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Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers
Seen: Edmonia Lewis
The first original graphic novel in a new series spotlighting the true stories of the real groundbreakers who changed our world for the better.
“Sometimes the times were dark and the outlook was lonesome, but where there is a will, there is a way. I pitched in and dug at my work until now I am where I am.”
Meet Edmonia Lewis, the woman who changed America during the Civil War by becoming the first sculptor of African-American and Native American heritage to earn international acclaim.
Jasmine Walls & Bex Glendining present the true story of courage, determination and perseverance through one of America’s most violent eras to create true beauty that still reverberates today.
It’s about being seen. Both for who you are, and who you hope you can become. History is a mirror, and all too often, the history we’re told in school reflects only a small subset of the population. In True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers, you’ll find the stories of the real groundbreakers who changed our world for the better. They’re the the inventors, the artists, the activists, and more whose stories you won’t want to miss. The people whose lives show us both where we are, and where we’re going.
“Sometimes the times were dark and the outlook was lonesome, but where there is a will, there is a way. I pitched in and dug at my work until now I am where I am.”
Meet Edmonia Lewis, the woman who changed America during the Civil War by becoming the first sculptor of African-American and Native American heritage to earn international acclaim.
Jasmine Walls & Bex Glendining present the true story of courage, determination and perseverance through one of America’s most violent eras to create true beauty that still reverberates today.
It’s about being seen. Both for who you are, and who you hope you can become. History is a mirror, and all too often, the history we’re told in school reflects only a small subset of the population. In True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers, you’ll find the stories of the real groundbreakers who changed our world for the better. They’re the the inventors, the artists, the activists, and more whose stories you won’t want to miss. The people whose lives show us both where we are, and where we’re going.
80 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
178 people want to read
About the author
Jasmine Walls
31 books63 followersJasmine Walls is an award-winning writer, editor, and artist. She's worked on several graphic novels along with writing Vixen: NYC, and can otherwise be found drinking hot chocolate or befriending all the neighborhood dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 10, 2021
Though a bit stiff in writing and art, I enjoyed learning about the life of an artist of whom I was previously ignorant. It's a straightforward telling, not dissimilar from Edmonia Lewis' Wikipedia page, but the pictures keep the reading fairly breezy.
The artist makes the odd choice to frequently obscure faces of figures who are in dispute, such as the identity of Lewis' father, or for whom she could not find an image reference I suppose.
I found it frustrating that the study guide in back makes frequent reference to specific pages in the book despite the only pages in the book having page numbers are those in the study guide section. WTF?!?!
The artist makes the odd choice to frequently obscure faces of figures who are in dispute, such as the identity of Lewis' father, or for whom she could not find an image reference I suppose.
I found it frustrating that the study guide in back makes frequent reference to specific pages in the book despite the only pages in the book having page numbers are those in the study guide section. WTF?!?!
May 9, 2021
I first heard of Edmonia Lewis at a Fred Wilson exhibition at the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin, where Lewis attended school. Why had I never read about her in my art history education? That question probably has obvious answers. So I was excited to see a short graphic novel about her! The book is mostly chronological, with the middle section focusing on the life of Lewis' most well-known sculpture. I appreciated this section and I think it calls the reader to ask questions about whose art is saved and valued, but I was most interested in Lewis' life story. The images in the book are, for the most part, straightforward interpretations of the text. The book is short, its target audience is middle-high schoolers, and we don't know much about Lewis' later life. It definitely left me wanting more!
December 16, 2025
This is a great introduction to the life of Black and Ojibwe sculptor Edmonia Lewis. Despite its small size, it covers a lot of ground of what is known of her life. Born free before Emancipation, she attended college and became a sculptor, facing misogyny and racism nearly every step of the way. The story and artwork manage to capture the beauty and complexity of Lewis's sculptures. I loved that it included details about how one of her most famous pieces survived to the present and eventually made its way to the Smithsonian. There's a guide for teacher led discussions at the end as well. Recommended!
March 7, 2023
Three stars because I learned something new. Prior to pulling this off of the shelf, I did not know who Edmonia Lewis was or what contributions she gave to history. This was a quick, non-fiction, graphic novel (teeny tiny book, if you're looking for it among the shelves at your local library) that's format worked well to portray this sculptor's work.
April 22, 2021
Short and to the point, this little graphic novel aimed at the YA crowd (even includes a teaching guide at the back), is a great introduction to a lesser known trailblazer. Edmonia Lewis was not an artist that I was familiar with. A late 19th century sculptor of mixed African American and Native American heritage, it's hard to imagine the challenges she went through in her life. While not going into too much detail, the book does outline her life but ultimately is light on specifics but does give enough to introduce you to Lewis and her life. Enough to encourage further research. I look forward to seeing what other people are covered through this series.
November 17, 2020
Illustrated by Bex Glendining
In this title, readers are presented with details of the life of sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis, a woman of Native American and African American descent. Her educational journey was distinctly and full of prejudice and false assumptions, so she wasn’t allow to finish college. She felt drawn to sculpting, and tried to find a teacher under whom she could apprentice. After several re-elections, she finally found someone who would train her in the art of bust-making. When buying busts became less fashionable, she moved to Rome to fully immerse herself in the art form. While in Rome, she was criticized for spending money on piano lessons and attending parties of the elite, but, arguably, she had to associate herself worth the people who were more likely to buy sculptures. Her most famous work is the Death of Cleopatra, which was almost lost to time and weather when it was placed outside the entrance to a horse racing track.
There are a few times where the intelligence of the reader is questioned. This topic is definitely an important one, and Edmonia Lewis was not someone I was familiar with before picking up this book. However, within the story, it was repeatedly stated that her story is important, and we can't let her be forgotten. I felt that was entirely unnecessary. Readers are smart and can figure out how important it is to remember a groundbreaking woman. Let the work speak for itself. The other place readers were questioned is in the constant re-introduction of Edmonia's benefactors, Lydia Maria Child. Every time her name is mentioned, it is also mentioned that she is one of Edmonia's long-time supporters from America. If readers truly are going to forget so quickly, include a cast of characters in the back for quick reference, rather than repeatedly stating information.
Maybe I'm asking too much of graphic nonfiction, but the story of Edmonia was presented with a lot of narration that accompanied illustrations of her going about her tasks, sculpting, talking with other people, etc. This work did not present Edmonia's story in a story format. I felt like an onlooker, glimpsing into windows of Edmonia's life, rather than a passenger traveling with her. In this way, I don't feel that the creators have embraced the graphic narrative format, but that this was a more complex picture book.
Sara's Rating: 6/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher.
In this title, readers are presented with details of the life of sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis, a woman of Native American and African American descent. Her educational journey was distinctly and full of prejudice and false assumptions, so she wasn’t allow to finish college. She felt drawn to sculpting, and tried to find a teacher under whom she could apprentice. After several re-elections, she finally found someone who would train her in the art of bust-making. When buying busts became less fashionable, she moved to Rome to fully immerse herself in the art form. While in Rome, she was criticized for spending money on piano lessons and attending parties of the elite, but, arguably, she had to associate herself worth the people who were more likely to buy sculptures. Her most famous work is the Death of Cleopatra, which was almost lost to time and weather when it was placed outside the entrance to a horse racing track.
There are a few times where the intelligence of the reader is questioned. This topic is definitely an important one, and Edmonia Lewis was not someone I was familiar with before picking up this book. However, within the story, it was repeatedly stated that her story is important, and we can't let her be forgotten. I felt that was entirely unnecessary. Readers are smart and can figure out how important it is to remember a groundbreaking woman. Let the work speak for itself. The other place readers were questioned is in the constant re-introduction of Edmonia's benefactors, Lydia Maria Child. Every time her name is mentioned, it is also mentioned that she is one of Edmonia's long-time supporters from America. If readers truly are going to forget so quickly, include a cast of characters in the back for quick reference, rather than repeatedly stating information.
Maybe I'm asking too much of graphic nonfiction, but the story of Edmonia was presented with a lot of narration that accompanied illustrations of her going about her tasks, sculpting, talking with other people, etc. This work did not present Edmonia's story in a story format. I felt like an onlooker, glimpsing into windows of Edmonia's life, rather than a passenger traveling with her. In this way, I don't feel that the creators have embraced the graphic narrative format, but that this was a more complex picture book.
Sara's Rating: 6/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher.
November 26, 2024
I had never heard of Edmonia Lewis before this book, and I'm happy it exists. I loved the art! Don't let the color combination on the cover put you off; the inside is beautiful.
I've always had issue with the oft-used tiny, all-caps font for graphic novels, and this book is no exception. It's just hard on the eyes.
What an interesting woman and interesting life Ms. Lewis appears to have been and had! Born in 1844, she had both Native American and Haitian parents, and was raised by Ojibwe aunts; English was her second language. She also created sculptures, delivered them as a surprise, and asked that they be paid for. Gutsy! She seems to have had a strong personality and did what she needed to do to make a living by her art. It's unfortunate that there isn't much more known about her--the book is light on details because they simply aren't known.
Great idea for a series for young people about "true stories of marginalized trailblazers"!
I've always had issue with the oft-used tiny, all-caps font for graphic novels, and this book is no exception. It's just hard on the eyes.
What an interesting woman and interesting life Ms. Lewis appears to have been and had! Born in 1844, she had both Native American and Haitian parents, and was raised by Ojibwe aunts; English was her second language. She also created sculptures, delivered them as a surprise, and asked that they be paid for. Gutsy! She seems to have had a strong personality and did what she needed to do to make a living by her art. It's unfortunate that there isn't much more known about her--the book is light on details because they simply aren't known.
Great idea for a series for young people about "true stories of marginalized trailblazers"!
September 16, 2020
This was AMAZING. First, I am so excited about this series, because it is needed. Second, I am so excited to know about Edmonia Lewis, because her sculptures are phenomenal! Having never heard of her before, I spent my time reading this and then googling her sculptures and just staring in amazement at her work. It caused a visceral feeling for me, and I can't explain why, but I loved it. Third, the art style/illustrations of this were WONDERFUL! Props to Bex (Bexes unite!) for their wonderful art work.
I have ordered this for our library collection, and now I need to go order it for myself. I am excited to see more of this series.
ARC provided by BOOM! Box.
I have ordered this for our library collection, and now I need to go order it for myself. I am excited to see more of this series.
ARC provided by BOOM! Box.
October 6, 2020
A fantastic introduction into the life and works of the sculptor Edmonia Lewis. Jasmine Walls' writing is educational and engaging, painting an adventurous portrait of a fascinating figure in art history who is seldom recognized, while Bex Glendining's illustrations capture the beauty of Lewis's sculptures. I'd never encountered Lewis's work in the years it took for me to complete my BFA, so I immediately went down a google rabbit hole after finishing this graphic novel. I highly recommend readers do the same.
July 8, 2022
If I hadn't read this short graphic novel I would have never known about Edmonia Lewis. It was great to learn about a black, indigenous, educated, independent, female artist/sculptor. This book did a good job not over romanticizing her life and experiences. Quotes from letters and other sources were included throughout, which made reading this book a more enrichung experience. The back of the book had a guide for teachers, so this book could be used for a variety of assignments/activities. The ideas and questions here I thought would be really enriching for young scholars.
October 7, 2020
Such an interesting life encapsulated into a small graphic novel for middle readers. I loved that they are bringing light to figures that were marginalized and deserving of greater recognition for kids who will accept these people as deservedly famous. I'm also tickled that my friend Marilyn Richardson, who played a significant role in the rediscovery of Edmonia's life and work, is given life on the page!
October 23, 2021
Biography of sculptor Edmonia Lewis, born free to free parents before emancipation. She carved out a career for herself in a field dominated by white men--and never compromised on how she went about it. Not sure who the audience is for this book. While the lady is fascinating, the book is kind of dry. It looks like a book for a younger audience, but it doesn't read like one. And, it's too short for older readers.
October 29, 2022
A short biography of a sculptor I had never heard of.
The art style was simple but did well at depicting historical figures and emotions. The writing did well at contextualizing Edmonia Lewis in history and society while still capturing her work and personality.
There are a number of educational resources at the back of the book that seem like this was created partially to teach kids about comics and also about marginalized historical figures.
The art style was simple but did well at depicting historical figures and emotions. The writing did well at contextualizing Edmonia Lewis in history and society while still capturing her work and personality.
There are a number of educational resources at the back of the book that seem like this was created partially to teach kids about comics and also about marginalized historical figures.
Read
April 23, 2022This collection continues to be a pretty mixed bag for me. The narrative is not as clear-cut as little kid biographies are, which is fine, but it also doesn't navigate some of the complexities very well in such a short space. I was happy to learn more about Edmonia Lewis but overall dissatisfied with some of the ambiguities.
December 31, 2024
I was an art major and I cannot recall being told about this woman. Edmonia was doing things I was taught only certain folks could achieve. She found financing, took chances, and embraced the world for what it was, and then stepped out her comfort zone to show she was more than what people would accept of her. The paths she left behind has been traveled, though we don't know she was to thank.
December 10, 2020
This was a really great introduction to an artist that I had never heard of. I looked up many of her sculptures during the reading if this book, and am now intrigued to dive deeper. Also, this is the first of a new series, so I’ll be looking for more!
October 16, 2020
4.5 stars. A great biographical comic about a fascinating and inspiring woman I would have never known about otherwise.
October 20, 2020
would have gotten 1 more star if the print was just a bit larger.
October 22, 2020
powerful and educational story
November 6, 2020
This was an amazing book! I've never even heard of this woman before and it was so great to learn all about her and her life!
April 16, 2021
An important story that I was thrilled to learn about. The execution, especially in portraying a story of artistic discovery, seems work-a-day and uninspired.
Read
June 21, 2021Gorgeous graphic art &
jammed with biographical history!
Absolutely delightful!
jammed with biographical history!
Absolutely delightful!
September 6, 2021
A lovingly put together graphic novel about sculptress Edmonia Lewis, beautifully illustrated with clear text showing the artists struggle to be allowed to create her incredible sculptures.
June 20, 2022
The teaching guide at the back is really helpful not just for this story, but for teaching comics to middle-grade readers in general.
August 11, 2022
This was a quick, informative story about sculptor Edmonia Lewis. I wish the font was bigger, even for younger kids!! It is super small!
October 19, 2022
A great synopsis of her story. These volumes do much for those who are being introduced to these important people.
November 4, 2022
Excellent bio with lots of educational material at the end.
January 20, 2024
Wish there were more from this series! Very quick read
November 2, 2024
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews