Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say - ESSENTIAL

Say, Allen Silent Days, Silent Dreams PICTURE BOOK Arthur A. Levine (Scholastic), 2017. $22. 9780545927611

James Castle was born in 1899 in Idaho. Deaf from birth, he was also mute and probably dyslexic as well as autistic.  He didn’t communicate, despite 5 years at a school for the deaf, he never learned to speak or read, but he taught himself to draw and produce other forms of art.  Working in isolation for most of his life he produced thousands of pieces, mostly from found objects, scrap paper, soot and spit, string, cardboard etc.

Allen Say has created this fictional story based on real people, events and artwork.  He practiced with many of the same techniques Castle used to gain a better understanding of his subject.  A thoroughly inspiring book - I’m buying a copy for my art teacher!

EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE, MS - ESSENTIAL  Lisa Librarian

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