Carmen T. Bernier-Grand’s inspiring free verse and David Diaz’s vivid paintings capture the defining moments and emotions of Rivera’s tumultuous life, including his stormy relationship with artist Frida Kahlo and his passion for his art. Rivera’s energy, physique, love for women, and work were all "bigger than life." A biography, chronology, glossary, sources, notes, and famous quotations are included.
Diego: Bigger Than Life
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Editorial Reviews
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*Starred Review* In this well-written and beautifully illustrated volume, the life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera, best known for murals depicting working people, is introduced in free verse. Similar in format to Bernier-Grand’s César: Sí, se puede! = Yes, We Can! (2004) and Frida: Viva la vida! Long Live Life! (2007), the book offers a chronological sequence of poems, each appearing either on a single page accompanied by a small illustration or on a left-hand page with a full-page picture on the right. Almost all written in first person from the artist’s point of view, the poems convey information succinctly within a context of colorful narrative and clearly expressed emotion. Each poem stands alone, yet some words, ideas, and images recur, creating an interconnected sequence. A three-page appended biography clarifies and amplifies the information in the verse. Also appended are a glossary, a chronology, a source bibliography, notes, and quotes from the artist. Apart from four reproductions of Rivera’s paintings and one photo of the artist, the illustrations are mixed-media pictures by Diaz. Depicting Rivera and his world, these iconic images glow with warmth, light, and color. In the backgrounds, some scenes incorporate imagery from Aztec art, which Rivera collected. A lively verse portrait illuminated with incandescent illustrations. Grades 7-10. --Carolyn Phelan
About the Author
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand grew up in Puerto Rico. She is the author of several children’s books, including Shake It, Morena and Juan Bobo: Four Folktales from Puerto Rico. She lives in Portland, Oregon
David Díaz won the Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in Smoky Night by Eve Bunting. His artwork has appeared in a number of other distinguished titles, including The Pot that Juan Built and Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman. His work has also been featured in national publications such as The Atlantic Monthly and The Washington Post. He lives in Carlsbad, California.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
This biography written in free verse was very refreshing and surprisingly appealing!
July 26, 2009
Format:Hardcover
Diego was a superb storyteller, so much that not everything he said about his life could ever be taken as fact. "I am DIEGO-the charming, monstrous, caring, hideous Mexican muralist." He was indeed, a very complicated man. He was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on December 8, 1886 along with his twin brother José Carlos Maria, a child that would die before he reached two years of age. He was sent away to live with Antonia, a Tarascan Indian, for more than two years. She nursed him back to health and when he was returned to his parents he was a "fat frog with bulging, eager eyes." The urge to paint his world gripped his very heart and he began to draw on everything in sight, including the "furniture, walls, floors."
In this book you will learn all about the life of one of the world's greatest artists. You will learn of the birth of his sister, Maria del Pilar, his passion for art when he was very young, his trip to Spain to study art, his sudden obsession with Cézanne (very amusing), his interest in "socialist beliefs," his part in the Mexican Revolution, his marriage to Angelina Beloff, the birth of his son Diego Miguel Angel, the child's premature death and much more. Do you know that Diego actually painted a mural on the Rockerfeller building in New York City? You'll read about that very interesting story in this book!
I really enjoyed this novel take on writing a biography in free verse. I read a page at a time, paused and took a look at the art work on the adjoining page. The verse was very poised, clear, concise and enjoyable. For the younger reader each page would appear to be a "mini-chapter" that gives a bit of information about Diego Rivera in easily absorbable sections. There are only a couple reproduced works by Diego. David Diaz's work is very colorful, appealing and has a nice Mexican flare to it. In the back of the book is a three-page biography of Diego, a glossary, a chronology, book sources and several quotations from Diego. If you want a real "feel" for Diego, this would be one book you should consider.
In this book you will learn all about the life of one of the world's greatest artists. You will learn of the birth of his sister, Maria del Pilar, his passion for art when he was very young, his trip to Spain to study art, his sudden obsession with Cézanne (very amusing), his interest in "socialist beliefs," his part in the Mexican Revolution, his marriage to Angelina Beloff, the birth of his son Diego Miguel Angel, the child's premature death and much more. Do you know that Diego actually painted a mural on the Rockerfeller building in New York City? You'll read about that very interesting story in this book!
I really enjoyed this novel take on writing a biography in free verse. I read a page at a time, paused and took a look at the art work on the adjoining page. The verse was very poised, clear, concise and enjoyable. For the younger reader each page would appear to be a "mini-chapter" that gives a bit of information about Diego Rivera in easily absorbable sections. There are only a couple reproduced works by Diego. David Diaz's work is very colorful, appealing and has a nice Mexican flare to it. In the back of the book is a three-page biography of Diego, a glossary, a chronology, book sources and several quotations from Diego. If you want a real "feel" for Diego, this would be one book you should consider.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is a magical book for all ages. It's labeled "9 and Up" but smaller children will love the colorful, wonderful illustrations, and it's never too soon to read to your children books that are written in a full and rich language. Even if they may not understand every word, the hearing of words like "embellish" and "tranquil" is good for the youthful mind and soul, and adults will never tire of reading this lovely book to them.
The chapters are a delight, with Diego Rivera's fantasy version of his life, his social concern and love for Mexico and its people, his ambivalent feeling for taking money from the pre-revolutionary and corrupt government that he despised but provided his education, his relationships with the women in his life (notably the great Frida Kahlo) as well as Trotsky and Zapata. All exquisitely written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, in a fluid, readable and poetic style.
The mixed-media illustrations by David Diaz are fabulous! The colors are brilliant; the yellow/oranges combined with the blue/greens jump from the page and the designs are beautiful. Also included are a cubist piece from 1914 by Rivera I had never seen before, the famous canvas, the "Flower Festival: Feast of Santa Anita," a section of the "Land's Bounty Rightfully Possessed" mural, and "The Watermelons," painted in 1957, the last year of his life.
The back of the book has "The True Life of Diego Rivera," a glossary, a chronological index, notes, sources, and the last page has some marvelous Rivera quotes.
The chapters are a delight, with Diego Rivera's fantasy version of his life, his social concern and love for Mexico and its people, his ambivalent feeling for taking money from the pre-revolutionary and corrupt government that he despised but provided his education, his relationships with the women in his life (notably the great Frida Kahlo) as well as Trotsky and Zapata. All exquisitely written by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, in a fluid, readable and poetic style.
The mixed-media illustrations by David Diaz are fabulous! The colors are brilliant; the yellow/oranges combined with the blue/greens jump from the page and the designs are beautiful. Also included are a cubist piece from 1914 by Rivera I had never seen before, the famous canvas, the "Flower Festival: Feast of Santa Anita," a section of the "Land's Bounty Rightfully Possessed" mural, and "The Watermelons," painted in 1957, the last year of his life.
The back of the book has "The True Life of Diego Rivera," a glossary, a chronological index, notes, sources, and the last page has some marvelous Rivera quotes.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Publisher Says for Age 9 & Up - Some Topics Too Complex or Controversial for Young Kids
April 5, 2013
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I have learned enough about the life of Diego Rivera to have been surprised to see a children's picture book published about him given his unconventional personal life. Picture books are usually marketed to children aged 4-8 but this book has been flagged by the publisher as appropriate for ages 9 and up. (This does not mean it will be filed correctly in the public library or that parents or teachers will not mistakenly read this to kids under 9.) Some high schoolers do not understand enough about communism or know anything about the Mexican communist movement, or about Russia's Leo Trotsky to put Rivera's art and politics in his art into context, and children aged down to nine will have an even harder time.
As a homeschooling mother and a person who loves art and enjoys learning about art I have exposed my children to (age appropriate) art history and look forward to more art history books being published for children.
Some people criticize children's history books for sugar coating or glossing by reality in order to "whitewash" the biography to be age appropriate or to remove controversy and to praise the person. This is usually done lately in America about US History's "dead white men" and even to complain about accomplished men who deserve praise about some thing(s) they did while also doing things that today we disapprove of. Well in this case the story of Diego Rivera has been whitewashed to be positive and to try to make it age appropriate for children, specifically his relationships, bearing a child out of wedlock, et cetera. The book is of course praising Rivera and readers may carry that positive tone through to receive a positive message about his communist beliefs. Do you want your children to receive a positive message about communism (when they probably don't even know what it is)?
Now that I've brought up those issues I'll put them to the side to get on with the review.
The book opens stating that Diego Rivera was a storyteller about his own life, and the story told is a blend of Rivera's stories and facts. The style is told in free verse poems with a page per poem. In this way the book is able to move through his entire lifespan in a short book length. I enjoyed these poems and think that children will enjoy them as well.
In the main portion of the book the details of the relationships such as living together and bearing a child out of wedlock are glossed over. I noticed them since I already knew about these things and was looking to see how they'd be written about. Marriage is not mentioned so kids may assume they were married when they were not. Young kids may not pick up on the detail. I know some parents may have different values than Rivera did and may not like these things, but then again the book is not advised for children under age 9 (but since usually picture books are for 4-8 people may pick it up for kids those age).
Diego Rivera was a political person, a communist, and his art and choices as to which art he would make and why were entangled with politics. As I said above these issues may confuse kids or perhaps they will gloss over it and not care that they don't understand it, I don't know. In any event some parents who disagree with communism may not like the communist views discussed without any judgment, in a book with a positive tone, the child may assume that communism is therefore something praiseworthy. I doubt that kids aged 9-13 exposed to this book in school would also receive instruction in communism, Mexican and Russian communism, in order to put this information into context. Certainly if a parent reads this book to their child, they could choose to discuss it in more detail, framing it with their family's values. As to what would happen in a school classroom, I will not speculate.
At the back of the book is a section written in more adult language that tells "the facts" of Diego Rivera's life. Here some details are shared that make the relationship and political details clear. There is a glossary of terms. There is a timeline of his life also. I was disappointed that the murals discussed in the book were not shown; it would have made a bigger impact.
The artwork is done with airbrush painting. At first I thought it odd that a relatively new painting technique would be used but then it dawned on me that Rivera's most famous work was done in murals on streets, art seen by the masses as they pass by on the street. Today there are few murals in the United States yet we have plenty of graffiti on our city walls and bridges. Therefore the choice to use airbrush painting references street art: today's street art. Bravo David Diaz! I loved the paintings, although they were positive, light and uplifting even when the content on the page was serious or contained bad news (such as a child dying).
I am torn about how to rate this book. My personal anti-communist views and my fear that the book could be used as pro-communist propaganda taints the praise for other parts of the book. Further making the decision difficult is the fact that so few books exist for children about the life of Diego Rivera. If there were other better books it would be easier to discount this one.
I rate this book 3 stars = It's Okay due to the content and lack of showing more of Diego Rivera's artwork.
As a homeschooling mother and a person who loves art and enjoys learning about art I have exposed my children to (age appropriate) art history and look forward to more art history books being published for children.
Some people criticize children's history books for sugar coating or glossing by reality in order to "whitewash" the biography to be age appropriate or to remove controversy and to praise the person. This is usually done lately in America about US History's "dead white men" and even to complain about accomplished men who deserve praise about some thing(s) they did while also doing things that today we disapprove of. Well in this case the story of Diego Rivera has been whitewashed to be positive and to try to make it age appropriate for children, specifically his relationships, bearing a child out of wedlock, et cetera. The book is of course praising Rivera and readers may carry that positive tone through to receive a positive message about his communist beliefs. Do you want your children to receive a positive message about communism (when they probably don't even know what it is)?
Now that I've brought up those issues I'll put them to the side to get on with the review.
The book opens stating that Diego Rivera was a storyteller about his own life, and the story told is a blend of Rivera's stories and facts. The style is told in free verse poems with a page per poem. In this way the book is able to move through his entire lifespan in a short book length. I enjoyed these poems and think that children will enjoy them as well.
In the main portion of the book the details of the relationships such as living together and bearing a child out of wedlock are glossed over. I noticed them since I already knew about these things and was looking to see how they'd be written about. Marriage is not mentioned so kids may assume they were married when they were not. Young kids may not pick up on the detail. I know some parents may have different values than Rivera did and may not like these things, but then again the book is not advised for children under age 9 (but since usually picture books are for 4-8 people may pick it up for kids those age).
Diego Rivera was a political person, a communist, and his art and choices as to which art he would make and why were entangled with politics. As I said above these issues may confuse kids or perhaps they will gloss over it and not care that they don't understand it, I don't know. In any event some parents who disagree with communism may not like the communist views discussed without any judgment, in a book with a positive tone, the child may assume that communism is therefore something praiseworthy. I doubt that kids aged 9-13 exposed to this book in school would also receive instruction in communism, Mexican and Russian communism, in order to put this information into context. Certainly if a parent reads this book to their child, they could choose to discuss it in more detail, framing it with their family's values. As to what would happen in a school classroom, I will not speculate.
At the back of the book is a section written in more adult language that tells "the facts" of Diego Rivera's life. Here some details are shared that make the relationship and political details clear. There is a glossary of terms. There is a timeline of his life also. I was disappointed that the murals discussed in the book were not shown; it would have made a bigger impact.
The artwork is done with airbrush painting. At first I thought it odd that a relatively new painting technique would be used but then it dawned on me that Rivera's most famous work was done in murals on streets, art seen by the masses as they pass by on the street. Today there are few murals in the United States yet we have plenty of graffiti on our city walls and bridges. Therefore the choice to use airbrush painting references street art: today's street art. Bravo David Diaz! I loved the paintings, although they were positive, light and uplifting even when the content on the page was serious or contained bad news (such as a child dying).
I am torn about how to rate this book. My personal anti-communist views and my fear that the book could be used as pro-communist propaganda taints the praise for other parts of the book. Further making the decision difficult is the fact that so few books exist for children about the life of Diego Rivera. If there were other better books it would be easier to discount this one.
I rate this book 3 stars = It's Okay due to the content and lack of showing more of Diego Rivera's artwork.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
The story of a great artist's life
This was a very enjoyable book about the life of an artist: Diego Rivera. We follow the story of his life from birth, all throughout his greatest accomplishments. Read more
Published on December 9, 2010 by cueros literature
5.0 out of 5 stars
Color of the mind
Colors of the mind
I can honestly say this has been one of my favorite books to read this semester. The artwork was perfect with the comparison of the writing and poems. Read more
I can honestly say this has been one of my favorite books to read this semester. The artwork was perfect with the comparison of the writing and poems. Read more
Published on December 8, 2010 by Mr. Thi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Diego Gets a Wonderful Moving Portrait in this Terrific Biography.
This book is written poetry and that scared me off a little bit. I am not the biggest poetry reader but this book was very easy to read and was a pleasure. Read more
Published on May 27, 2010 by Lynn Ellingwood
5.0 out of 5 stars
beautiful book
we gave it to a friend named diego. the poems are lovely and the illustrations are vibrant.
Published on February 9, 2010 by Rei's Mom
