Scan barcode
molly_dettmann's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
I absolutely adore the art and also love the message about how art can play a bigger part in how we work to change our world for the better. Excellent read!
librarydreams's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
There's a lot of "touchy" subjects depicted in the illustrations, but all of them can be glossed over by not reading the protest signs. Given the length and meter of the book, stopping to read the signs may be awkward anyways. The art is incredible, and the message is spot on. The book's last line is my absolute favorite!
stephanie_happylibrarian's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Hearing Smith speak at AASL, this book should be in all libraries to introduce advocacy and stand up for others through his gorgeous, powerful, and raw illustrations.
stephbeaudoin20's review against another edition
5.0
This book is spectacular! The art is great and the story is awesome.
gmrickel's review against another edition
5.0
This book is such an approachable way to encourage kids to join community and <i>take action</i> on the things that matter to them. The art (digitally painted) is rich and layered, with bold colors and sure strokes.
One of my favorite lines is "Activism has the power to spark the compassion and empathy of the whole world. And Artivist can light that flame."
Another favorite line: "The Artivist is a memory keeper, painting JUSTICE for all. Especially all those who no longer have a voice."
One of my favorite lines is "Activism has the power to spark the compassion and empathy of the whole world. And Artivist can light that flame."
Another favorite line: "The Artivist is a memory keeper, painting JUSTICE for all. Especially all those who no longer have a voice."
ofloveandlayovers's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
library_kb's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is an inspirational story, with absolutely gorgeous artwork, about a kid who uses his art to call out the injustice in the world and make a difference. Socially conscious kids will see themselves in these pages, as well as be inspired to create an outlet for the problems they see in the world.
bacchusvines's review against another edition
4.5
Content warnings for illustrations dealing with: homelessness, gun violence, racism, water crisis, and murder.
An impactful picture book, The Artivist is a product of being both an artist and an activist. Kids will find the brushstrokes of Nikkolas Smith enchanting but also brutal in its depiction of suffering and love. The illustrations truly carry the picture book, while the words are there to help the reader understand what is being said and what needs to be done. Being an Artivist is more than just creating works of art, it's giving voice to the brushstrokes, film, or lyrics. It's showing others the ways things can be better, if we all work together. What got me the most is how raw I felt after reading. There's so much suffering that as a community, bookish or otherwise, we can listen and project the voices of the ones still fighting while also continue our own battles. It's not easy, but the love will always be there.
An impactful picture book, The Artivist is a product of being both an artist and an activist. Kids will find the brushstrokes of Nikkolas Smith enchanting but also brutal in its depiction of suffering and love. The illustrations truly carry the picture book, while the words are there to help the reader understand what is being said and what needs to be done. Being an Artivist is more than just creating works of art, it's giving voice to the brushstrokes, film, or lyrics. It's showing others the ways things can be better, if we all work together. What got me the most is how raw I felt after reading. There's so much suffering that as a community, bookish or otherwise, we can listen and project the voices of the ones still fighting while also continue our own battles. It's not easy, but the love will always be there.