Synergy: Artist Ben Shahn

Ben Shahn (1898-1969) was a Lithuanian born, American social realist artist and educator. Through his paintings, murals, prints, photographs, and illustrations, he told the stories of civil rights activists, political protestors, and ordinary people facing injustice.

Read the biographical picture book for youth, then learn more at the websites:

THE PEOPLE’S PAINTER: HOW BEN SHAHN FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE WITH ART written by Cynthia Levinson and illustrated by Evan Turk tells the true story of a boy who escaped injustice and spent his life sharing the stories of others who faced persecution. Notes, a timeline, and resources are useful in learning more about this artist.

The Archives of American Art contains collections, oral histories, and digital reproductions of the work of BEN SHAHAN.

To visit this collection, go to https://s.si.edu/34ytHjt

BEN SHAHN: PASSION FOR JUSTICE is an award-winning PBS documentary telling the story of this socially engaged artist. Told through interviews and examples of his work, excerpts from this documentary would be useful in helping students understand the continued relevance of this artist.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/LFYwcq0veXc

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Fatherhood Involvement

Fatherhood involvement focuses on the unique bond between a father and child. Children at every stage of development benefit from the involvement of a positive and supporting adult in their life. Regardless of the family structure, strong families and healthy relationships take patience, respect, and communication.

Read the recently published picture book, then learn more at the websites:

DADDY LET’S PLAY written by Rodney Freeman, Jr. and illustrated by Dorothea Taylor weaves together an endearing father-daughter story with relatable, contemporary themes including the pandemic, diversity, and social activism.

Milah and her father play video games together each evening. When her father ends up in the hospital, they figure out a way to stay in contact through their shared passion for gaming.

The brightly colored illustrations paired with the fast-paced text are sure to engage young readers. This accessible title is an effective way to introduce children to the growing number of picture books that represent fatherhood and specifically black dads in a positive light.

FATHERHOOD.GOV is part of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse supporting strong fathers and families. The website contains tips and hints for dads and kids along with programs and research. The marketing campaign including PSAs reflect ‘#Dadication’ to parenting. A search of the library section reveals dozens of articles focusing specifically on the needs and interests of black fathers.

To visit the website, go to https://www.fatherhood.gov/.

ARC courtesy of Preservation LLC.

Book Review: Let Your Voice Be Heard

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD by Anita Silvey explores the life of folk musician Pete Seeger.

From young folk-singer to Grammy winner, this well-researched work of nonfiction traces the career of this singer, songwriter, and banjo player. The book is most effective when discussing his social and environmental activism.

Librarians will find a middle grade audience for this biography among children who enjoy music and activism. Connect this work of nonfiction with the Smithsonian Folkways website to see and hear Seeger’s works. Go to http://www.folkways.si.edu/peteseeger.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.anitasilvey.com/. A teachers guide is available.

Published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ARC courtesy of the publisher.