Author: - John Duggleby
Title: - Story Painter--The Life of Jacob Lawrence
Illustrator: - paintings by Jacob Lawrence
Publisher: - Chronicle Books
Year: - 1998
Format: - hardcover
Genre: - Biography
Reading Level: - Independent
Interest Level: - Late Elementary to Middle School
Topics: - Harlem Renaissance, artists, African American history, painting
Summary: - This biography explains the life of Jacob Lawrence, an African American artist who helped pave the way for equality in art. As Lawrence experienced discrimination and uncertainty growing up, he learned to paint and discovered that he had a talent. While living in Harlem, Lawrence was able to develop his skills and eventually was discovered by "white" museums. His work grew in popularity and was soon considered just "art" instead of "black art." This book is very unique in that it uses Lawrence's own paintings about his life to illustrate and punctuate his story.
Extension Activity: - Students will paint a series of 3-5 pictures depicting and describing a major event in their life. The pictures can be accompanied by a few words, but the majority of the storytelling must be done through the images. The student’s completed artwork will then be displayed throughout the classroom. Each student will have the opportunity to present his or her series of pictures to the class. During these presentations, students will be able to explain the importance of the event they chose to depict as well as explain the reasoning behind their choice of medium and images.
- Students will do research on the Harlem Renaissance, specifically the forms of art that emerged. In groups, students will be assigned a different art form to use to make a presentation. Students will have to incorporate their assigned art form in their description of the Harlem Renaissance.
