January 1, 2021
Effervescent text peppered with Austen's own words tells the story of the beloved novelist, showing how greatness can unfold and how exciting creativity can be. Myriad threads--young Jane's early attempts at satire; her participation in family theatrics; the education her family supported and provided; the financial and personal losses she suffered; her rebellion against literary trends; her growth as an artist; her wit, resilience, and observant nature--all come together to present an engaging portrait accompanied by detailed and engaging illustrations that entwine with the story and give a strong sense of the era. Light, pastel-colored interiors share space with gray outdoor scenes, stable verticals and horizontals suggesting the intellectual limitations she encountered. The focus on the evolution of Austen's genius means that some seemingly important aspects of her life--the fact that her father was a clergyman, her particularly close and continuous relationship with her sister--do not receive full attention. Moreover, the typical role of women of the gentry receives only a brief mention (and those of women of the lower classes not at all), so that young readers will not necessarily understand exactly how groundbreaking Austen's accomplishments were. What is present, though, is a bright and honest tale of the development of a great writer who grappled with adversity, one that will inspire and fascinate young readers. An informative, engaging depiction of the life and growth of an exceptional literary talent. (biographical note, author's note, illustrator's note, novels, resources, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-10)
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January 1, 2021
Grades 2-5 This charming picture-book biography introduces young readers to Jane Austen. The text follows key events in Austen's life, showing how she drew material for novels from the real people and events unfolding around her as she made her way through proper 19th-century English society. Several quotes from Austen's writing are seamlessly integrated into the story, and the pleasingly busy illustrations create engaging backdrops. The book intends to help readers understand how Austen found her literary voice, and how her personal experiences, both happy times and hardships, helped her to create authentic characters that mattered to audiences. Back matter includes a more detailed account of her life, complete versions of the referenced quotes and where they can be found in Austen's books, both author and illustrator notes, a brief bibliography, and links to age-appropriate resources. The hand-drawn pictures and amusing narrative make this a fitting tribute to Austen, and readers should come away with an appreciation for her talent plus a good understanding of what a writer's voice is all about.
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