Unbound : The Life and Art of Judith Scott

Product Description
A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet.
Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world.
Poignantly told by Joyce Scott in collaboration with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet and beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet,
Unbound is inspiring and warm, showing us that we can soar beyond our perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary.
From School Library Journal
Gr 2–4—This is the true story of twin sisters Joyce and Judy, who are inseparable, until Joyce goes to school and Judy can't because she has Down syndrome. Even after Judy is institutionalized, Joyce continues to be involved as much as she can with her. As an adult, Joyce becomes Judy's legal guardian and brings her home to live with her and her family. Joyce enrolls Judy in an art program that is designed to help her express herself. After some time in this school, an artist is born; after Judy dies of heart failure, her art and story continue to inspire people. This book is an amazing tribute to the determination and unshakeable bond of these siblings, who are white. The illustrations use lots of fiber art and other mixed media art in a way Judy would appreciate. Pictures with Judy and her sister are bright and colorful, while those of Judy's elementary school and other moments in time, not as happy, are darker. VERDICT For the art shelves or biography, this is a tale that teaches empathy; the coauthors and illustrator have recreated a loving world with harsh realities dancing around the melancholy edges.—Dorinda Brown, High Plains Community Schs., Polk, NE
Review
"Told in an order that allows readers to appreciate Judy the way Joyce does, this book’s creators successfully render a personal story of love, nurture, and individual gifts.” —
Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A sweet yet troubling account of sisterhood and the power of art.”
—Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Joyce Wallace Scott is an educator, RN, development specialist, and published poet. She serves on the advisory board of the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, and is currently involved in establishing the first program for artists with disabilities in Bali, dedicated to her sister's memory. She lives in Dutch Flat, California, with her husband.
Brie Spangler graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and is the author-illustrator of two picture books,
Peg Leg Peke and
The Grumpy Dump Truck. She also wrote a YA novel,
Beast. Learn more about Brie and her books at BrieSpangler.com or on Twitter at @BrieSpangler.
Melissa Sweet is the Caldecott Honor artist of
A River of Words by Jen Bryant,
The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra, and
Mrs. Harkness and the Panda by Alicia Potter, among others. She is also the author-illustrator of
Balloons Over Broadway, which was awarded a Robert F. Sibert Medal. You can find her online at melissasweet.net and on instagram at @melissasweetillustrator.