The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America (Bob Raczka's Art Adventures) [Library Binding]

Bob Raczka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2008 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Bob Raczka's Art Adventures

What is America? Shape a fascinating image of the United States through the eyes of eighteen artists who have painted, sculpted, and photographed the U.S. landscape and culture. This latest art adventure from Bob Raczka features works from John Trumbull, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jasper Johns, and many more.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In his previous art books for children, Raczka has celebrated cultures, periods, and styles; this time his focus is on diversity in the U.S. Starting off with John Trumbull’s glowing painting “The Declaration of Independence,” the 18 beautifully reproduced works of art in this collection cut a swath across the country—including farms and cities, baseball and jazz, hard work and sacrifice, native peoples and immigrants. There’s even a double-page spread of Judy Chicago’s “Rainbow Shabbat,” which pictures people of many races and religions celebrating together. The final comment, “America is a work in progress,” brings history and art together. Concise notes about each picture at the back of the book will help children and those who are reading to them find out more about the artists and their work. Great for teachers as well as children interested in art. Grades 1-3. --Hazel Rochman

About the Author

Bob Raczka studied art at the University of Illinois and is currently a advertising writer. He has written nine art books for children, including No One Saw: Ordinary Things Through the Eyes of an Artist; Art Is...; More Than Meets the Eye: Seeing Art with All Five Senses; Unlikely Pairs: Fun with Famous Works of Art; Here's Looking at Me: How Artists See Themselves; and 3-D ABC: A Sculptural Alphabet.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Millbrook Press (March 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822575086
• ISBN-13: 978-0822575085
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 10.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,889,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars * FREELY EXPRESSED FREEDOMS *, May 7, 2008

By 

mcHaiku "nmi" (Brown County INDIANA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America (Bob Raczka's Art Adventures) (Library Binding)

Bob Raczka's books take the readers adventuring for sure. His latest title is a provocative survey of America & Freedom. By studying his choices of art to portray America we find ourselves thinking of some works of art we might have selected.

How we would describe our country in WORDS is also a useful exercise ~ for Americans of all ages. It would be a good classroom project to stimulate thoughtful weighing of what are the most important aspects of Freedom, as well as appreciation for an array of artists and different art forms, not necessarily those that young students are commonly exposed to in school. Three favorites of mine from Raczka"s book are "Cradling Wheat" by Thomas Hart Benton, "Brooklyn Bridge" by Georgia O'Keefe, "Action Party II" by Mark Tansey. The latter, new to me, is a tongue-in-cheek view of artists painting a space shuttle lift-off.

Enjoy the book, then indulge in making choices from your own inner gallery. Have a family discussion; there might be less resistance to visiting museums during your next family vacation, thanks to another Art Adventure with Bob Raczka. And be sure to look up these other titles:

"UNLIKELY PAIRS" (#0761323783); "HERE'S LOOKING AT ME"

(#0761234041); "3-D ABCs" (0822564742).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome for Teaching about American Art, March 25, 2008

By 

Artist Julia (Canton, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America (Bob Raczka's Art Adventures) (Library Binding)

A wonderful fun book that is perfect for the classroom! I use it to teach my art students about famous American Artist. My students love the pictures and the story. Definitely one to buy!