Dorothea’s Eyes

Written by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Gérard DuBois

Dorothea’s Eyes was a very interesting book. It is a brief biography of very famous female photographer Dorothea Lange. Without being too wordy, Rosenstock helps you see into Dorothea’s life, but more importantly we see through Dorothea’s eyes and her heart. Rosenstock shows how Dorothea’s own hardships growing up poor and lonely led her to develop her talent of photography and her gift for taking “documentary photography.” Dorothea’s photography brought to light many social injustices and Rosenstock shows that simply through her writing. DuBois’ illustrations are also interesting, but go nicely with the story, not drawing attention away from the message but rather giving support to the words. This is particularly nice since Dorothea had a talent for making herself blend in to the background, particularly as she shot her photos. I would highly recommend purchasing this book. It’s a great example of overcoming adversity as a child to still make your dreams come true.

Review by Leslie Benson, Diamond Ridge Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Dorothea’s Eyes
Written by Barb Rosenstock, Illustrated by Gérard DuBois
Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights
40 pages
Release Date: March 1, 2016
A review copy was provided by the publisher.

Tags:

2016 Children's Nonfiction, Barb Rosenstock, Biography, Biography Picture Books, Documentary Photography, Dorothea Lange, Dorothea's Eyes, Gérard DuBois, journalism, Leslie Benson, Photographers, Photography, Photojournalism, U.S. History, Women Photographers