Colors of the Wind, The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza- written by J. L. Powers with paintings by George Mendoza This is a person I've never heard of and should have, a talented man who used his passion to succeed, and he happens to be blind. George was born sighted but at age 15, he started going blind, struck with a rare disease that gives him some peripheral vision, but also sees things that aren't there, bright swirling lights, colors, floating eyes, etc. For a time, he concentrated on running, his other passion, and ran in the Olympics twice! He holds the mile record for blind runners. One person's advice changed his path and George began painting "what he sees". Filled with bright color, the book shows numerous paintings of George's in all their mesmerizing brightness. It's an inspiring story of doing the things one loves despite the obstacles. It belongs in the group of many wonderful biographies being published for younger readers in picture book form.
The publisher provided my copy of this book, which was published September 1st.
I See A Kookaburra! Discovering Animal Habitats Around The World - Steve Jenkins & Robin Page
It's hard to find a favorite among Steve Jenkins' and Robin Pages' books, but this is one I love looking at again and again. I found it again because I'll be sharing it with a primary class who is studying habitats this year, and I'll leave it with them to pore over, to see those animals hiding out, in the jungle or the savannah, the tide pool or ? The book shares six different places with much detail of the whole picture, including those hidden animals. The page after that shows the animals separately with a bit more information.
Both of these books share additional information, good to have for those who want more!
Love the Kookaburra book! But then I have not found a Jenkins book that I don't love. How great that there are more and more picture book biographies! I especially love learning about interesting people who are not so well known.
ReplyDeleteYes, the work Jenkins does is extraordinary. Each one becomes my favorite!
DeleteAnd I love learning about all these people we never knew about! Thanks, Elsie!
David Elliot has a new book out about birds told in verse that you might like Linda. On the Wing. Colors of the Wind sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI just looked up the Elliott book, Earl, just out yesterday! And it look gorgeous. I love In The Sea and In The Wild, so imagine this will be good, too. Thank you for telling me! Yes, the Colors of the Wind is amazing. I wish I could see one of his paintings in a gallery!
DeleteI shared a Steve Jenkins book today too. He's going to be at the Plum Creek Literacy Festival I'm taking a couple of students to at the end of the month--so excited! My son loves reading books about people who have challenges that they must learn to work with in order to fulfill their goals or succeed, and the George Mendoza biography sounds like one he'd love. Off to order!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous you get to see and perhaps talk with Steve Jenkins. I am fascinated by his collages! Hope your son enjoys the book about Mendoza. It is a real success story!
DeleteI've only recently discovered Jenkins' books and I adore them. I cannot wait to get my hands on I See A Kookaburra!
ReplyDeleteThey're just wonderful aren't they? I'm glad you've found them, Stacey!
DeleteI'm going to have to find Colors of the Wind. I have a student who has a condition that is causing him to lose his sight. We don't know exactly when it will be gone .. but this book could be helpful for him!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your student, but this book may be very helpful, Maria. It's inspiring to read what George Mendoza did with his life.
DeleteThe reason I requested this book was for a colleague whose student is losing his sight, but I gave it to one of my 6th graders to read. He was inspired as well.
DeleteColors of the Wind looks great! As a runner, I would love to read this book! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Michele. I enjoyed what it said and how.
DeleteI think I have to have Colors of the Wind. It sounds spectacular! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, Donna. I hope you love it, too!
DeleteDearest Linda! I am so glad I visited your site today. Will definitely add Colors of the Wind to my PBB set - now avidly compiling list of PBBs for my conference presentation for NAGC. :)
ReplyDeleteTerrific, Myra. It's a wonderful story, and the paintings are mesmerizing!
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