Gordon Parks: No Excuses (Hardcover)

~ Ann Parr (Author), (Illustrator), Kathryn Breidenthal (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–Growing up during segregation did not stop Parks from determinedly pursuing a career in photography. What a white boy can do, you can too–and no excuses, his mother told him. His photographs seem to reflect extremes: haut-couture in Paris, poverty in Brazil, gang wars in Harlem, Civil Rights leaders, and more. The shadows in his photos and expressive low-lighting are entrancing, and it should be no surprise that he was employed by Life magazine for many years. This brief biography and cross section of his photography portfolio are interrupted with sketches that attempt to fill in the gaps when images of Parks did not exist. Though respectably detailed and realistic, they are stiff and awkward when coupled with Parks's stunning work. The sincerity within the photos of this recently deceased artist and the simple text tell a story of belief in oneself and strength to prevail over adversity.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. "What a white boy can do, you can, too--and no excuses" were the inspiring words acclaimed photographer Gordon Parks heard from his mother and took to heart. Unfortunately, though Parr interviewed Parks, Parr gives readers of this biography little more than the mantra, repeated over and over a scattering of black-and-white pencil drawings (including, apparently, one of Parr herself), and 41 black-and white photographs taken by Parks. Of course, what will enthrall readers are Parks' pictures, many of which were taken during his 25 years with Life magazine. The book's large-size, spacious design will bring young people close to the beautifully reproduced pictures, which demonstrate Parks' extraordinary use of light, dark, and shadow as they capture images of the poor living in cardboard boxes, gangs in Harlem, Paris fashion models, Malcolm X with his raised arm, and Parks himself. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company (February 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589804112
• ISBN-13: 978-1589804111
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #693,252 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars doesn't do the man justice, January 23, 2008

By	B. KLUEPFEL "imaklubfut" (kansas city, mo United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is not well written or illustrated. My question is why don't the pictures go with the text? It must be a first book for her and I hope her next one will be better. Someone must do a better job of telling the story of the life of this magnificent person and artist. This book left me and the kids I read it to in school unmoved.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and Beautiful, January 9, 2007

By	Ronald Morford (Newton, KS) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a terrific book. It gives a great real life example of how it is possible to overcome many obstacles. I have used it to encourage my grandson in believing he can make a difference in his life and at the same time there are NO EXCUSES for failure. Great Pictures, simple text, great message.

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational story, August 29, 2006

By	Aleeit Easley - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Author Ann Parr, tells the perhaps unknown inspirational story of a very well known photographer; writer, poet, and musician Gordon Parks. She does a very good job of not only telling the story of Gordon parks but also getting out the moral of his story.

This story my spark the mind of some kid somewhere to pick up a camera and follow a dream and become the next Gordon parks.