Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon

by Kelly Starling Lyons, Laura Freeman (Illustrator)

Philip Freelon's grandfather was an acclaimed painter of the Harlem Renaissance. His father was a successful businessman who attended the 1963 March on Washington. When Phil decided to attend architecture school, he created his own focus on African American and Islamic designers. He later chose not to build casinos or prisons, instead concentrating on schools, libraries, and museums--buildings that connect people with heritage and fill hearts with joy. And in 2009, Phil's team won a commission that let him use his personal history in service to the country's: the extraordinary Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon celebrates a contemporary black STEAM role model, a man whose quiet work enabled the creation of an iconic building reflecting America's past and future. With a stirring text by Kelly Starling Lyons, vibrant pictures by Laura Freeman, and an afterword from Philip Freelon himself, it is sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers and builders.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Art, Childrens, History, Stem

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2020

About the author

Kelly Starling Lyons is an award-winning author whose 17 titles for children span easy readers, picture books, chapter books, fiction, nonfiction, and series. For more than a decade, Lyons has been creating inspiring books that center Black heroes, celebrate family, friendship and heritage and show all children the storyteller they hold inside. Her acclaimed titles include Going Down Home with Daddy, Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, Tiara's Hat Parade and the Jada Jones chapter book series. Her new easy reader series with illustrator Nina Mata, Ty's Travels, debuts September 1. The first book, All Aboard, earned a starred Kirkus review.

Lyons counts Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Best of the Year and state award lists, Junior Library Guild selections, a Caldecott Honor and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor among the accolades her books have received. Two of her books, Hope's Gift and Going Down Home with Daddy, have represented the states of North Carolina and Georgia, respectively, at the National Book Festival's Parade of the States.

Lyons is a founding member of The Brown Bookshelf, a team dedicated to raising awareness of Black children's book creators, a Raleigh-Durham co-ambassador for The Authors Guild, and a teaching artist who visits schools, libraries, conferences and festivals nationwide. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and children where she facilitates a book club for boys that salutes literary treasures from Black authors and illustrators of today and the past. Learn more at www.kellystarlinglyons.com.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots to appreciate here. We follow Freelon from his childhood, from his struggles with reading to his blossoming artistic spirit, though his education in architecture, to his decision to use his architectural skills to to build places "that help people, that show everyday beauty, that celebrate heritage and fill hearts with joy" which culminates with his role in the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Woven throughout are the struggles and triumphs Freelon experienced and witnessed growing up during the height of the Civil Rights movement, including watching Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on TV during the March on Washington, where Philips's own father was marching. All this is presented with sensitivity yet not is not too heavy for young readers. It's a really interesting biography and the accompanying illustrations are well-done and help provide context (I do wish there had been notes in the story proper to set the date, there is plenty of context adult readers will pick-up on, but they may need to provide that for young audiences prior to reading). Despite really loving many parts of the book, I didn't feel Philip's personality totally came alive for me, and my kids were bored, so it's not quite a five star book for me. However, I do highly recommend it! Back matter is excellent, including an Afterward by Freelon shortly before his passing, an Author's Note, and Bibliography. I really liked this, from the Author's Note: "The next time you pass or read about something Phil created, think about the incredible man who made it. He was once a kid just like you with a big heart and big dreams. You can be a dream builder too. Believe in yourself, work hard, and use your gifts to help our world gleam."

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

NCTE 2021 Orbis Pictus Award "Recommended Book"

"Art breathes dreams to life."

This is a picture book biography about Phillip Freelon, an amazing individual and one of the architects of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Lyons' writing and Freeman's appealing illustrations make this an accessible "must read" for our elementary grade students.

Read aloud the book for JOY. Then return to key points in the story for SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS of BIG IDEA QUESTIONS. The from the first page can be turned into a beautiful question-
"How did art breathe Freelon's dreams to life?"
Another question that students might contemplate -
"How did Freelon become an artist?" and "Who influenced him?"
And -
"Who influences you in a way that helps you become bigger? In a way that helps you breathe life into your dreams?"
AND -
"Why did Lyons organize the book into sections entitled VISION, FOUNDATION, FRAME, FORM, DREAM?" (This is a great opportunity to teach the multiple meanings of these words!!!)

PLUS this book left me wanting to know more - about Freelon's architecture firm in NC, about the NMAAHC, about how the lives of other architects. Students may want to READ/RESEARCH FURTHER after hearing Freelon's inspiring story.

BTW Kelly Starling Lyons is a "go to" author for me!

[Effie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is bound to be inspiring to so many. From his struggle with learning to read, to his blossoming as an artist, and finally finding his vocation and choosing to use it in a way that enhances the institutions he believes in, this is a really inspiring biography of Philip Freelon. Kids will enjoy seeing the teamwork and ideas that were behind the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Nice artwork and writing that feels like a poem.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Freelon, the acclaimed African American architect, struggled with reading as a child. But while words gave him trouble, he excelled at art, math, and science. He could see images in his mind, and build them. He decided to become an architect, which would take advantage of his creativity and skill set.

He also wanted to help make the world better through his projects. To that end, he decided he would not design prisons or casinos, but schools, libraries, bus stations, and museums. He felt compelled, as he wrote himself in an Afterword, to contribute in some way to the struggle for social justice.

His commitment ultimately led to being selected as Architect of Record for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.

Opening in 2016, the NMAAHC is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. To date, the Museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts. (You can explore the museum online here.)

The author was at NMAAHC on its opening day, and reports on being “moved and amazed,” and eager to write a book about the architect. She was able to interview him and his family, and learn about the “young artist who found his calling and used it to honor Black contributions and culture.” Sadly, he died in 2019 from ALS, but as Lyons notes, his legacy lives in on the stunning museums and spaces he designed.

The book concludes with a bibliography.

Prolific illustrator Laura Freeman uses bold colors to display the obviously well-researched sociocultural context of the time portrayed. Her artwork is clean-lined, yet remarkably expressive; she ably depicts the dreams of a young boy as well as the output of a professional adult. Freeman includes many historical touches that will make it fun for adults to peruse as well as the recommended reading audience of ages 5 and up.

Evaluation: Kids who are discouraged by difficulties in school will find Philip Freelon’s story so inspiring, and will hopefully encourage them to look for ways to express their talents and dreams.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational picture book biography celebrating Philip Freelon’s architectural journey.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

6/19/2021 discussed on Diverse Books for Children: Representation Matters-Lee Yancy First 5 Alameda County

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of words

[Christina Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon is one of the picture books that I had on my #MustReadin2020 list. I really enjoy Kelly Starling Lyons's writing and the connection I feel to the experiences she shares in her work so when I learned that she'd be writing a biography about Philip Freelon, the lead architect for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), I could not wait to read it.

As it is said in the author's note, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon, tells the story of a "young artist who found his calling and used it to honor Black contributions and culture." He loved to draw and would capture the beauty of the world around him through his work. He would sketch people, buildings, flowers, and other sights he experienced throughout his community. He was a visionary and was able to see the world "with an artist's inner eye." This truth rings through each page. He excelled in math and science and pushed through and overcame his struggles with reading. It means so much that this fact was included because I think that it is a part of what will inspire our students who maybe don't feel like the most confident readers. They'll find what works for them too and will discover that they are capable of accomplishing great things too.

The book goes on further to highlight Philip Freelon's achievements and dreams realized through the buildings he designed, including the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library in Washington, DC, the Durham Station Transportation Center in Durham, NC, and more. Culminating with the building of a century-long dream in the form of the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC). In the afterword (written by Philip Freelon) you'll learn more about Philip Freelon's heart for his community and social justice. You'll also get a chance to hear about the interview that Kelly Starling Lyons did with Philip and his family and how this partnership all began. I agree with the recommendation of grades 3-5 and believe that it is a title that should be added to your collection just as I will be adding it to mine.

I have yet to get the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) since it opened its doors to the public in 2016 but I hope to take a trip one day with my family. The good news is that until that time, the NMAAHC's website has multiple avenues for virtual visitors to engage with the collection and to experience their expanded digital programming. Check out their website for more information: https://nmaahc.si.edu/.

[Ben Truong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon is a children's picture book written by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Laura Freeman. It depicts the life of Philip Freelon who would eventual build the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Philip Goodwin Freelon was an American architect. He was best known for leading the design team of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Lyons' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Lyons follows Phil from those early years through high school, where he learned he wanted to be an architect, and college at Hampton University, where he learned about other black architects to when Phil met with two other architects as they planned to enter a competition to design and build the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Backmatter includes an afterward by Freelon himself. Freeman’s illustrations have an appropriately clean-lined look that complements the theme and her pages are populated by faces from black history as well as those of Phil and his family.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. His grandfather was a Harlem Renaissance painter, his parents were educated professionals, and his older siblings were able students, but Phil struggled. Before long, however, he discovered his love for math, science, and art, and eventually reading as well and how his love for architecture led him to the team that would eventual build the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

All in all, Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon is an inspirational biography of Philip Freelon.

[Valerie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that starts and ends with a dream. From the first line, Philip Freelon’s world is described as a place where “… art breathes dreams to life,” to the last line that states that Philip “has become a builder of dreams.” This is a beautifully written story about the lead architect who designed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The reader meets Philip as a young child with strengths and struggles, and we travel with him through high school and college into adulthood. Along the way, we see a man who “wants to make the world better through what he creates.” He turns “wishes into buildings” but only those that help people and promote positive feelings, like schools, libraries, and, of course, museums. So many have visited the outstanding Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and enjoyed their time there. Thanks to amazing author, Kelly Starling Lyons, now we can learn about the talented man who designed a dream of a building.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book is the biography of Philip Freelon who was one of the Black key architects for the African American Smithsonian. But what makes the book endearing is that Starling Lyons explains that Freelon had difficulty reading, yet he had the pictures and angles in his head. He liked to use his hands. He quieted himself to be able to feel and hear. And the creativity ran through him.

It allows kids who are creative workers visibility instead of the book smart kids. The world is built on all kinds of people and like books about Temple Grandin, it shows that the world needs all kind of people. The style of the picture book is visually appealing and provides the inspiration for how Freelon and the rest of the group used the world around them and historical events to conceptualize the museum's look. It pays homage to the creative mind of Freelon and his perseverance.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/4/2022 ~ I read this aloud 5 times today for virtual 4th and 5th graders. I was struck over and over by the pacing of the text on each page. Though this is long & fairly text intensive, it worked well as a read aloud. Some of the questions Freelon asked while in college, in the 1970s resonated with today as well. We still don't do a good job of introducing students to the accomplishments of Black and Islamic people. After I finished, I really wished I'd had a copy of Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler. That would have been a great book to read after this one.

[Melissa Nikohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you been to the African American Museum in Washington D.C.?⁣
⁣
Although I'm all out of books about the Harlem Renaissance, Dream Builder has a very close connection!⁣
⁣
Philip Freelon was the architect that helped design the beautiful museum in Washington D.C. ⁣
⁣
Did you know the idea to build the museum began over 100 years ago?⁣
⁣
Unfortunately, Philip Freelon passed away in July 2019. ⁣
⁣

[Donalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t miss Philip Freelon’s letter in the back matter.

[Michelle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dream Builder is another trade book I read for the historical fiction genre. This book is for grades 6-12 and was found on the Carter G. Woodson book award list on Dr. Quiroa’s wakelet. I read this book in a digital format from my public library. Page 7-8 and 13-14 in this book show the main character, Phil, struggling with reading at school. He compares himself to his mother and sister who can recite poetry, but he struggles to read aloud in class. The book follows Phil through his lifelong journey to become an iconic Black architect and a role model in the STEAM field. Students who struggle in school can relate to his story and find hope that they too will find a passion that fulfills them for the entirety of their life. Page 269 of our textbook states that writers who have no firsthand knowledge about a story from a specific era must engage in research to ensure authenticity. The author of this text includes a bibliography on page 43 that lists all of the sources the author used to research and write this story, proving accuracy and authenticity. In the classroom this book can be used when engaging in a reading or writing unit about famous people. This book can be used as a read aloud, then students can do their own research on a historical figure, then write a historical narrative using elements from this mentor text in their own writing.

[Laura Giessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

VISION. FOUNDATION. FRAME. FORM. DREAMS. A biography of the lead architect of the National Museum of African American History & Culture is organized under these headings. I wish the author had said more (maybe in the back) about these themes; but she wrote beautifully about his life, his interests and passions growing up, as well as his struggles with reading. We get to know his influences, like his PopPop (Harlem Renaissance painter), his parents, MLK. I like how the author traces his path so we can see how his talents and passions collide--art, math, science, and justice. "He will not design prisons or casinos. Phil creates schools, libraries, bus stations, museums. Places that help people..." His role as Architect of Record for the NMAAHC was the pinnacle of his career, but he was already quite accomplished. (Wondering what distinguishes the "lead architect" and the museum's "lead designer" Sir David Adjaye.) The illustrations bring the narrative to life, and even extend it with details that are not mentioned directly in the text (I would like to know who the 4 people are in the page that talks about the centuries-long dream of the museum on Black achievement and culture). This biography is full of details, and yet, leaves me wanting to know more.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philip Freelon was the lead architect for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and this book traces him from his artistic and intellectual childhood, with parents who encouraged his talents while acknowledging the racism of America that would pose extra hurdles for him. He mixed his love of science, math and art in architecture, and resolved to use his work to improve the community.

The NMAAHC was the culmination of his career; he built a team of American and African architects and resolved to finish before Obama left office (he succeeded). The art is in warm tones that depict the many places he found inspiration and the many people who helped support him. The colors accent the many African Americans in the pages -- Freelon sees his work as explicitly for his community.

Back matter has an essay on how the author learned about Freelon and determined to write this book, as well as an essay from Freelon himself.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful book, felt a little confusingly vague at points, but generally lovely and a wonderful introduction. The cameo of his grandfather's art makes me want to look more into his grandfather as well!

I'm always a bit iffy about the whole biographies looking too deeply at the inner thoughts of their subjects, but since he was alive when this was written (I didn't realize just how young he was when he died, I'm glad he got to finish the museum and see the book finished too) and included a letter afterward I'll trust they're accurate.

I wish a few things had been explained better, the designer/architect aspect and that the era was more apparent from the start.

(review of digital edition through edelweiss, I'm sure the illustrations will shine even more in full size print!)

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing look at a thread of neglected history. I'm not incredibly knowledgeable about architectural history, but my ignorance of Black architects is almost total. This book helped to change that at least a little. Philip Freelon loved art and math and found his way to being an architect. His work on the National Museum of African American History and Culture makes me want to visit it all the more. I loved the reasons behind his choices of building elements, and it makes me wonder what other pieces of history I am missing.

The illustrations had a digital quality that wasn't displeasing, but I'm still not entirely used to. They had a flat feeling, but I think I'm still just new to digital illustrations.

[Anne]

The inspiring picture book biography of Philip Freelon, the lead architect for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), follows him from his younger days having reading difficulties but loving art, to the blossoming of his scientific, artistic mind. Early in his career, he decided he would "not design prisons or casinos. Phil creates schools, libraries, bus stations, museums. Places that help people, that show everyday beauty, that celebrate heritage and fill hearts with joy." In 2016, with the opening of the NMAAHC, a dream more than a century old was fulfilled. Includes an afterword by Freelon, a note from the author, and bibliographical references.

[Darlena Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether it's the history of ancestors, cultural history, or a biography, KSL delivers children's books that make my job as an educator of young children easier. I love the back matter in this picture book. I also am glad that I had the privilege to attend a book launch in January 2020 where the family of Phil Freelon were present at a church that Freelon purchased for the historical significance to his family. "What does it take to build a dream?" is an inspiring topic for young people who have seen their lives project down a different path due to COVID-19. But I am here to tell them to keep their dreams alive.

[Maria Cuenca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children from 9-12 can read this amazing book with many awards. Lot of people will find inspiration in this book. This is an incredibly inspirational biography of Philip Freelon that covers his life's journey from struggling to learn to read to developing as an artist to ultimately discovering his calling and deciding to utilize it to strengthen the institutions he holds dear. This piece has a poem-like quality and incredible artwork. You can find this book in many formats, I particularly found it on the Public Library of Arlighton Heights but I also found a video on Youtube that could be really useful when teaching segregation and history of black people.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and inspiring picture book biography. Excellent illustrations and clear text. Freelon deserves to be much better known! A wonderful book to use in a career unit or before a trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Back matter includes a Note from Freelon and an Author's Note that provides more information including the sad passing of Freelon in July 2019 of ALS.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect story to share with 4th & 5th grades for Black History Month. Philip Freelon’s inspiring life story tells of overcoming several challenges and perseverance in the face of adversity. I hope students will remember his story if they ever get a chance to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Story: 5
Illustrations: 5
Read-aloud: 4 (will need to summarize some pages for read-aloud)

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told picture book biography of the late architect Philip Freelon, who led the design team that created the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. The story begins in Freelon's childhood and progresses chronologically through his life. Better for a one-on-one read or elementary schoolers.

Themes: STEM, Buildings, Black History
Age range:5-11

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This absolutely inspirational story of a young boy who struggled to learn to read who became a distinguished architect is complete without being weighed down by too much text. The illustrations are vibrant and uplifting. The story of his success is that of the success of his family passed on to him and continuing past him - just like his architecture.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freelon is another incredible historical figure that I wasn't aware of, especially considering his work as a black man in architecture. I would love to see his work someday and though he passed last year, it's so important to see how he lived through the civil rights movement and continued to influence communities today.

[Heidi Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The inspirational story of Philip Freelon is about following your passions. As a child he struggled with reading, but he loved art, mathematics and science and discovered that he could combine those loves in the form of architecture. He followed his dreams and describes the pinnacle of his career as the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freelon struggled with dyslexia but used his talents with arts and math to forge a career as an architect, with lots of family support. Determined to build inspiring buildings, and he certainly has. Writing a little clunky but still an inspiring story. Wish the pictures of him at the back were bigger/clearer. Very attractive illustrations (same illus as Hidden Figures)

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Learn about the life of Philip Freelon, a member of the team of architects that designed the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

A beautiful biography that explores Freelon's story a bit more deeply than other recent picture book biographies have covered their subjects. Freeman's beautiful illustrations use lighting to make Freelon's story come alive.