Unbound

By Joyce Scott, Brie Spangler, Melissa Sweet (illustrator)

Book cover of Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott

Book 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…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Unbound as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved reading this book to my kids, who were immediately drawn into the heartbreaking story of Judith, a girl with Down Syndrome, who was separated from her twin sister, Joyce, and institutionalized for many years. This separation led to great pain for both sisters, until decades later, when Joyce brought Judith home, and enrolled her in an art program for differently-abled people. Slowly, Judith flourished, going on to become an artist of renown, with work displayed in museums and galleries around the world. 

This tremendous story, of the bond between sisters, the therapeutic value of the creative process, and…

From Jasmine's list on women writers and artists.

All people should have the opportunity to express themselves and share their gifts. Joyce Scott, writing with the help of Brie Spangler, tells the story of her twin sister, Judith Scott, who was born with Down syndrome, was deaf, and never learned to speak. Judith was institutionalized until Joyce, as an adult, was finally able to get her sister out. Joyce welcomed Judith into her home and enrolled her in an art class, hoping to give her something to enjoy. Judith astonished everyone by becoming an acclaimed artist whose work is displayed in museums and galleries around the world.

This…

From Nancy's list on children’s books about art.

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