above: "Subway Riders" by Ralph Fasanella, used by permission from Marc Fasanella
A STARRED REVIEW FROM KIRKUS!
"A very fine introduction to the life and work of a significant American craftsman." More at KIRKUS. 
A STARRED REVIEW FROM THE HORN BOOK!
"In this engaging and child-friendly overview of Fasanella’s (1914–1997) life and evolution as a self-taught, working-class artist, Broyles highlights the man’s “rambunctious,” resilient, and independent nature, even as a child... Tentler-Krylov’s dynamic watercolors bring her subject to life in small vignettes at various stages of the times and also place him in boldly colored, expansive scenes that pay homage to Fasanella’s distinctive style." More at THE HORN BOOK MAGAZINE. 
A STARRED REVIEW FROM SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL!
"For readers ready to be plunked into the underbelly of the 20th century and then uplifted by one painter’s take on its myriad social issues and politics, this is a grand start; this book could be the linchpin for an upper elementary or even middle school class on the rise of labor unions, factory reforms, and other important movements that have not yet disappeared and may rise again." More at SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL. 
A STARRED REVIEW FROM PUBLISHERS WEEKLY!
"Broyles details Ralph’s life via an engaging narrative of the intersection between art and organizing, while Tentler-Krylov’s closely worked, watercolor-textured illustrations echo the artist’s own detailed style." More at PUBLISHERS WEEKLY. BOOKLIST "Here, complex, busy illustrations perfectly capture the exuberant work of New York City folk artist and labor organizer Ralph Fasanella. Self-taught, Fasanella only began to draw and paint as an adult, exploring his experience growing up in the 1910s and ‘20s as well as the labor of his parents and other early union members of the last century. Readers will appreciate how the artist didn’t let a lack of formal training hold him back any more than he let a hit-and-miss early education keep him from enthusiastically throwing himself into a number of experiences, like participating in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade’s fight against fascism during Spain’s civil war. His works strove to tell stories of national events that students of history will recognize: strikes, civil rights marches, and more, and this picture-book biography captures Fasanella’s energy as his long strides sweep across the pages. Rounding things out are samples of Fasanella’s art, pertinent photos, a time line, and more. A good bet for all collections, and especially of interest as a suitable read for Labor Day." ~Karen Cruze A BANK STREET BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR (AGES NINE-TWELVE LIST, BIOGRAPHY AND MEMOIR) "Discovering his talent for painting almost by accident, Fasanella left his labor union job to depict working class lives. Illustrations mimic his exuberant paintings and include reproductions of his art. Back matter. (8-11)" A CARDINAL CUP AWARDEE FOR BIOGRAPHY FROM THE VIRGINIA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, "PRESENTED TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SUBJECT OF HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY, OR HISTORICAL FICTION." |
Painting by Victoria Tentler-Krylov from I'M GONNA PAINT
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I'M GONNA PAINT can be ordered from Annie Bloom's Books
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