Author :
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
5th Grade and up
Frida
Frida, Softcover, Engllish, Book, Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, 5th Grade and up, 9780761453369, $18.99
$448.07 for the Story Collection Pura Belpre English Set, Including 20%-Off, Free Shipping, and No Sales Tax : 24 Hardcover English Books and 18 Softcover English Books
Pura Belpre Award Honor Book in 2008 for Narrative
Biographical poems about the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
School Library Journal : Gr 7 Up— Bernier-Grand, whose poetry in César (Marshall Cavendish, 2004) illuminated the life of César Chávez, now gives voice to Frida Kahlo. In 26 free-verse poems of varying length, she imagines the thoughts and feelings of this Mexican artist who was plagued with physical and emotional pain but who still celebrated life. The first-person narrative creates an accessible intimacy, while the extensive documentation (endnotes, bibliography, quotes from diaries and letters) addresses questions about authenticity. The text is interspersed with full-color paintings by and photographs of Kahlo, all of which benefit from the expansive, white backgrounds and uncluttered book design. Each painting is accompanied by a title, date, and an interpretation of symbolism or a translation of Spanish phrases. The book's spare quality may deceive some into thinking it is for younger readers, a group better served by Magdalena Holzhey's Frida Kahlo (Prestel, 2003). Kahlo's struggles with jealousy, infidelity, miscarriages, and politics will be of more interest to adolescents. While the biographical overview at the conclusion is informative, the political context could have used more explanation, as it may be unfamiliar to the audience. Nevertheless, Bernier-Grand offers a well-researched, yet personal and compelling, portrait of an icon. Her sensitive poetry provides insight to Kahlo's life and art without disturbing the mystery.
Story
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