Monday, June 20, 2016

Making the World More Beautiful

I have always loved the book Wanda's Roses. I love Pat Brisson but I love the message of a little girl working to make her community brighter. And I love the way the whole community brings something to the project.  It is a book I read every year.

Two new books have been recently released that follow a similar theme and I am very excited to add them both to our classroom library next year.  I love these two books because both are based on true stories and real communities.


Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell is written in honor or Rafael and Candice Lopez "and all the quiet leaders in our neighborhoods."(From the author's note.)  I love the power of this story and the way art they helped transform East Village near downtown San Diego.  I love the story, the author's note and the illustrations.


Luis Paints the World by Terry Farish takes place in Lawrence, Massachusetts.  The author states in the Author's Note that she worked as a librarian in Lawrence in 2003 and followed the work of young artists and others to design a mural for peace.

The stories are similar in theme but the vibrant personalities of each unique neighborhood comes out in the stories.  Some connecting threads in the two books are how people come together in a community and how communities can be transformed by art.




3 comments:

  1. Just reserved all three from the library. Can't wait to read them,

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  2. Like Maria, I put these all on reserve. The Curious Garden is one of my favorites with this theme. Thanks!

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  3. Reminds me of Ms. Rumphius and The Chalk Box Kid.

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