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mallen8509's review
5.0
I'm willing to bet that many of you know Ernie Barnes or at least his painting, Sugar Shack!
Raise your hand if you had the painting in your house!
Raise your hand if you had the painting in your house!
shighley's review
5.0
To me, this book is a shoo in for some major awards. I've had the pleasure of meeting Bryan Collier, and this is yet another book with a somewhat-different style that is also amazing. I examined many of the pages very carefully, trying to determine which had pieces of collaged acrylics. I admire his decision to not try to duplicate Barnes' style for the book.
At first I could not recall Mr. Barnes, but then I did remember that he was once drafted by the Colts, and I do remember the "Sugar Shack" painting from the television show, "Good Times." I did spend some time looking up more of Mr. Barnes' paintings and stories about his life. With so many kids wanted to be pro athletes when they grow up, this is a great example of showing how the arts can really be a calling.
At first I could not recall Mr. Barnes, but then I did remember that he was once drafted by the Colts, and I do remember the "Sugar Shack" painting from the television show, "Good Times." I did spend some time looking up more of Mr. Barnes' paintings and stories about his life. With so many kids wanted to be pro athletes when they grow up, this is a great example of showing how the arts can really be a calling.
melodierhae's review
5.0
LOVED this blend of art and sports history, a look at a person advocating for their true passions and SUCCEEDING. I never knew about Ernie Bates, and I'm glad I got to meet him through this beautiful book.
readingthroughtheages's review
5.0
Fantastic picture book biography about a fascinating person who combined his interests and his passion for art.
jshettel's review
5.0
Fascinating and incredible story of Ernie Barnes, an African American artist who was also a pro football player. Little known stories from history.
backonthealex's review
5.0
When Ernie Barnes was a young boy, he loved to draw, and after seeing the art hanging in the library where his mother worked, he knew he wanted to be an artist. But becoming an artist wasn't the easiest thing. Because he was 6'3" Ernie was recruited to play football, first for his high school, than in college, and finally in the pros. But Ernie never gave up his dream of being an artist, even after his coach tore up his sketchbook. As a football player, Ernie observed everything he saw with the eye of an artistic, not a player and much of what he saw was later realized on canvas. Luckily, after being injured, Ernie was offer a position with the New York Jets - as official team artist at full salary. I'm a girl who doesn't know very much about football, so I really appreciated the way Wallace focused on Ernie's drive to be an artist rather than a player. Wisely, Collier didn't try to imitate Ernie's style of art, creating his own dynamic watercolor and collage illustrations. There's plenty of back matter in this well researched book, including a Historical Note, an Author's Note, an Illustrator's Note. There are also suggestions for learning more, books for further reading, videos and films of interest, and Additional Resources.
mrsjhasbooks's review
5.0
This 2020 Bluestem Award nominee is an inspiring historical perspective of Ernie Barnes and his desire to paint and draw instead of play football. Juxtaposed with the civil rights movement and the brutality of a professional football career, the story of Barnes and his incredible paintings leaves readers wanting to know more!