From School Library Journal Grade 3-6–Growing up during segregation did not stop Parks from determinedly pursuing a career in photography. What a white boy can do, you can too–and no excuses, his mother told him. His photographs seem to reflect extremes: haut-couture in Paris, poverty in Brazil, gang wars in Harlem, Civil Rights leaders, and more. The shadows in his photos and expressive low-lighting are entrancing, and it should be no surprise that he was employed by Life magazine for many years. This brief biography and cross section of his photography portfolio are interrupted with sketches that attempt to fill in the gaps when images of Parks did not exist. Though respectably detailed and realistic, they are stiff and awkward when coupled with Parks's stunning work. The sincerity within the photos of this recently deceased artist and the simple text tell a story of belief in oneself and strength to prevail over adversity.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Read more From Booklist Gr. 3-5. "What a white boy can do, you can, too--and no excuses" were the inspiring words acclaimed photographer Gordon Parks heard from his mother and took to heart. Unfortunately, though Parr interviewed Parks, Parr gives readers of this biography little more than the mantra, repeated over and over a scattering of black-and-white pencil drawings (including, apparently, one of Parr herself), and 41 black-and white photographs taken by Parks. Of course, what will enthrall readers are Parks' pictures, many of which were taken during his 25 years with Life magazine. The book's large-size, spacious design will bring young people close to the beautifully reproduced pictures, which demonstrate Parks' extraordinary use of light, dark, and shadow as they capture images of the poor living in cardboard boxes, gangs in Harlem, Paris fashion models, Malcolm X with his raised arm, and Parks himself. Hazel RochmanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Read more See all Editorial Reviews
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