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48 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2020
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7994-1$17.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Richie Pope.
Mary Seacole was raised by a Jamaican Creole mother who taught her herbal medicine and a Scottish soldier father whose stories inspired her to see the world. After using her skills during a cholera outbreak, Seacole is determined to volunteer as a nurse in the Crimean War, but first in London and then again on the battlefield she is turned away--by Florence Nightingale herself--because of her skin color. But Mary Seacole is not easily stopped, and she becomes a familiar sight welcoming people to her guest house/hospital and bringing her supplies to the battlefield, where she becomes known as Mother Seacole and eventually gains fame when a British journalist tells her story. Rubin sprinkles Seacole's own words throughout the book, bringing in some of her larger-than-life personality. The text is longer than a typical picture-book biography, making this a good choice for readers who may be ready for but intimidated by chapter-book biographies. Pope's illustrations have the difficult job of showing the devastating circumstances Seacole often finds herself in as a battlefield nurse, and his soft, cartoony watercolors deftly walk that line. Back matter includes source notes and a brief bibliography.
Reviewer: Laura Koenig
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2021
60 pp.
| Abrams
| April, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2843-3$19.99
(3)
4-6
Edgar Degas's ballet-inspired sketches, paintings, and sculptures fill Rubin's handsome book about the artist's fascination with ballet. Brief but detailed text about Degas's life and artistry accompany each artwork, giving readers a closer look into his process. The book also contains compelling glimpses into the Paris Opéra, and what the ballet students thought of the artist who was often in their studio. Extensive back matter adds value. Bib., glos.
134 pp.
| Abrams
| March, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2544-9$18.99
(3)
4-6
The trajectory of the French fashion designer's life and successful career is outlined in a well-researched, highly readable biography. Rubin addresses the darker parts of Chanel's history--her childhood in an orphanage, her relationship with a Nazi intelligence officer--as well as her iconic industry "firsts," including women's suits and the little black dress. The elegantly designed volume includes plenty of photographs. Bib., ind.
99 pp.
| Chronicle
| November, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4521-0837-7$17.99
(3)
4-6
This biography of Maya Lin, the contemporary Chinese American artist/architect most famous for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial as a college student, focuses on the message-forward nature of her work. Rubin's text reads as a fluid narrative, with seamlessly worked-in quotes adding a personal feel. The small-trim book's handsome, clean design showcases the excellent photographs. Bib., ind.
56 pp.
| Abrams
| June, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2131-1$21.95
(2)
4-6
Rubin provides a warm and fascinating look at both the contemporary and historical women of Gee's Bend, Alabama, a community settled by freed slaves in about 1845. The women of Gee's Bend were always quilters and passed their skill down to their children. First-person interviews with the women provide an intimate look at their art and community. Lush photographs accompany the text; especially beautiful are the many pictures of quilts. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Robin L. Smith
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2017
40 pp.
| Chronicle
| June, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4521-1185-8$15.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Roy Lichtenstein.
Rubin continues her successful approach to art books for the young, here focusing on pop-art icon Roy Lichtenstein, whose work is characterized by primary colors, bold black lines, and small dots à la newspaper printing. The simple text comments on each picture while connecting them in a coherent narrative. A brief author's note conveys basic biographical information; credits identify the Lichtenstein works featured.
132 pp.
| Holiday
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-3646-0$18.95
(2)
4-6
In 1950, lawyer Thurgood Marshall--determined to "wipe out...all phases of segregation in education"--set about gathering legal cases he could use to argue that school segregation violated the Fourteenth Amendment. Rubin meticulously describes the five cases combined as Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, accessibly presenting complicated legal history and skillfully building on the events' inherent drama. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Dean Schneider
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2016
56 pp.
| Abrams
| September, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-1642-3$21.95
(3)
4-6
Rubin explores the life and inventively creative accomplishments of the early-twentieth-century Italian fashion designer known as "Schiap" (pronounced "Skap") in a biography featuring some of her groundbreaking ideas, including the color "hot pink," wedge heels, and the runway show. The stylishly designed book's narrative, supplemented with numerous photos and documented quotes, offers insight into the artist's vision and outlandish ideas. Bib., ind.
105 pp.
| Chronicle
| February, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8118-6984-3$16.99
(3)
4-6
This small-trim book celebrates the artistic Wyeth family, mostly the work of revered illustrator N. C. Wyeth; his son Andrew, popular modern realist best-known for Christina's World; and grandson Jamie, an acclaimed painter working today. Rubin's prose is fluid, and seamlessly worked-in quotes from her subjects add to the narrative's personal feel. The handsome, clean design showcases the excellent reproductions. Bib., ind.
73 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5753-6$16.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bagram Ibatoulline.
Known for her pushiness with models (referenced in the book's title), Julia Margaret Cameron's "goal was to create Art, with a capital A." Including plenty of primary-source quotes and entertaining anecdotes, Rubin's biography of the groundbreaking Victorian portrait photographer has a narrative storybook feel augmented by decorative page borders, Ibatoulline's acrylic gouache paintings, and neatly presented photographs by Cameron. Bib., ind.
120 pp.
| Holiday
| May, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2920-2$18.95
(2)
YA
With meticulous research and documentation, Rubin focuses broadly on Freedom Summer: the organizers, the volunteers, the voter registration drives, etc. She conducted many interviews, in person, by telephone, and by email, with people who were directly involved, and their firsthand accounts--along with copious archival black-and-white photographs--bring the events to life. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.
56 pp.
| Abrams
| February, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-8411-0$21.95
(3)
4-6
This biography balances details of Diego's personal life (his affiliation with the Communist party, his tempestuous relationship with Frida Kahlo) with his artistic endeavors (including insight into the mural-making process). The production values are high, from the glossy paper stock to a generous use of color throughout. A good introduction to one of Mexico's finest artists. Bib., glos., ind.
48 pp.
| Abrams
| April, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-9733-2$18.95
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Jeff Himmelman.
This picture book biography explains how a Haitian-born Jewish pirate provided General Andrew Jackson with information that helped him win the Battle of New Orleans. The lengthy text makes a complicated life and its historical context accessible for middle graders. Illustrations with loose background strokes and muted colors create a sense of the largely nautical setting.
178 pp.
| Charlesbridge
| February, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-58089-344-2$19.95
(2)
4-6
Leonard Bernstein, through a lot of perseverance and a little luck, made his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic at age twenty-five. Rubin's biography, focusing on the youth and early adulthood of its subject, succeeds with her engaging style and infectious passion. Numerous black-and-white photographs appear throughout. Biographical sketches and a discography are appended. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2011
40 pp.
| Holiday
| April, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2251-7$18.95
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bill Farnsworth.
Disguised as a nurse, Irena Sendler covertly rescued nearly four hundred children from the Warsaw ghetto, smuggling them out in trucks, potato sacks, and coffins; teaching them Catholic prayers to disguise their origin; and finding them shelter in homes and convents. Farnsworth's dramatic oils convey the danger and urgency of Sendler's mission, which Rubin details with brisk clarity. Bib., ind.
117 pp.
| Chronicle
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8118-6983-6$16.99
(2)
4-6
As a teen, Georgia O'Keeffe attracted attention for her nonconformist attire and unconventional behavior. Rubin describes her early life and education before discussing O'Keeffe's big break: a show at pioneering photographer--and future husband--Arthur Stieglitz's gallery; the text gives thoughtful consideration to their partnership. Central to the book are magnificent reproductions of O'Keeffe's pictures, from student sketches to commercial work to lush-hued abstracts. Bib., ind.
40 pp.
| Holiday
| March, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-2109-1$18.95
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Bill Farnsworth.
Holocaust survivor Wiesenthal dedicated his life to bringing Nazis to justice. Using extensive research, Rubin recounts Wiesenthal's story as well as his mission to prove to Holocaust deniers that Anne Frank existed. Farnsworth's darkly haunting illustrations (one shows a soldier holding a gun to a man's head, another depicts Frank, frightened, raising her hands in surrender) bring the text chillingly to life. Bib., glos., ind.
48 pp.
| Abrams
| October, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-9492-8$18.95
(2)
YA
Rubin begins in 1961 with a glimpse at Lichtenstein's first foray into cartoon art reproduction, Look Mickey, the painting that launched his fame. Showing pivotal pieces of Lichtenstein's art, Rubin also manages to include related images that help explain each piece's predecessors. The book's design pops without overshadowing its material, and back matter is impressive in its completeness. Bib., glos., ind.
Reviewer: Lolly Robinson
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2009
108 pp.
| Chronicle
| November, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8118-5168-8$15.95
(3)
4-6
This book tells about the life and work of contemporary artist Wayne Thiebaud, with a special focus on (though not limited to) his paintings of food. Slices of cake and colorful sweets along with landscapes that experiment with perspectives, rhythmic brush strokes, and points of view illustrate the clearly written text. Quotations from the author's interview with Thiebaud are included. Bib., ind.
40 pp.
| Abrams
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8109-1087-4$16.95
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
David Slonim.
Jewish immigrant Haym Salomon, known as the "Financier of the American Revolution," sacrificed his health, safety, and personal fortune to support his country. Rubin relies on a lot of fictionalized dialogue to fill in what little is known about Salomon's life, which she acknowledges in her appended author's note. Slonim's cartoon-style oil paintings add levity to the warm, lengthy narrative. Bib., glos.