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Ashley Bryan
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Ashley Bryan: Words to My Life's Song Hardcover – Illustrated, January 6, 2009

by Ashley Bryan (Author, Illustrator), Bill McGuinness (Photographer)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 27 ratings
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Ashley's autobiography is full of art, photographs, and the poignant never-say-never tale of his rich life, a life that has always included drawing and painting. Even as a boy growing up during the Depression, he painted -- finding cast off objects to turn into books and kites and toy and art. Even as a solder in the segregated Army on the beaches of Normandy, he sketched -- keeping charcoal crayons and paper in his gasmask to draw with during lulls. Even as a talented, visionary art student who was accepted and then turned away from college upon arrival, the school telling Ashley that to give a scholarship to an African American student would be a waste, he painted -- continuing to create art when he could have been discouraged, continuing to polish his talents when his spirit should have been beaten. Ashley went on to become a Hans Christian Anderson Award nominee, a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, and a multiple Coretta Scott King award winner. As you might imagine, his story is powerful, bursting with his creative energy, and a testament to believing in oneself. It's a book every child in America should have access to and it does what the very best autobiographies do; it inspires!
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 years and up
  2. Print length
    64 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    2 - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    970L
  6. Dimensions
    10 x 0.5 x 9 inches
  7. Publisher
    Atheneum Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    January 6, 2009
  9. ISBN-10
    1416905413
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1416905417
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Well-loved illustrator Bryan's pictures and recollections tell of his lifelong devotion to making and sharing art. His Antiguan-born parents sang, kept birds and sheltered orphans; they showed him how to resist convention and survive defeat. Drawing every day, as a soldier during WWII he kept his art supplies in his gas mask ("There would have been a tumble of materials if I were ever in need of that mask!" he says). Bryan honed his skills, overcame racism and discouragement, and thrived throughout 20th-century tumult. While the text forms a single narrative thread, the busy pages are laid out scrapbook-style on bright, overlapping rectangles of color, old family photos next to artwork next to call-outs of Bryan's words in large type. Bryan brought elements of African art to award-winning collages and woodcuts; on his own time, he made (and continues to make) other treasures. McGuinness's photos show the artist in many settings on the Maine island he now calls home. A book for parents and children to enjoy together, Bryan's triumphant story will inspire artists of every age. All ages. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 4 Up—The inimitable Bryan offers a clear portrait of his own evolution as artist and writer in this brief, highly illustrated volume. He leads readers on a photographic tour around his home—Little Cranberry Island off the coast of Maine—describing beaches laden with smooth stones; the daily habits of lobster boatmen; the little nondenominational church; and his studio filled with toys and puppets created from found objects, panels made of sea glass, and canvases of painted flowers. Intertwined is the story of his parents, who emigrated to New York from Antigua, bringing with them their fondness for the colors and sounds of nature, which they passed on to their son, his five siblings, and three cousins. His academic and professional achievements are touched upon in relation to his work and teaching. The color that plays a prominent role in his life spreads throughout this slim volume in page highlights; in clear photos of the island; in spreads taken from his books; in the oversize type that stands out on some pages. The man's humility, his deep appreciation of natural beauty, his fascination with other cultures, his love of folk literature, his openness to all forms of artistic expression, and his delight in learning and in passing on his craft to others form the essence of this inviting presentation. His autobiography is a small treasure to share with those who love children's literature and an inspiring read-aloud that speaks to young people about human qualities that lead to success and happiness.—Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (January 6, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1416905413
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416905417
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 years and up
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 970L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.24 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.5 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 27 ratings

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Ashley Bryan

Ashley Bryan

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
27 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

C. A. North
5.0 out of 5 stars Glad to see this artist...
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2013
Verified Purchase
As many times as I visited Falmouth, Maine and the surrounding areas of Maine, how did I miss Ashley Bryan? Well, I have become acquainted with him now and I am fulfilled. I love the way he uses color, words, images to communicate to the world that life is beautiful if only you would be willing to live it fully. I really appreciate all of bryan's works. I think that I purchased all of them. The children that I teach are wonderfully creative and funny. I dramatize the works that I read to them. They will simply love my readings of bryan's works. Too, I sing professionally. Wow, what a sweetheart of a deal to become familiar with this artist and his works. Long live Ashley Bryan!
2 people found this helpful
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M. Stevens-Becksvoort
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insight into Ashley Bryan
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2010
Verified Purchase
I totally agree with Isabel D. whose review is below. Ashley Bryan is one of the most kind and gentle artist/storyteller/poets that I have ever met. At the recent ALA (American Library Association) conference in Washington, DC, he was walking through the vendor floor and graciously took a few moments to chat with me as a librarian from Maine. His readings and artwork convey the joy of words and color that typify Ashley Bryan. I am thankful for knowing, and for having heard, Ashley Bryan.
3 people found this helpful
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an earful
5.0 out of 5 stars To Know Ashley is to Love Him
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2013
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This book is so authentic to whom Ashley is and, even though I have had the luckiest opportunity to have come upon meeting him about fifteen years ago, I didn't know about this book until recently. It is a keeper!
One person found this helpful
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Marty Haddad
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book!
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2016
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This book tells Mr. Bryan's story. With examples of his work, his words and photos his creativity bounces off the pages!! A beautiful book!!
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Pat D.
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2014
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So proud to own this book! I met Ashley on a vacation to Maine! Very inspiring!
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Lynda Myles
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2011
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This book is a happy experience of gorgeous color, wonderful art, beautiful nature, fascinating personal history and heartfelt philosophy of a life fully lived.
One person found this helpful
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Isabel Y. Denham
5.0 out of 5 stars Family LIfe and Creativity
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2009
I have just read Ashley Bryan's new autobiography WORDS FOR MY LIFE SONG. As a librarian and teacher, as well as mother and grandmother, I have known his work for years. I have heard him lecture and chant poetry. I have known he was a versatile and ever-growing artist. But this book makes clear the kind of seedbed in which he grew. His parents were immigrants from the island of Antigua, who settled in the Bronx. They were creative in their own special ways - his mother with flowers and song; his father with birds. Besides their own six children, they raised various nieces and nephews. They encouraged their children to be creative in whatever way they chose - with music or art. Ashley was drawing and painting from his earliest years. He also gives credit to classes he and his siblings were able to take through the government programs begun in the Depression, such as the WPA. He learned very early to make art with found objects, which he has continued to do throughout his career. Bible stories and a church also played a strong role in his growing up. Because he was so bright and talented, he was able to get scholarships to outstanding educational institutions, though he did come up against some racial walls. When he was drafted into the Army during World War II, he always carried his sketch pad and pencils with him and drew whenever he could. He took art lessons in the countries where he was stationed. He took part in the Normandy invasion but managed to survive the fighting and keep drawing, even in the trenches. After the war he began to work at illustrating books and continuing his education. He also helped raise his sister's children. We now know him through his illustrations in countless children's books and through his lectures and performances of poetry and song. He has also taught at Dartmouth and other institutions.

From an early stage of his career, he has known Maine as a special place for artists and eventually found his own place on Little Cranberry Island. Part of this book consists of photographs of Bryan living on and celebrating the island.

The total effect of this book is of a family and man just bursting with creativity and sharing it with their fellow creatures. It also gives credit to American institutions which have been instrumental in encouraging talent. It makes the reader proud of what can happen in America when it is at its best.
13 people found this helpful
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D. Fowler
5.0 out of 5 stars You will absolutely fall in love with Ashley Bryan, a kind, gentle and extraordinarily talented man!
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2009
Ashley's arms are spread wide, welcoming you into his world on Little Cranberry Island, his life, his painting and into his heart. He'll give you a bit of his soul if you read carefully. He grew up in the Bronx surrounded by his three brothers, two sisters, loving parents and a few "extra special" surprise cousins. It was a vibrant home filled with song, dance, games, birds ... it was a nurturing environment for a budding artist. He wasn't born with a brush in his hands, but he should have been.

As a child Ashley was probably unaware of prejudice, but his father experienced the "prevailing discrimination that limited job opportunities for colored people." He later would learn that opportunity had to be chased down and wouldn't come to him if he walked away. He took the entrance exam to Cooper Union School of Art and Engineering," a school that his art teachers assured him that did "not see [him] there." They never saw his color, but rejoiced in his art and accepted him. In this book you will read the story of a gentle, enormously talented man who has brought his world to you in many books you have read. Ashley invites you to read about his life, a life well spent, one that has given us a new perspective on life.

I loved the gentle flow of the book that conveyed the spirit of a man you will fall in love with and would love to meet, least ways on the pages of his books. His story drifts seamlessly to his past and gives vignettes of his present day life on Cranberry Island. The poetic flow is very appealing. The art, his art, is magnificent and the photographs are very inviting. It is a wonderful world, but you can make it even better by inviting "Ashley Bryan" into yours and onto your book shelves!
5 people found this helpful
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