The Story of Frida Kahlo by Susan B. Katz

Born with a birth defect, a polio victim as a child, her body smashed in a tragic accident, Frida Kahlo's indomitable spirit overcame everything that life had thrown at her. The eclipsed wife of a larger-than-life artist, those who knew them both believed she was the better artist. 

Katz took on a big job in writing a children's book about a woman who contended with society, love, and the art world to reap world recognition in her brief 47 years. 

Katz's Frida is vulnerable yet strong and young readers will find her life romantically tragic and inspirational. 

The story of Frida's final exhibition is especially moving. A bed was brought into the exhibition hall so she could attend the opening days before her death.

detail of illustration from The Story of Frida Kahlo by Susan B. Katz

The book focuses on the use of art as therapy, self-expression, and connecting to the female experience, showing how creativity can give us strength and a voice.

Katz includes teaching aids including a glossary, timelines, content questions, and discussion starters.

Ana Sanfelippo's colorful illustrations enrich the volume, bringing Frida's life alive to young readers.

The Story of Frida Kahlo: A Biography for New Readers
by Susan B. Katz
Rockridge Press
$6.99 paperback
ISBN-10: 1646111605
ISBN-13: 978-1646111602
Grades 1-3

Susan B. Katz is a teacher, educational consultant, and author. She has also written The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Ofrendas: Celebrating El Dia De Muertos at the DIA

Ofrendas: Celebrating El Dia De Muertos is on exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Art until November 10, 2019. I was unprepared for what I would find when I entered this exhibit. I was immediately moved by the first display and the tears continued to well in my eyes throughout the exhibit.

The first display was in memory of the 43 students who went missing.

 Learn more about this tragedy here and about the missing here.

 

 The Border included a teddy bear in a cage.

 This altar was for the artist Robert Wilbert.

Samples of his art are included.
This tree includes Mexicans who left their mark on the world.

This haunting contribution addresses the unknown migrants who died on their journey.

 This heartbreaking map includes known deaths in the borderlands.

Courage is for the refugees displaced by violence, poverty, and human rights violations.

 Grandparents Know It All

Read about this display, below, for a doctor here.

The dark room made it hard to take good photographs and I only shared some of the 16 displays. This is art at its most powerful. This is art that can move us and educate us and allow us to understand the greater human experience.

Fri, Oct 13, 2017 — Sun, Nov 12, 2017In celebration of Dia de Muertos, the Detroit Institute of Arts, in partnership with Detroit's Mexican Consulate, invite you to explore a community exhibition of ofrenda altars. In Mexico, and other Latin American countries, the Day of the Dead is the time of the year to celebrate the lives of close relatives, friends or community members who have passed away. Objects important to lost loved ones, such as favorites foods, drinks, mementos and pictures, are collected and incorporated into elaborate displays that include pan de muerto (bread of the dead), sugar skulls, candles, flowers, papel picado (paper cutouts) and other decorations. Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos will be on view during regular museum hours and are included with general museum admission.