In Her Hands

The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage
By Alan Schroeder, JaeMe Bereal
Paperback: $13.95

A recreation of events from the childhood and early career of Augusta Savage, a pioneering female sculptor and major figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

Description

As a young girl in Florida in the 1890s, Augusta enjoyed nothing more than playing with clay. She would happily sculpt it into little figures: cows, chickens, ducks. Augusta’s mother didn’t mind but her father, a stern preacher, felt the girl was wasting time on idle nonsense.

With her mother’s support, Augusta’s sculpting talent blossomed as she grew into a young woman. Eventually, Augusta found herself at a crossroad. She wanted to pursue a career as an artist, but to do so she would have to leave behind all she knew. With only her passion to guide her, Augusta headed to New York City to follow her dream wherever it might take her.

Award-winning author Alan Schroeder deftly weaves together known historical details to create a compelling portrait of this unique Harlem Renaissance sculptor. Warm, inviting paintings capture both Augusta Savage’s struggles and resilience as she skillfully carved out her own special place in art history.

About the Creators

Alan Schroeder

Alan Schroeder is the author of several acclaimed picture books that capture the early lives of notable African Americans. His work has appeared on ALA Notable booklists and has been honored among TIME magazine’s Best Children’s Books of the Year. Schroeder lives in Alameda, California.

JaeMe Bereal

JaeMe Bereal is a fine artist and sculptor who, like Augusta Savage, discovered her passion at a young age. But unlike Savage, Bereal comes from a long line of supportive artists, including both of her parents. When she isn’t painting or sculpting, Bereal enjoys yoga and dance. She lives in Berkeley, California, and can be found on the Web at jaemebereal.com. This is her first picture book.

Awards

  • Celebrate with Books

    Cleveland Public Library

Reviews

  • "This is a worthy effort that celebrates the determination of a young woman whose contributions should be remembered."

    - School Library Journal
  • "A compelling children's biography of Harlem Renaissance sculptor Augusta Savage, gracefully unfolded by Alan Schroder and richly imaged in realistic paintings by JaeMe Bereal. . . . Should be an inspiration to young artists today."

    - Midwest Book Review

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781600609893
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 2009
  • Trim Size 11 × 8.5 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 48
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600603327
  • Publication Date Oct 01, 2009
  • Trim Size 11.25 × 8.5 × 1 in
  • Weight 1 lbs
  • Page Count 48
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Art
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / People & Places / United States / African American
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Women
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Art, Biography / Memoir, Breaking Gender Barriers, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Courage, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, Empathy / Compassion, Families, History & Civics, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Imagination, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Integrity / Honesty, Mentors, Mothers, Nonfiction, Occupations, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Poverty, Pride, Religion / Spiritual, Self Control / Self Regulation, Social Justice & Activism, Women's History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 6 - 10
  • Grade Range Grades 1 - 5
  • Guided Reading Q
  • ATOS Book Level 4.6
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 5
  • Lexile Level 630
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • SRC 3.5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 93
      Nonfiction Grades 3-6
      Collection of 93 books: $1,227.35