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Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood

It is the assertiveness of identity, as the united voice of a community says: ¡Sí se puede! Yes, we can!

Book Author

F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

Publisher

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Language

English

ISBN

978-0544357693

Pages

38

Format

Paperback

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Description

Maybe Something Beautiful is the triumph of hope, and possibility. It is the assertiveness of identity, as the united voice of a community says: ¡Sí se puede! Yes, we can! It is also the recognition that the search for beauty is a powerful motivator for change, and that ART is a great tool to materialize it. Inspired by how illustrator López and his wife, Candice, helped enliven their San Diego neighborhood through art, Campoy and Howell introduce Mira, a young artist who sees possibilities in blank paper. Mira finds a kindred spirit in a joyful muralist: “Maybe… something beautiful,” he thinks as he looks at a painting Mira has taped to a dreary wall. Others join them and soon the walls of the community begin through art, the transformation their souls needed. The authors deliver a clear, uplifting message about the power of art to revitalize people and their surroundings.

About the Author:
F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

F. Isabel Campoy is the author of many children books covering the areas of poetry, theatre, short stories, biographies, and art. Her work aims at providing children the key to interpret the world in a fun, challenging and affirmative way. As a scholar and researcher in the field of Linguistics and Writing Across the Curriculum, Isabel Campoy has published extensively, and is a frequent speaker nationally and internationally. The field of translation covers an important part of her publishing interest and she has received honors and awards for her Spanish versions of books originally published in English. F. Isabel Campoy received the Ramón Santiago Award, 2016 from NABE, the Laureate Award from San Francisco Public Library and the Reading the World Award of children's literature in 2005. She has received the Junior Library Guild Award for nine of her titles. She is a Corresponding member of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language, member of the American Academy of Poets as well as of several organizations for the advancement of multicultural awareness and world peace.




Reviews/Quotes

An inspiring and wistful message wrapped up in a subtle, thoughtful narrative and lively, beautiful art: simply superb.” Kirkus Starred Review Exquisite in thought and design, it carries a powerful, layered message for all readers—children at all ages and adults. Isabel Campoy hits compelling and potent notes in her writing, while Rafael Lopez dazzles with images that bring the ideas to life. Ruth Culham || REVIEWS: “In a neighborhood full of gray, young Mira shares her colorful art (and heart) with the world beyond her window. First Mira gives a painting of an apple to Mr. Henry, the shop owner. She then offers a songbird to Mr. Sax and a deep red heart to the local beat cop. Still, her art project hits its limit. “Her city was less gray—but not much.” Soon a mysterious artist approaches Mira, offering a boost. “What do you see?” Mira asks him. “Maybe…something beautiful,” he replies. Leading readers on an infectious ride, Campoy and Howell’s text bristles with dazzling energy. Words pop out of the page in bursts of oomph (“BAM! POW!”) as color begins to fill the city. The authors, moreover, mix in dynamic moments with quiet scenes, producing a tone both lively and contemplatively hopeful. The illustrations, however, are the main attraction. López, whose career as a muralist inspired this story, loads each double-page spread with curves, splashes of paint, and geometric shapes, changing page orientation for emphasis at times. As Mira’s neighbors join in on the fun, the city comes alive with unforgettable human spirit. The mysterious artist sums it all up: “The world is your canvas.” Kirkus Starred Review ==== “(…) Based on the true story of the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, this delightfully bright book is awash with color and emotion. Reminding me of A Curious Garden, this is the story of transformation and what people can do within their own community. I love these kinds of stories, because it is important that children not only see themselves in stories, but can also see a place for themselves in the world. Mira seems to be a fictional character herself, but she is a good foil for children to see themselves in the story. As with any book about art though, it is the illustrations that are integral to the story. Rafael López was integral to the making of the Urban Art Trail, transforming San Diego’s East Village where he lived. López’s Mexican influences are on every page, having a vague fairy tale mythic quality to them. I simply can’t state enough how lovely this book is.” Children's Atheneum Review

Additional information

Book Author

F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

Publisher

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Language

English

ISBN

978-0544357693

Pages

38

Format

Paperback

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