In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage

by Alan Schroeder, JaeMe Bereal (Illustrator)

Overview

A recreation of events from the childhood and early career of Augusta Savage, a pioneering female sculptor and major figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

As a young girl in Florida in the 1890s, Augusta enjoyed nothing more than playing with clay. She would happily sculpt it into little figures: cows, chickens, ducks. Augusta's mother didn't mind but her father, a stern preacher, felt the girl was wasting time on idle nonsense.

With her mother's support, Augusta's sculpting talent blossomed as she grew into a young woman. Eventually, Augusta found herself at a crossroad. She wanted to pursue a career as an artist, but to do so she would have to leave behind all she knew. With only her passion to guide her, Augusta headed to New York City to follow her dream wherever it might take her.

Award-winning author Alan Schroeder deftly weaves together known historical details to create a compelling portrait of this unique Harlem Renaissance sculptor. Warm, inviting paintings capture both Augusta Savage's struggles and resilience as she skillfully carved out her own special place in art history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781600609893
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	10/01/2009
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	630L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Alan Schroeder is the author of several acclaimed picture books that capture the early lives of notable African Americans. His work has appeared on ALA Notable booklists and has been honored among TIME magazine’s Best Children’s Books of the Year. Schroeder lives in Alameda, California.

JaeMe Bereal is a fine artist and sculptor who, like Augusta Savage, discovered her passion at a young age. But unlike Savage, Bereal comes from a long line of supportive artists, including both of her parents. When she isn’t painting or sculpting, Bereal enjoys yoga and dance. She lives in Berkeley, California, and can be found on the Web at jaemebereal.com. This is her first picture book.

Editorial Reviews

"This is a worthy effort that celebrates the determination of a young woman whose contributions should be remembered." — School Library Journal

"A compelling children's biography of Harlem Renaissance sculptor Augusta Savage, gracefully unfolded by Alan Schroder and richly imaged in realistic paintings by JaeMe Bereal.... Should be an inspiration to young artists today." — Midwest Book Review

Notable Children's Book, Smithsonian
Parents' Choice Recommended, Parents' Choice Foundation

California Collections - Elementary School, California Readers
Celebrate with Books, Cleveland Public Library
Suggested Reading List, New York State Reading Association

From the Publisher

Gr 3–6—Schroeder has taken what is known about the Harlem Renaissance sculptor (1892–1962) and created a fictionalized account of her life from her childhood in Florida to her acceptance into a New York art school. By choosing to focus on Savage's early years, Schroeder presents a part of the sculptor's life that children will relate to. Savage endured harsh criticism from her father, but realized her dream of becoming an artist. An afterword contains much of what is known about her success in school, her major works, her role as an art instructor, and her retirement years. Bereal's full-page and spot illustrations glow with the sunset hue of the red clay Savage first discovered as a child. Two black-and-white images of her work are also included. This is a worthy effort that celebrates the determination of a young woman whose contributions should be remembered.—Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO

School Library Journal

Schroeder, who has previously penned similar biographies of Harriet Tubman, Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong, turns here to the life of a Florida girl who loved to work in clay. A prominent sculptor who gained fame during the Harlem Renaissance, Savage fell into obscurity and little is known of her life. Her mother was supportive while her preacher father condemned her efforts. She made it to New York City, studied at Cooper Union and created works for the New York Public Library and the 1939 World's Fair while also directing the Harlem Community Art Center. Much of the actual accomplishments and troubles of her life are covered in the author's note. The text is a gentle recounting of her childhood and difficult road to New York, embellished with much unsourced dialogue. Still, this works as an introduction to another female African-American artist of note. The acrylic paintings from debut artist Bereal are warm and inviting. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews