Life of a Genius

Su Dongpo
By Demi
Out of Stock

A tribute to the spirited life of one of China’s greatest literary and historical heroes–poet, scholar, and statesman Su Dongpo.

Description

As a little seed one day will

become a great tree, as a flowing river

can carve a mighty rock…

One day the work you do will show too!

Even as a young boy in eleventh-century China, Su Shih was clearly special. After finding a rare inkstone, he began to write stories and verses expressing his love of the natural world. His words flowed effortlessly. His brush danced across the paper.

Su Shih grew up to become a leading scholar and statesman, eventually taking the name Su Dongpo. Integrating his love of natural order and humanity into his writings and civic works, Su Dongpo promoted justice and condemned corruption – often at his own peril. His life was rife with reversals of fortune; but through it all he retained his grace, his humility, and his compassion.

Award-winning author and artist Demi has created a graceful tribute to one of history’s most accomplished yet overlooked figures. Su Dongpo’s life truly transcends the ages and is a shining example of dignity, ingenuity, courage and resilience.

About the Creators

Demi

Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred fifty books for children. She is known for her perceptive texts and elegant illustrations with golden accents, and for her biographies of major historical figures from around the world, including religious figures like Buddha, Muhammad, Jesus, and Mary. Her books have been named New York Times Best Illustrated Books, recognized with ALA Notable Children's Books and Notable Books for a Global Society citations, and won the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world. Demi has traveled extensively and studied art in Mexico, India, and China. She lives in Yarrow Point, Washington.

Awards

  • ALSC Notable Children's Books

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year Outstanding

    Bank Street College of Education

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

Reviews

  • "If children need a new superhero, they should skip Hollywood's fictitious offerings and learn about China's real Su Dongpo. . . [Demi] masterfully tells Su Dongpo's story with illustrations, language, and concepts understandable to elementary school readers; this volume will likely make them thirst to learn more about China and this 'best' hero."

    - Foreword Reviews
  • "This picture-book biography portrays Su Dongpo with quiet admiration as a virtuous man who met difficulties with uncommon dignity and presence of mind. Beautifully designed and produced, the book features delicately limned, brilliantly colored paintings of scenes from Su Dongpo's life, outlined in scarlet and bordered with thin bands of gold. A visually striking introduction to the Chinese poet sometimes referred to as Su Shi or Su Tung-po."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620142325
  • Publication Date Sep 01, 2006
  • Trim Size 10 × 10 in
  • Weight 0.625 lbs
  • Page Count 56
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781584302568
  • Publication Date Sep 01, 2006
  • Trim Size 10 × 10 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 56
  • Word Count 2920
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / People & Places / Asia
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Historical
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Literary
  • Themes Art, Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Biography / Memoir, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, History & Civics, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Leadership, Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Occupations, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Poetry, Pride, Religion / Spiritual, Responsibility, Self Control / Self Regulation
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 13
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 8
  • Guided Reading T
  • ATOS Book Level 6.7
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 8
  • Lexile Level 1060
  • Reading Level 4
  • SRC 7.5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 93
      Nonfiction Grades 3-6
      Collection of 93 books: $1,228.35