Dorothea Lange

Children's Literature

"One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind." These words by America's respected documentary photographer Dorothea Lange capture the essence and spirit of her work. Born in 1895, Dorothea grew up to be a rule-breaker. In a time when few women held jobs, she chose to work in portrait studios helping to set up lights. Determined to become a photographer, she converted the family chicken coop into a darkroom and taught herself to develop film. Soon she was on her way to becoming one of America's most well-known documentary photographers. And once again, she broke the rules—photographing poor migrant workers suffering because of the Great Depression and Japanese-Americans forced into internment camps. This riveting biography uses Lange's photographs and her own words to explain the woman behind the camera. Whether it is used in a unit on the Great Depression or as an introduction to the power of primary sources, this biography is a must-read. 2003, Raintree, Ages 12 up.
— Leah Hanson

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Large print, easy-to-read introductions to artists who have made significant contributions to our culture through their documentation and expression of American life. Each slim biography begins by highlighting a significant episode in the life of the artist. This is followed by information on the individual's early life and career, and in the case of Hopper and Lange, their deaths. All of the books contain black-and-white photographs, reproductions of the artist's works, and related material. However, not all of the artwork described is pictured. In addition, youngsters may not be sure if all of the photographs in Lange were taken by the subject herself, or if they are from other sources. Despite flaws, these titles will satisfy requests for report material where needed.-Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.