Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG13 (Discussion of Picasso, his abuse of women, and his relationship with an underage girl, - penis is mentioned several times while describing Picasso's art) Violence: PG13 (Descriptions of surgery and the recovery process)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL, HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Ariel Henley and her twin sister Zan were born with Crouzon Syndrome - the bones in thier skull were fused, so many surgeries were necessary to accommodate their growing brain as well as corrective surgery to make them look more natural. Much of the biography happens during Ariel's 7th grade year, when a significant surgery occurred as well as increased bullying (even from kids who had known the sisters all their lives) and harsh teachers, even one who was quite mean to Ariel.
A beautiful, well written coming-of-age biography, Henley's writing is honest and raw. I loved the cover picture and the allusions to Picasso, his personal life as well as some of his pieces, as well as the women he painted and what became of them. I loved the themes of beauty, body image, mental health, self-image, and self-acceptance. While I would love to recommend A Face For Picasso as a middle-grade read, it seems to be written for an older audience. Ariel Henley is white.
Lisa Librarian
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