Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence

as an art teacher, i try to sneak in as much art history as possible; this book was perfect for 4th-5th graders to read a chapter, then paint about jacob lawrence's experience during that part of his life---they were always excited to hear what happened to him next:) great intro to the Harlem Renaissance!

I used this book to do a a repot and a " Master Copy." which basically means i copied some of his work. It was an easy read that really explained his life to me with simple words. The pictures were big and colerful and really gave me the deatails.

This book not only offers a well-written, informative overview of Jacob Lawrence's life but also offers snapshots of historical events that were part of his times and of his people's past, which he recounted in his powerful paintings. The book uses Lawrence's art beautifully, showcasing its brilliance while also using it to help tell the often-compelling story of the artist's life; excellent opening quotes in each chapter (from various cultural figures throughout Lawrence's lifetime) also subtly enhance the meaning of the text. Worth it for the art reproductions alone, and a story that shows how an artist and a person can be an interesting product of culture, society, and innate genius.