Frida Kahlo by Emma Berne

Berne, E. (2009). Frida Kahlo: Mexican Artist. CA: Essential Libraries. ISBN: 1604537019

Plot Summary

  This biography tells the story of Frida Kahlo as a young strong woman, to a passionate artist and leader. This biography is very easy to read and breaks her life into ten chapters starting from Frida's terrible trolley accident, to her peak and decline as an artist. On the side of the pages, boxes are filled with information about the time, and about Frida's personal life such as how much money her parents made, or her favorite thing to eat for breakfast. Teens will have an easy time with this fast paced story of survival.

Critical Evaluation

  There are only so many Frida biographies that normal people can take, but I collect them all. I have been a huge fan of Frida's life and art since I was a little kid. She has inspired me through troubled times as well as encouraged my work as an artist. The first thing that struck me about this book was its beautiful colored pictures and there are even some that I have never seen before which is hard to imagine. The facts in this biography are spot on and her story flows wonderfully. This book also offers readers extra features that include, essential facts, added resources, glossary, source notes, index, timeline, and information about the author.

Readers Annotation

  Frida Kahlo rises from the ashes.

Information about the Author

  I could not find a lot of information about Emma Berne even though she has written over a dozen fiction and non fiction books for children and young adults. She started as a freelance ghost writer in 2003.
  She presently resides in Cincinnati with her husband. She lives in a restored farmhouse and she loved to cook, write and just gaze out of her window to stare at the deer.

Curriculum Ties
  Any of her biographies would be great resources in history classes.

Booktalking Ideas
  n/a

Interest Level/Reading Age
  9-12th grade/Young Adult

Challenge Issues
   I would offer my library's Collection Development Policy which highlights how challenges and reconsideration's are handled. I would ask the challenger and the professional reviewing it to familiarize themselves with the book.

Reason for Selection
  I collect anything having to do with Frida Kahlo and have a mass collection of biographies.