or so obvious. But the text, based on interviews with the opinionated artist and those who know her, shows how a person can grow and change with a talent. Extensive backmatter is a researcher's or report-writer's dream: a well-done timeline of important dates; Bourgeois's advice for looking at a sculpture; sources for viewing her installations; a glossary; a bibliography; chapter notes and sources; a chronology of artwork; and an index. It is a fine tribute to a perhaps misunderstood artist and a vibrant introduction to a powerful woman. 2003, Abrams, $19.95. Ages 11 to 14. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature)
Runaway Girl : the Artist Louise Bourgeois
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Louise Bourgeois was born in 1911 in Paris, France, and experimented with art at an early age. The middle of three children, she was always trying to convince her parents--mostly her father--of her worth. She used art as a means of venting her childhood frustrations, and the results were unique and often controversial. In 1932, after attempting to study mathematics in Paris, she began to study art. From 1933 to 1938 she went to various art academies, married Robert Goldwater, and moved to New York City. While there, she quietly worked on sculptures and other art, showing her works in shows and galleries in New York City. In 1973, when she was 62, she was "discovered," and her artwork finally started getting the recognition it deserved in a career mostly dominated by men. Since 1973, her pieces have been in solo exhibits and shows in the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim in New York City, the Gallery of Art at Washington University in St. Louis, and the Tate Modern in London. This book exhibits the mind of artist Louise Bourgeois, telling her story mixed with pictures of her work. Anyone interested in art history, women in art, or art as healing will be interested to get to know this artist and her unique tale of artistry. This book is highly recommended for all libraries. Nonfiction (730 or biography), Highly Recommended. Grades 9-12. 2003, Harry Abrams, 80p., $19.95. Ages 14 to 18. Reviewer: Melissa Johnson (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 16, No. 1))
Best Books:
• School Library Journal Book Review Stars, May 2003; Cahners; United States
• Senior High School Library Catalog, Sixteenth Edition, 2003 Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
• Top 10 Biographies for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
ISBN:0810942372
Vincent Van Gogh : Portrait of an Artist
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Vincent van Gogh, second born child, was named after his parents' stillborn first son. Perhaps, the authors speculate, this affected his lifelong yearning for love and understanding. In this highly engaging biography, readers will quickly be drawn into the artist's quixotic life and empathize with his moods and neediness. Sent away to school at age eleven, Vincent felt lonely, yet he learned four languages and received several years of valuable experience as an art gallery apprentice in The Hague. Rejected by his first love at age twenty, he became a religious zealot and began a course of study that he grew to hate. By age 26 and living on charity, he was rescued by his beloved younger brother Theo, who supported him throughout his life and to whom he wrote more than 600 letters. Their powerful bond is palpable in this book. Today, those letters are part of van Gogh's legacy, along with the vibrant, powerful paintings that he alone foresaw would eventually find an audience. Unfortunately, success did not come until after his tragic death. Each chapter is based on a new period in van Gogh's life and each opens with an excerpt from one of his letters. The authors balance happy moments in his life and his passionately humanitarian character against his demons and repugnant personal ways. In spite of his maniacal spells, self-deprecation and probable epileptic attacks, van Gogh created an astonishing body of work in his ten-year artistic journey. The book is a good introduction to the art itself, for example, van Gogh's motivation for depicting the life of laborers in his famous "Potato Eaters," or the special significance to him of the color Yellow and of achieving the "high yellow note." Nineteen glossy reproductions of his works are included, along with a biographical timeline, a list of museums with his works, a glossary of artists and terms, chapter notes, a bibliography and an index. A wonderful resource for researchers, artists and art aficionados and an enjoyable read for all. 2001, Delacorte/Random House Children's Books, $22.95. Ages 13 up. Reviewer: Elaine Wick (Children's Literature)
Vincent Van Gogh : Portrait of an Artist
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
This book points out Vincent Van Gogh's troubled life. He cannot get along with his family except for his brother Theo, who supports him emotionally and financially most of his life. For ten years, he turns out masterpiece after masterpiece but receives little recognition for his passionate work and dies of a self-inflicted wound. This book is easy reading and gets the reader well acquainted with the artist behind his famous paintings. Nonfiction (759.9492), Highly Recommended. Grades 5 and up. 2001, Delacorte, 132p, $14.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Louise Foerster (Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 14, No. 2))
Vincent Van Gogh : Portrait of an Artist
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
The portrait of the artist best known in many circles as the one who cut off his ear to give to a lady is well-crafted with an in-depth look at the famous artist by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Johnson. The conversational style of the text draws readers into the world of Vincent Van Gogh from the beginning of his life as an inquisitive child with a mild interest in drawing to his culmination as a genius in the field. The family photos and reprints of famous paintings accompany the book in the middle. Although it is sometimes a disappointment to not have photos and artwork accompany the text, in this book, the reader will still be amazed at the photographs of Vincent as a child in contrast to his self-portraits as an adult. The realistic colors of selected pieces of Van Gogh's work are well-chosen, as reference to each piece has skillfully been woven throughout the text. Readers of all ages will continue to be intrigued by Vincent's relationships to people and nature. His close connection with his brother Theo, spanning nearly 600 letters of correspondence is second only to Van Gogh's dedication to painting in nature all day long in order to capture the high yellows and blues to perfection. Additionally, children and adults will continue to wonder at Van Gogh's tenacity and persistence in learning the craft of sketching, then painting, and subsequently personalizing his canvas with layers of paint with a perfected linear pointillism technique. The awesome Arle period in which Van Gogh completed two hundred paintings and over one hundred drawings and watercolors will inspire all as the book points out that the work was finished in merely four hundred forty-four days. The amazing trials and evolving brilliance of Vincent Van Gogh become even more incredible as the book ends with Vincent's death at the early age of only thirty-seven. And, although nearly penniless, Van Gogh had the foresight to store his many works and even suggest to his brother that perhaps the Sunflower picture might add joy to the lives of working people if reproduced on cardstock. In fact, many popular reproductions of his works in the world today, having made Van Gogh's wish come true. As found in the closing chapter of the book, "He had foreseen that after his death his paintings would find an admiring audience." 2001, Delacorte Press, 144 pages, $14.95. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Stephanie K. Harty (The Five Owls, (Vol. 16, No's. 2-4))
Best Books:
• Best Books for Young Adults, 2002; American Library Association-YALSA; United States
• The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
• Editors' Choice: Books for Youth, 2001; American Library Association-Booklist; United States
• Notable Books for Children, 2002; American Library Association-ALSC; United States
• Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2002; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
• School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2001; Cahners; United States
• School Library Journal: Best Books, 2001; Cahners; United States
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
• Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Recommended Title 2002 United States
• Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Book 2002 United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2003; Nominee; Vermont
• Maine Student Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Maine
ISBN:0385328060
Added 12/13/03
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