I chose “Who Was Frida Kahlo?” for the conversation we had about biographies. I believe that learning about others relies heavily on connection. The story of Frida Kahlo, a Mexican artist who believed strongly in all that she did in life, is easily connected to with many different kinds of people and children in our classroom. As Dr. Hayes said, I should not limit myself to sharing this story with only children who are Hispanic or women. Just because that is what draws me to this story does not mean that other students should be limited simply because they do not fit this demographic. I would recommend this to children who are interested in art, Hispanic history, Communism, or just Frida in general. I could include this biography in a lesson about any of the subjects mentioned above or for a special month on artists, Hispanics, etc. While this book does do an excellent job of informing us about Frida’s life, it lacks one of the main messages that Frida strongly believed in: fight against “the man” and capitalism. By selling these books, profit is being made in vain, as Frida would hate to have her face plastered everywhere. I would supplement this text with the research I have found about this, especially if I were a 5th-7th grade teacher that could go a bit more in depth with this. Scholastic Book Wizard has identified this as a Grade 3-7 level book. I give this a 3/5 due to the missing message, but still liked this biography a lot. ( )

Who Was Frida Kahlo? by Sarah Fabiny is a wonderful book and I learned so much I didn't know. I didn't realized what a painful,( physically), her life had been and why. I didn't study her at all in school or in college so this was all new to me. I just knew her art because I am an art nut but I knew about some of the great artist that I liked and her art didn't strike me so I never looked her history up. Wow, what a history. Wonderful info and great illustrations. I got this book from the library. ( )

The book retells the life story of famous Mexican artist Frida. Her story is of misfortunes and great accomplishments. After being involved in a vehicle accident Frida begins the journey of self reflection and artistic career. She was confined to bed because of disability and it is where she teachers herself to paint and draw. She finds that the best therapy is her painting from confinements of bed. The struggle is not only about her physical limitations but that of being a female artist in a male dominated world.
She marries Diego Rivera, Mexican muralist. Illustrations are cartoonish but none the less great for what the content is revolving.
Gender, artist, disabled, culture, expression are some topics of discussion. ( )