Ashley Bryan: Words to My Life's Song

by Ashley Bryan, Bill McGinness (Photography)

Ashley's autobiography is full of art, photographs, and the poignant never-say-never tale of his rich life, a life that has always included drawing and painting. Even as a boy growing up during the Depression, he painted -- finding cast off objects to turn into books and kites and toy and art. Even as a solder in the segregated Army on the beaches of Normandy, he sketched -- keeping charcoal crayons and paper in his gasmask to draw with during lulls. Even as a talented, visionary art student who was accepted and then turned away from college upon arrival, the school telling Ashley that to give a scholarship to an African American student would be a waste, he painted -- continuing to create art when he could have been discouraged, continuing to polish his talents when his spirit should have been beaten. Ashley went on to become a Hans Christian Anderson Award nominee, a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, and a multiple Coretta Scott King award winner. As you might imagine, his story is powerful, bursting with his creative energy, and a testament to believing in oneself. It's a book every child in America should have access to and it does what the very best autobiographies do; it inspires!

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Art, Autobiography, Middle Grade, Childrens

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2009

About the author

Ashley Bryan was an illustrator, children's author, and poet.

Ashley Bryan (1923–2022) grew up to the sound of his mother singing from morning to night, and he shared the joy of song with children. A beloved illustrator, he was named a Newbery Honoree for his picture book, Freedom Over Me. He also received the Coretta Scott King—Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, was a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, a Coretta Scott King Award winner, and the recipient of countless other awards and recognitions. His books include Freedom Over Me; Sail Away; Beautiful Blackbird; Beat the Story-Drum, Pum Pum; Let It Shine; Ashley Bryan’s Book of Puppets; and What a Wonderful World. He lived in Islesford, one of the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine.

Reviews

[Maira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Bryan: Words to my Life's Song was received the 2010 Golden Kite Award for non-fiction. This was one of the most amazing biographies I had read. There are times where I can see biographies boring students, but this man's story and illustrations are beyond amazing!I think this book would be most suitable for students in grades 3+.

It was enough information to tell Ashley Bryan's life and yet grasp the students attention. (some biographies can be very long which tend to lose students after a point).His creativity in telling his story with what he does best (drawings/pictures) are just beautiful to see as you are flipping through the pages in the book.

[Mike Romesburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theme: "Multicultural Artists and Librarians"

Ashley Brian uses this book to describe his entire life (childhood, teen years, adulthood). He even discusses family members and key events in the history of our country that he lived through (Great Depression). The main takeaway I have from this story is that life is what we make it. Mr. Bryan did not always get his way with his life experiences, but he continued to chase his dreams and appreciate what he did have. Ultimately, he became an amazing author, illustrator and three time Coretta Scott King award winner. This is a must read and can be applied to the lives of people of all ages.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both autobiography and guided tour of Bryan's beloved Little Cranberry Island, this is an exuberant portrayal of the life and work of a prolific artist, story-teller, poetry-singer, and winner of the Laura Ingalls Wilder award for his body of work for children. This can be read in various ways . There's the straight-forward narrative of Bryan's long and creative life, with examples of his illustrations and Bill McGuinnes's photos of him at work and with children, and the day-long tour of his island home with gorgeous photographs of the Maine scenery . A treat no matter how you look at it.

[Adele Ames · Rating 5 out of 5]

An autobiography about and amazing philanthropist, humanitarian, artist, writer, puppeteer, who lives on a tiny island off the coast of Maine.

I nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine autobiography in words and images of someone who didn’t allow prejudice or setbacks to discourage or embitter him. Aimed at children but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

a beautiful juxtaposition of the artist's autobiography and a day-in-the life of the artist's current (as of publication) life on an island off of Maine. such a beautiful story and an inspration to create! love love love

[Roberta L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last year I read another book about Mr. Bryan's life. Recently, I found this book on a shelf.I don't remember reading it. This was just a delightful excursion into an artist's life. I like his writer's voice and enjoy reading about his journey as a scholar, family member and an artist.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing man!

[Brenda Kahn]

A pure joy to reread. Magical.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the inner workings of Ashley's creations and where they were formed.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since he died a few weeks ago, I’ve been discovering and re-discovering this amazing man’s artwork and books. This is a delightful approach to an autobiography.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Bryan’s autobiography had an inspiring artistic theme. This is why I want to nominate his book for an Honor Book. His book is layed out as a scrapbook would be, it is simple but rich in details. He includes photos throughout his life, art pieces he has done, documents, and bright colors. Bryan’s family life was very close knit and they were all very supportive of each other. Bryan describes that he always loved to paint since he was a child. He got into an Art School where the students did not have to be seen, this worked to his benefit since Ashley Bryan was African American and, for the most part, African Americans were not accepted into many colleges. While attending school, he sold clothes that were handcrafted by himself and his sister.

The book written by Ashley Bryan fits the Notable Books Criteria well. Ashley Bryan portrays cultural accuracy of his life because it is an autobiography. He overcomes many circumstances that were hard for him to face but in the end he showed how he faced the odds to become a successful artist. Although his family was not of high socioeconomic status they somehow saved up for a house big enough for his family. Bryan also worked the education system and found art schools that did not require race to be announced. Through this he found his way around the segregated era he was living in, in order to become the person he is today.

Words to my Life’s Song invites the reader to reflect their own passions in life. Ashley Bryan’s writing style is so passionate about what he enjoyed to do that I could feel how he felt about art. He showed his art which I thought was interesting because an art piece is something that you go experience yet Bryan illustrated these pieces as apart of his book. He kept the language very casual so I felt like a friend was talking to me. This made the book personal. I know Ashley Bryan is not known for his writing so I believed this fit perfectly with the story he was trying to convey to the reader.

Reading an autobiography is one type of biography that I find interesting. It is so personal to see what someone has to say about their own life. A biography, according to Tunnell, cannot get inside the subject’s head but when the subject writes about themselves the reader sees what was most important for them to share with their audience (Tunnell, page 159, 2008). This is true for Ashley Bryan’s autobiography because he shared important parts of his own life such as selling clothes with his sister. That may not be an important trait for a person writing a biography because it is such a small detail.

The formatting of Words to my Life’s Song is, like I said before, scrapbook style. Because his writing style is so casual and he creates a conversation out of his story I believe this format is appealing.

The only critique I would have for this book is it shows a very rare situation. Ashley Bryan is an inspiring person but his story focused a lot on the positive aspect, how he was so lucky by getting into these schools and succeeding and having a supportive family. I think the story should have implemented more struggle with Ashley Bryan’s journey and shown how he overcame that.

[Tibby]

Another winner of a book from Ashley Bryan. I liked this so much I ordered my own copy. Bryan grew up during the Depression Era, but his family was happy and seemed to make the most of their circumstances. His parents, born in Antigua on the island of St. John, immigrated to Brooklyn and lived in a small apartment with their six kids and three orphaned nieces and nephews. The way Bryan describes his home and his parents is almost magical. His mother sang from morning until night. His parents encouraged Ashley’s artistry and all their kids. They were able to take free WPA music and art classes. His mother also grew plants where ever there was light in their apartment and made paper flowers to brighten darker spaces. Who wouldn’t want to grow up there and who wouldn’t find inspiration in that? When Bryan was older his parents bought the house across the street from their apartment building and made a home there.

When Bryan was 19 he was drafted into the army during WWII. Because he was black he was stuck doing service work, but was present at the D-Day invasion on a supply boat. After traveling to Scotland, England, and then France, Bryan returned to the US, but was haunted by questions of war. He decided, after a summer art scholarship, to study philosophy and got an undergraduate degree from Columbia. (I have to note biographies of this time period make it seem that it was considerably easier to get an education back then, especially a college education). After that he decided to use the GI bill to continue his education and went to France where he painted and studied French. He was even able to see Pablo Casals in concert! Bryan also got a Fulbright scholarship and studied in Germany.

Bryan did not set out to be a children’s book author/illustrator. He was a practicing artist and taught at the college level. He was approached by Pantheon books, who ultimately did not use his work, and then later by Atheneum. He has published a ton of books since then!

The interesting thing about the layout/format of Words is that it could have gone very wrong. It’s chock full of pictures of his drawings and paintings over the year, photographs of Bryan as a child and young man, pictures of his letters and photos of the places he grew up, as well as pictures of the Cranberry Isles where he lives now and his studio there. There is also the story of his life, his autobiography, and a parallel story of him inviting the reader along to see his island home and how he draws inspiration from it. The three pieces, pictures and two stories, could have felt jumbled, disjointed, and incongruous, but nothing interrupts anything else. It all flows so beautifully together and is so inspiring and lovely. At the end you feel as though you have spent a relaxing day chatting with an amazing artist who has led a full and interesting life.

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is beautiful to me about this deceptively rich picture book memoir, aside from the glorious illustrations and examples of Bryan's found artwork, are the ways he connects his childhood passions with his adult passions. It's the story of someone who always recognized and valued himself. Like the sea glass and bleached bones he scavenges from the shores of his home, nothing is lost or wasted in his life. Everything has a purpose for his art, there is beauty and meaning in every experience. For example, he traces a loving, organic path from his Kindergarten classroom where his teacher helped her students create little handmade ABC books and become authors in their families to the little handmade book he creates for Pablo Casals years later in France, full of sketches of Casals rehearsing for concerts to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the death of Bach. Such a little thing, a tiny book in tiny hands, gave him a powerful touchstone for his life and evolved into a storied publishing career. Through it all, his devotion to his family, his parents and his siblings and his nieces and nephews that he helps raise, centers him in a global world where monumental change, the Depression and World War II, often tore families apart. Families everywhere will love turning the pages in this book, finding so much to pore over in his illustrations and so much to think about when he describes being the only black child in his local church, the only black art student at art school, all the myriad of ways in which race impacted his life, including his ability to get home at the end of the war when only a certain number of black soldiers were allowed to join the legions of white soldiers leaving Europe. Through it all Bryan radiates a calm conviction that he mattered and his art mattered. And so he never gave up, pursued every opportunity that he had to find a way to make art full time. This memoir may very well be a touchstone for artists young and old, inspiring them to never give up either.

[Ed]

Bryan, Ashley. (2009). Words to my life’s song. New York: Atheneum/Simon & Schuster. 58 pp. ISBN 978-1-4169-0541-7 (Hardcover); $18.99

Anyone who has met Ashley Bryan or heard him speak will appreciate this gorgeous autobiography. Filled with marvelous photographs (by Bill Meguinness) of Bryan’s home on Little Cranberry Island in Maine and pictures from some of the books he has illustrated (more than 30) for children, this book is a celebration not only of Bryan’s thoughtful gentleness, but his development as an artist and scholar. Bryan is a three-time Coretta Scott King winner and he is a former professor of art at Dartmouth College. The book package is a work of art. The page layouts and the type font are works of art. The display of art from many of Bryan’s books is every bit as vibrant (and often even better) than in the original books. When Bryan is 17, he is invited to attend Officer Candidate School in the segregated army of World War II. Bryan refuses because he prefers to stay with the men he has come to know. This fact will not surprise anyone who has met Bryan! A philosophy major, a music lover, and an advocate for students, Bryan is the perfect role model for any student, especially those looking to pursue a career in art. While Bryan writes of the obstacles placed in his path, we do not read any bitterness. The over-riding message from Bryan to readers is one of love that never feels weak or artificial or anything less than genuine. Readers will sense what all of his legion of fans, to a person, enthusiastically repeat, “Bryan really believes that each and every person has a talent that must be shared.” While this book will take some selling to students who do not know of Bryan’s work, the book is so exquisitely produced that it is well worth the effort to put this book into the hands of as many students as possible. Students need to know Ashley Bryan!

[David Korsak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the author’s life story. He tells of his life Journey’s from his happy childhood in a Bronx apartment that his parents filled with children, birds, and flowers, through his adulthood encountering war and prejudice, always buffered by his art. He explains his journey to Norway and how he lived in a hole his first night there. He kept his art supplies safe by putting them in his gas mask. All of his tribulations are told in a matter-of-fact tone that belies the difficulties he endured. I thought this book had many strengths and one of them is its rich in cultural details. This book has such remarkable detail when explaining all the different places the author has journeyed to. He makes the reader feel like every culture is amazing and should be preserved and experienced. Another strength in this book is the criteria to provide in-depth treatment of cultural issues. For example, when the author talks about his journey to Norway, he provides the reader with the issues with their culture and he does it in a way where he doesn’t judge or criticize them, but just provides the facts. I recommend this book for children interested in adventure.

[Raina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography of the successful children's book illustrator and artist. The book alternates between telling stories of Bryan's life and showing snapshots of his current life in the Cranberry Islands of Maine. Nice mix of artist lifestyle and historical issues. Race crops up, as well as his close relationships with his family. I think kids will notice that he never mentions any kind of romance or children of his own, but I kind of enjoy that. It really focuses on his journey as a working artist. Personally, I'm not a big fan of his illustrations (although as standalone works, they are really awesome), but it was so neat to see reproduced primary sources from his life, and photos of various artwork he's created in several mediums. I LOVE his seaglass window project. Easy quick read, and although I think I'd have a hard time booktalking it, it's perfect for an upper elementary or middle schooler looking for an author/illustrator bio.

[L11_Ryanne Szydlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an autobiography about Ashley Bryan, a talented illustrator who grew up during the great depression. In his autobiography, Bryan starts with his childhood. While growing up in Brooklyn New York during the hardest economic times, Bryan had a supportive family who encouraged his artistic abilities. On graduating high school, Ashley Bryan went out to find an art college that would accept him. He was denied not because he was not skilled, but because he was was not a white student. This did not stop Bryan and he found a college that accepted people on their talents than rather the color of their skin.

Not only does the text keep you completely engaged, but the books illustrations are a variety of Ashley Bryan's own work. He also wrote poetry and you can find a small poem on most two page spreads. This is a very poetic book that children would enjoy.

[Jennifer Varela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words to My Life’s Song by Ashley Bryan is a picture book autobiography about the fascinating and authentic life of Ashley Bryan. In this book, the readers finds about the Bryan’s incredible spirit which he represents through his artwork. He carried his artwork close to his heart throughout his whole life. The book is in chronological order so it starts with his childhood and lets the reader learn about how he had depression growing up and this pretty much opened his immense love for art. It really fascinated me to learn that he was a soldier in the battle of Normandy and that he kept paper and charcoal in his gas mask during battle in order to draw when he had time. This completely blew my mind and made me realize how much he truly loved art. Although he applied to many colleges and got denied acceptance, he continued to draw because it was what he truly loved to do.

[Jesse McMorris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Words to my life’s song is an autobiography about Ashley Bryant an author/ illustrator. It is about the struggles and trails he had to go through. If it was growing up in the great depression and how hard it was to come by art supplies to how dealing with racism. Even though he fought over seas he still had to do with racism from others. When he applied for art school he was the best choice, but the admissions said that they would not waste the scholarship on someone who was black. He finally got accepted into a school because they didn’t get a chance to see him in person just his artwork. He talks about how he taught art later on in his life and where he moved to do his art and live his life in peace. Ashley Bryant is a great artist, but I found this book really dry and not that appealing towards me, interesting guy but awful book in my opinion.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Bryan here tells the story of how he became a writer and illustrator of children's books in alternating pages with a tour of his home and neighborhood on Little Cranberry Island, Maine. He has led an interesting life in several countries, and was also a Black soldier in World War II, serving at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. I've never cared much for his artwork, but I do love the stained seaglass pictures he's made--I'd love to see those in person! He also talks about how his elementary school taught him to perform poetry, which is why he's so good at it. I like how this book was put together, giving you a picture of Bryan's past and present. Recommended, especially if you like his work.

[Children's Literature Project · Rating 4 out of 5]

DRA:? Reading level: grades 2-6.

In his autobiography, Bryan reveals that even as a boy growing up during the Depression, he painted made kites and books out of thrown off objects. As a solder in the segregated Army on the beaches of Normandy, he sketched with charcoal crayons and paper he kept in his gasmask. He tells that although he was considered a talented, visionary artist, he was turned away from college upon arrival, because of the color of his skin. Despite of many hardships in his life and obstacles to his dreams, he was able to keep writing books and doing art, and went on to become a Hans Christian Anderson Award nominee, a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, and a multiple Coretta Scott King award winner.

[Maddie Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words to My Life’s Song by Ashley Bryan is an picture book autobiography about the amazing life of Ashley Bryan. We learned about Bryan’s remarkable spirit and his artwork that was very dear to him throughout is lifetime. The book opens with his childhood and his life growing up in the depression and the beginning of his passion for art. Then his life as a soldier in the battle of Normandy beach where he kept charcoal and paper in his gasmask to draw during lulls in battle. After applying and getting denied to many colleges, Bryan didn’t give up on his dream and continued to paint. This is a captivating and inspiring novel that has many strengths and we had a hard time finding any weaknesses.

[Brooke Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the beautiful artwork and photography present in this book. It was truly authentic to display his plethora of art as illustrations. I also enjoyed how the book paralleled the telling of his past with the reality of his present. Perhaps my favorite part of this book was that it was truly historical in the sense that it touched on multiple historical events. For example, this book could easily be used an African American biographical study or to teach about race segregation of troops during WWII. Because of its versatile nature, I could see this having a home on my classroom bookshelf.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful picture/story book, that could be called an autobiography or a memoir. Visually stunning. I don't know if this is a children's book, or intended for all ages. I think it works for all ages. Ashley Bryan has had an interesting life and is still going strong.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography of an artist who paints and illustrates books.

I love his story about how his teachers encouraged him to try for admission to Coopers Union because entry was blind, so he wouldn't be rejected because he was black.

I find it a little confusing to read. If I were reading it aloud, I might go through the book twice: once for the autobiography and the second time for the quotes and photos of Maine.

If you've read lots of books he's illustrated, it would be fun to try to find them in this book. I definitely spied an illustration from Beautiful Blackbird.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an incredibly inspirational life artist Ashley Bryan has had. This book is a collage of photographs, examples of his art in many mediums (beach glass stained glass, found object sculptures, paintings and illustrations), and his story, and the whole is a unique, lovely autobiography for kids. I love everything he has to say about following one's passion and making a space for creativity in one's life. His Maine home and studio are supposed to be amazing, and oh, this book only reinforces my desire to visit it.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book--a sort of autobiography of this award-winning illustrator. Very inspirational. I liked that the book showcased the wide range of Bryan's artistic talents. His paintings and drawings are superb. However, it seemed to be more than one book. The parallel narratives of Bryan walking along the beach (in prose-like descriptions) along with his life's story told in words, illustrations, and other ephemera is a little odd and choppy. I don't think it would appeal to younger kids.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Bryan walks along the beaches of Cranberry Island to share his song. Inspiration surrounded him from an early age—fruit, Impressionists’ artwork, caged birds, city trash. He had an ongoing desire to consume education throughout his life, and he always shared it with others. He always gave back and appreciated where he came from and those that helped him on his path. What others saw as trash, he made into beautiful, unique pieces of art. He took what he was given and made it flourish.

[Angela Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grades 2nd & up

Bryan uses photographs from his hometown to tell the story of his life. The text is easy to read and uses words that can be understood by younger children. Children will enjoy the simple pictures as well and how art played a role in Bryans career choices.

Art/Social Studies

Lesson idea: collect various materials such as buttons, shells, and sticks to make a doll of their own.