Although I’d never before heard of the collagist Romare Bearden, the fictionalized account his inspiration was not only interesting, well written, and creatively illustrated, but I’m now quite interested in the artist himself. My Hands Sing the Blues: Roman Bearden’s Childhood Journey by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon (Marshall Cavendish, 2011) reveals a blues-like rhythm as Romare Bearden shares some of the things that inspired him in his art and got him from North Carolina to Harlem, where his collage work was recognized throughout his life. I loved the rhythm to the text, and the memories from his childhood fit in quite well with the bright oil painting and collage illustrations (one of which has a depiction of his own most famous work).
After I read the book, I found myself browsing a few websites seeking more samples of his work.  My Hands Sing the Blues is a creative and well done fictionalized biography.Â
Note: I received a review copy from the publisher for consideration for the 2011 Cybils awards.
