The East-West House

Noguchi's Childhood in Japan
By Christy Hale

A biography of biracial sculptor/designer/landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, focusing on his childhood in Japan and the building of an “east-west” house that gave shape to his lifelong creative approach.

Description

Isamu was a boy of the East and the West. Born in the United States to a Japanese father and Scotch-Irish American mother, Isamu grew up in Japan. From his earliest years he felt the tug of his biracial heritage, never quite fitting in or thinking he belonged. Pleasure came, however, from the natural world. Color, light, and shadow. Earth, wood, and stone. Working with these forms of nature, Isamu found a way to blend his cultural divide. It was an exploration that became the cornerstone and spirit of his lifelong creative journey.

With lyrical text and luminous artwork, Christy Hale tells the story of the boy who grew up to be the multifaceted artist Isamu Noguchi. Guided by his desire to enrich everyday life with art while bringing together Eastern and Western influences, Noguchi created a vast array of innovative sculptures, stage sets, furniture, and public spaces. The East-West House is a tribute to the artistic beginnings of this pioneering modern sculptor and designer.

About the Creators

Christy Hale

Christy Haleis the author and illustrator of several acclaimed children's books, including four published by Lee & Low, and she has illustrated numerous other award-winning picture books as well. Hale also works in the children's book field as an art director, a designer, and an educator, offering programs at schools, libraries, and museums. She lives with her husband in Palo Alto, California. You can learn more about her at christyhale.com.

Awards

  • Best Books

    Kirkus Reviews

Reviews

  • * "A welcome entrée to one artist's inspiration, aspiration and imagination."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "[Y]ounger kids, especially young artists and those with immigrant or multiracial backgrounds, will appreciate the personal and cultural dynamics."

    - Booklist
  • "A beautifully illustrated picture book story. . . Provides much insight into the life of the artist and sculptor."

    - Multicultural Review

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781620148587
  • Publication Date Sep 02, 2012
  • Trim Size 10.875 × 8.375 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781600603631
  • Publication Date Sep 02, 2012
  • Trim Size 11.25 × 8.75 in
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Page Count 28
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Art
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Art / Techniques
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Science & Nature / General (see also headings underAnimalsorTechnology)
  • Themes Art, Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Biography / Memoir, Biracial / Multiracial, Bullying, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Conflict resolution, Cultural Diversity, Discrimination, Dreams & Aspirations, Empathy / Compassion, Environment / Nature, Exploring Ecosystems, Families, Fathers, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Imagination, Immigration, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Integrity / Honesty, Mothers, Multiple Ethnicities Represented, Nature / Science, Nonfiction, Occupations, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Pride, Self Control / Self Regulation
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 12
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 8
  • Guided Reading T
  • ATOS Book Level 4.2
  • DRA 44
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 5
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 760
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • SRC 3.6
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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