PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY REVIEW: Love is Loud by Sandra Neil Wallace & Bryan Collier



REVIEW

As a picture book biography, Love is Loud focuses on the lifelong work of Diane Nash as an activist. Raised to believe in herself and her value, Diane Nash learned to stand up against the rampant racism and segregation around her.  Interestingly, the author writes as if the reader is Diane, putting the reader front and center into the experiences and feelings that drove Diane to spend her life working for change. From the visit to an amusement park and seeing separate but not equal bathrooms to her involvement in the lunch counter sit-ins, the book highlights some of the key events in Diane's life, the key moments that she was involved in, the changes she worked to make.  Facing not only racism, but gender discrimination, Diane worked especially hard to bring attention to some of the wrongs in the world.  While the whole book is beautifully put together, written, illustrated, and designed, there are two elements of the book that I especially enjoyed.  The emphasis on Diane's feelings, words are bolded and capitalized to emphasize her feelings and the actions she took in response to them, gives readers a chance to really put themselves in her shoes.  The second thing that I especially enjoyed was Collier's stunning collage illustrations.  I always look forward to laying my eyes on a book illustrated by Bryan Collier because I know they will be stunning in their beauty and expression.  And this book lives up to that expectation.  This book presents an important perspective not only for celebrating Human Rights Day/Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, but any day of the year.

SAMPLE ILLUSTRATION



ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Sandra Neil Wallace hopes that her stories inspire readers as much as they inspire her. Her most recent book, Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went From the Football Field to the Art Gallery, illustrated by Bryan Collier, received the Orbis Pictus Book Award, was an ALA Notable Book and a Booklist Top 10 Biography for Youth. Her novel, Muckers, was named a Booklist Top 10 Sports Book for Youth. Formerly, Sandra was an ESPN reporter and was the first woman to host an NHL broadcast. She lives in New Hampshire with her family. You can visit her at SandraNeilWallace.com.

 

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR


Bryan Collier is a beloved illustrator known for his unique style combining watercolor and detailed collage. He is a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient for Trombone ShortyDave the PotterMartin’s Big Words, and Rosa. His books have won many other awards as well, including six Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards. His recent books include By and By, ThurgoodThe Five O’Clock Band, and Between the Lines. He lives in New York with his family. You can visit him at BryanCollier.com.

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