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Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas
Celebrate the life-changing power of art in this inspiring and stunningly illustrated picture book biography of American artist Alma Thomas. Meet an incredible woman who broke down barriers throughout her whole life and is now known as one of the most preeminent painters of the twentieth century. Told from the point of view of young Alma Thomas, readers can follow along as she grows into her discovery of the life-changing power of art. As a child in Georgia, Alma Thomas loved to spend time outside, soaking up the colors around her. And her parents filled their home with color and creativity despite the racial injustices they faced. After the family moved to Washington, DC, Alma shared her passion for art by teaching children. When she was almost seventy years old, she focused on her own artwork, inspired by nature and space travel. In this celebration of art and the power of imagination, Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise tell the incredible true story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and to have her work chosen for the White House collection. With her bold and vibrant abstract paintings, Alma set the world ablaze with color. Ablaze with Color includes extensive back matter with photos, an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources that will be a great tool for parents, educators, and librarians. Perfect for Women’s History Month and Black History Month units alongside such favorites as Malala's Magic Pencil , Hidden Figures , and Mae Among the Stars .
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 22, 2022
2 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Walker Harvey
14 books286 followersJeanne loves finding a true story (especially about an inspiring creative person) that is engaging and fascinating, and then using her creativity to tell the story. She hopes children will have a love of words and understand the power and beauty of words.
Ever since she was a child, Jeanne dreamed of being a childrens book author. Along the way she has had many jobs, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney for high-tech companies to a writer of magazine articles to a teacher of Language Arts and writing workshops at a public middle school. She studied literature and psychology at Stanford University, and volunteered for many years at the local public school library, the Marin County Literacy Program, as a docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and as a board member for both the Sausalito Public Library and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
She lives in Northern California. She has two wonderful grown sons and an adorable adopted cat. As she prefers silence when she is writing, her cat is a perfect companion because she sits on her papers and only walks across her laptop when she wants to be petted. Jeanne loves to take breaks by dancing in classes, hiking in nature, and gardening (especially growing flowers).
Ever since she was a child, Jeanne dreamed of being a childrens book author. Along the way she has had many jobs, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney for high-tech companies to a writer of magazine articles to a teacher of Language Arts and writing workshops at a public middle school. She studied literature and psychology at Stanford University, and volunteered for many years at the local public school library, the Marin County Literacy Program, as a docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and as a board member for both the Sausalito Public Library and Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.
She lives in Northern California. She has two wonderful grown sons and an adorable adopted cat. As she prefers silence when she is writing, her cat is a perfect companion because she sits on her papers and only walks across her laptop when she wants to be petted. Jeanne loves to take breaks by dancing in classes, hiking in nature, and gardening (especially growing flowers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 13, 2022
Beautiful and inspiring!
March 6, 2022
Beautifully written and gorgeous colorful illustrations fit the theme of this story. Wonderful picture book biography about the first black woman artist to have a painting in the White House. Great story of an inspirational human.
February 20, 2022
This is a beautiful and inspiring picture book biography for children ages 4-8. The story of American artist Alma Thomas is one that many children are likely unfamiliar with, and this book does such a great job describing her journey, celebrating art and beauty, and describing the obstacles a black woman in the United States had to overcome living in a segregated society. Eventually Alma's artwork ends up on display in the Whitney and she gets the joy of being celebrated in her own lifetime as the first solo show by a black woman. Posthumously, her artwork will end up in the White House as a part of the Obama's collection.
Again, this book does a great job of telling her story in a way that will inspire young children. The colors and style in the illustrations invoke Alma's viewpoint, connecting the child to the colors, patterns and natural elements she utilizes. It's really beautiful!
So happy to have read this book with my children (ages 8 and 6) were were actually learning about Alma Thomas in school this month and creating their own mosaic art pieces to mimic her style.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.
Again, this book does a great job of telling her story in a way that will inspire young children. The colors and style in the illustrations invoke Alma's viewpoint, connecting the child to the colors, patterns and natural elements she utilizes. It's really beautiful!
So happy to have read this book with my children (ages 8 and 6) were were actually learning about Alma Thomas in school this month and creating their own mosaic art pieces to mimic her style.
***Note: I was given a review copy of this book via Blue Slip Media. Opinions are my own.
March 2, 2022
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, written by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Loveis Wise, a beautiful biography of an immensely inspiring artist.
Nothing brought young Alma Thomas more joy than exploring the glorious colors of nature in the flowering fields surround her childhood home. She developed her artistic pursuits from a young age, forming bowls and cups out of riverbank clay and baking them in the sun. Segregation in 1900’s Georgia kept her from attending school, but her parents filled their home with books and scholarly pursuits, eventually moving the family to Washington D.C. so their daughters could receive formal education. Alma’s passions for art and teaching combined, and she spent most of her life bringing the arts to black schools and neighborhoods. Finally, in her later years, she retired from teaching and began focusing on her own art, gaining recognition for the colorful abstract art she created, works inspired by her childhood and her passions for nature, culture, and progress.
A celebratory and empowering life story. Candidly, I was not familiar with Thomas or her work before reading this title, but this account of her life’s works has made me a fan. I was especially pleased that the story noted how Thomas’s widespread acclaim did not occur until her senior years, reminding readers that its never too late to try new things and chase new dreams. Harvey’s text expertly walks the tightrope of lyrical and informational, perfect for telling the story of a lifelong creative like Thomas. Wise’s artwork beautifully incorporates the colors and themes of Thomas’s work while maintaining a distinctive, grounded style. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ and I both really enjoyed it. Overall, an exciting tale about a lesser-known artist, and we highly recommend it. Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
November 3, 2022
Jeanne Walker Harvey writes the story of Alma Thomas, a painter who was a pioneer and activist as well as an artist. Illustrations are by Loveis Wise (who has had their work published at cover art for the New Yorker magazine).
The book chronicles the life of Alma Thomas, who has always loved nature and art. She grew up in Georgia, facing segregation that kept her from museums and other places of learning and culture. Her parents responded by filling the house with books and inviting speakers to their home.
The family later moved to DC, which had greater freedoms, but there were still roadblocks. Alma earned a degree in art and began teaching art and being an activist for Blacks who were barred from events. For example, she hosted puppet shows in her house for children denied entry into puppet shows because of their race.
Towards the end of her life, she focused more on her own art and had shows in famous museums. She also had a painting ("Resurrection") placed in the White House by Michelle Obama as part of the permanent collection.
Of course, the illustrations are remarkable. They are in the style of Thomas, but done by Wise. There are vivid colors for the people as well as for the artwork, some of which is geometric, other images come from nature, and some images come from space. And some images combine all three styles: nature, space, and geometry with vivid colors. It's a feast for the eyes.
I was inspired by Thomas' ability to find a way around a roadblock. This can inspire all readers of all ages. This does not just have to be a book about art and about fighting discrimination -- but it certainly does the latter.
The images are fantastic. I would read this to children as young as 3 (paraphrasing) just to expose them to the imagery. The text is only about 20% on any page, but I would expect independent readers ages 10 to 14 to be the best fit. If I were a librarian, parent, or teacher, I could read this book to children as part of a unit on women, artists, activists, and/or barrier breakers.
The backmatter includes a bio, some photos of her art, a timeline, etc.
The book chronicles the life of Alma Thomas, who has always loved nature and art. She grew up in Georgia, facing segregation that kept her from museums and other places of learning and culture. Her parents responded by filling the house with books and inviting speakers to their home.
The family later moved to DC, which had greater freedoms, but there were still roadblocks. Alma earned a degree in art and began teaching art and being an activist for Blacks who were barred from events. For example, she hosted puppet shows in her house for children denied entry into puppet shows because of their race.
Towards the end of her life, she focused more on her own art and had shows in famous museums. She also had a painting ("Resurrection") placed in the White House by Michelle Obama as part of the permanent collection.
Of course, the illustrations are remarkable. They are in the style of Thomas, but done by Wise. There are vivid colors for the people as well as for the artwork, some of which is geometric, other images come from nature, and some images come from space. And some images combine all three styles: nature, space, and geometry with vivid colors. It's a feast for the eyes.
I was inspired by Thomas' ability to find a way around a roadblock. This can inspire all readers of all ages. This does not just have to be a book about art and about fighting discrimination -- but it certainly does the latter.
The images are fantastic. I would read this to children as young as 3 (paraphrasing) just to expose them to the imagery. The text is only about 20% on any page, but I would expect independent readers ages 10 to 14 to be the best fit. If I were a librarian, parent, or teacher, I could read this book to children as part of a unit on women, artists, activists, and/or barrier breakers.
The backmatter includes a bio, some photos of her art, a timeline, etc.
March 18, 2022
The incredible story of Alma Thomas, her experience in life from segregation to teaching to finally focusing on her own art around 70 years old and then having prominent gallery shows of her work. In 2015 Alma Thomas became the first Black woman to have her artwork displayed in the White House, selected by the Obamas. A lovely celebration of art and persistence, success in later life and Black creativity too.
March 2, 2022
Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas is TRULY ablaze with color! This artistic hero’s family celebrated creativity at home when a segregated world unfairly set boundaries for them, & Alma paid it forward as her life’s work. Love the photos, too!
May 31, 2022
I love reading biographies about people I don't know. This book is going in my school library for Black History and Women's History months celebrations.
March 31, 2025
Yet again another children’s biography teaching me about an important person I knew nothing about. I can only hope the painting the Obama’s added to the White House is still there.
February 15, 2025
This is a great, child-appropriate biography of Alma Thomas. I say child-appropriate not only because it teaches about segregation and how it affected Alma in an easier to understand way, but also because it’s not too heavy on facts, dates, and locations the way I’ve seen other juvenile biographies can be. Those are all important when telling the story of someone’s life, of course, but they can easily bog down a young reader who likely just learned about this person. Instead, the focus is more on her accomplishments and feelings about her art and how she got there, which is much more compelling when learning the broad strokes about someone’s life.
May 20, 2022
I absolutely love being introduced to a brand new individual and discovering their gifts and talents that have left such an impact on the world. This is a beautiful introduction to the painter Alma Thomas and her amazing work.
December 24, 2024
The book begins with a quote from Pres. Obama honoring Black History Month the year the Obamas redecorated the Old Family Dining Room at the White House and hung the FIRST painting by an African-American artist, Alma Thomas.
Let's begin with Alma Thomas and her life. Born in the deep south during segregation, her family was poorish but educated. Alma and her sisters weren't allowed to attend the school 2 doors away, the white school, and they couldn't enter the town museum or library. This made them sad. Alma's parents filled their home with books and created their own place for learning. They invited teachers into their living room to talk, lecture and share stories about people and places all over the world. Alma listened intently.
When she was 15 and not allowed to attend the local high school, Alma's family left Georgia for good and moved to Washington, DC. Although DC is also segregated, they had a house of their own with a patch of flower garden to make Alma happy. She loved the bright colors! She studied art in college and like her parents, she sought to educate the local community. Because art was not accessible to children of color, Alma brought art to them just as her parents brought learning to her. Children in DC weren't allowed to see puppet shows downtown so she invited children into her home to build their own marionettes and perform their own plays. Alma studied art with friends, painted, exhibited and mostly helped children. She opened the first art gallery in a school.
At age 70, Alma finally stopped teaching to focus on her own art. Her exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York was the first solo show by a Black woman. The Corcoran Gallery (DC) showcased her paintings and by this time everyone could visit. She unfortunately did not live to see the day when the first Black President and First Lady chose one of Alma's paintings to display in the White House.
The text is very matter-of-fact, straight up biography. It would probably appeal more to older school age readers while the illustrations will catch the attention of younger kids. I didn't care for the illustrations. They're abstract and modern to reflect Alma's style and that's not my thing. The story is what is important. Backmatter includes author's note again references the Obamas, challenges and discrimination Alma faced. There's also an illustrator's note, a photo of her painting "Resurrection" hanging in the White House and a timeline comparing Alma's life in context with events in the United States. There are lists of sources, references for children and adults, and notes.
I am so happy to learn about Alma Thomas! I lived in DC, worked at the Smithsonian in the Program of African-American culture and still hadn't heard of Ms. Thomas! She sounds like she was an extraordinary, wonderful woman who loved the arts so much and promoted them as widely as possible, whenever possible.
Let's begin with Alma Thomas and her life. Born in the deep south during segregation, her family was poorish but educated. Alma and her sisters weren't allowed to attend the school 2 doors away, the white school, and they couldn't enter the town museum or library. This made them sad. Alma's parents filled their home with books and created their own place for learning. They invited teachers into their living room to talk, lecture and share stories about people and places all over the world. Alma listened intently.
When she was 15 and not allowed to attend the local high school, Alma's family left Georgia for good and moved to Washington, DC. Although DC is also segregated, they had a house of their own with a patch of flower garden to make Alma happy. She loved the bright colors! She studied art in college and like her parents, she sought to educate the local community. Because art was not accessible to children of color, Alma brought art to them just as her parents brought learning to her. Children in DC weren't allowed to see puppet shows downtown so she invited children into her home to build their own marionettes and perform their own plays. Alma studied art with friends, painted, exhibited and mostly helped children. She opened the first art gallery in a school.
At age 70, Alma finally stopped teaching to focus on her own art. Her exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York was the first solo show by a Black woman. The Corcoran Gallery (DC) showcased her paintings and by this time everyone could visit. She unfortunately did not live to see the day when the first Black President and First Lady chose one of Alma's paintings to display in the White House.
The text is very matter-of-fact, straight up biography. It would probably appeal more to older school age readers while the illustrations will catch the attention of younger kids. I didn't care for the illustrations. They're abstract and modern to reflect Alma's style and that's not my thing. The story is what is important. Backmatter includes author's note again references the Obamas, challenges and discrimination Alma faced. There's also an illustrator's note, a photo of her painting "Resurrection" hanging in the White House and a timeline comparing Alma's life in context with events in the United States. There are lists of sources, references for children and adults, and notes.
I am so happy to learn about Alma Thomas! I lived in DC, worked at the Smithsonian in the Program of African-American culture and still hadn't heard of Ms. Thomas! She sounds like she was an extraordinary, wonderful woman who loved the arts so much and promoted them as widely as possible, whenever possible.
January 16, 2023
This is a story of the first Black woman to have a solo exhibit in The Whitney Museum and to have one of her paintings added to the White House collection, but it’s also the story of a woman who never stopped sharing her love of art with others. From the time she graduated from college with a degree in art until she was almost seventy years old, she brought art to children in Washington D.C. She led field trips, organized art clubs and set up the city’s first gallery in a school. She was determined to make certain Black children, even during segregation, had access to art.
When she stopped teaching and began painting, she incorporated the colors and patterns of nature she remembered so fondly from her childhood. She imagined what the earth might look like if she soared above it in a plane and painted what she saw with colorful streaks and smudges. She gazed up to the heavens and painted starry skies full of zooming spaceships. She used soft colors and bright colors. She painted for eighteen years, and her paintings still bring joy to all who see them.
This vibrantly colored picture book biography overflows with joy, as it teaches us about a truly amazing Black woman who spent her life sharing art with all ages. The inviting text encourages the reader to discover the details of her remarkable life, including the fact she never allowed discrimination to stop her from bringing her love of art to others.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Alma Thomas’s story is one you’ll want to share with your family and friends, but it’s also one to be used in art classes, during Black History month and anytime you want to read a beautiful, uplifting story. There are also lovely author and illustrator notes you won’t want to miss in the back matter, as well as a helpful timeline comparing Alma’s life to events in the United States. Finally, many thanks to @harperkids and @blue_slip_media for the review copy of ABLAZE WITH COLOR.
January 21, 2022
I received this book from The Children’s Book Review + Jeanne Walker Harvey in exchange of an honest review. A big thanks for allowing me to read this book!
I had never heard of Alma Thomas, so I was very eager to read this book, plus the art looked fun and I love the colours! So imagine my happiness when I was chosen to review this book for The Children’s Book Review’s tour! Eep!
In this book we meet Alma Thomas, a Black woman born in the US during the time when being Black meant a lot of restrictions. From schooling to libraries and more. It just breaks my heart each time I read about it. It is terrible that there was a time when this happened, and that even now Black people are still not safe in the US. 🙁
So I was delighted with Alma’s parents who tried all their best to bring out the best things in their children despite the restrictions, despite how the world is. From making sure there are books and home education to letting their children do anything from pottery to sewing. Later they make a big decision that will open way to more possibilities! Really, the best parent award goes to these two people.
I loved reading how Alma went into art and how she did a lot of awesome and amazing things for children. And she also did a lot with her art and helped out those who made art. She is so inspirational and I was just amazed! I definitely need to read more about this woman and see her art! I am very interested in her later phase, when she was older and went to focus on her own art. I want to see those bright colours and patterns. And while writing this review I actually went to Google to check them out, haha, I just couldn’t wait and I am AMAZED even further. The illustrator really did a great job capturing them in her style!
The illustrations are just top notch and fit so well with Alma and her art. Love love how colourful, bright it is. Even in the times that maybe weren’t always the happiest.
I am giving extra points to the author + illustrator’s note and that we even get a timeline!
All in all, a very inspirational read and I learned a lot of new things and found a new artist whose work I would love to see in real life! Recommended to all!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I had never heard of Alma Thomas, so I was very eager to read this book, plus the art looked fun and I love the colours! So imagine my happiness when I was chosen to review this book for The Children’s Book Review’s tour! Eep!
In this book we meet Alma Thomas, a Black woman born in the US during the time when being Black meant a lot of restrictions. From schooling to libraries and more. It just breaks my heart each time I read about it. It is terrible that there was a time when this happened, and that even now Black people are still not safe in the US. 🙁
So I was delighted with Alma’s parents who tried all their best to bring out the best things in their children despite the restrictions, despite how the world is. From making sure there are books and home education to letting their children do anything from pottery to sewing. Later they make a big decision that will open way to more possibilities! Really, the best parent award goes to these two people.
I loved reading how Alma went into art and how she did a lot of awesome and amazing things for children. And she also did a lot with her art and helped out those who made art. She is so inspirational and I was just amazed! I definitely need to read more about this woman and see her art! I am very interested in her later phase, when she was older and went to focus on her own art. I want to see those bright colours and patterns. And while writing this review I actually went to Google to check them out, haha, I just couldn’t wait and I am AMAZED even further. The illustrator really did a great job capturing them in her style!
The illustrations are just top notch and fit so well with Alma and her art. Love love how colourful, bright it is. Even in the times that maybe weren’t always the happiest.
I am giving extra points to the author + illustrator’s note and that we even get a timeline!
All in all, a very inspirational read and I learned a lot of new things and found a new artist whose work I would love to see in real life! Recommended to all!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
February 25, 2023
Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas is a beautiful illustrated book. I feel she would be very proud of it, with a wonderful introduction story about her life to young children ages 5-8.
I work in an Afterschool program and we introduced the children to Alma Thomas. I ordered two books about her from my library.
I also enjoyed reading the Author's Notes, Illustrator's Notes, and the Timeline of the artist life. Born in 1891 and died in 1978, Alma's lifetime spanned enormous political, cultural, and scientific changes. She went from horse-and-buggy to machine and space age! Can you imagine any person living through that time frame and seeing so much change?! I'm sure there will never be such a dramatic change ever again!
In 2015, First Lady Michelle Obama opened up the Old Family Dining Room for public viewing for the first time in history, displaying contemporary art and design. In this room hung Alma Thomas's painting Resurrection. I wonder what she'd think if she knew her piece of art was 1) in the WH when a black man was president and 2) her painting was the first by a Black woman to be displayed in the permanent collection.
We lived in Northern Virginia for 8 years. Our next move was to Florida in 2016, so before we left, I booked us in a tour the White House and guess who saw this picture in the Old Family Dining Room and guess who has a picture of it?! Cool!!!! When I pulled up the picture in my March 2016 collection, I had goosebumps seeing it. I'm not sure how to upload it on here or if I can even do that? Too bad.
Alma Thomas - what an inspiring woman!
I work in an Afterschool program and we introduced the children to Alma Thomas. I ordered two books about her from my library.
I also enjoyed reading the Author's Notes, Illustrator's Notes, and the Timeline of the artist life. Born in 1891 and died in 1978, Alma's lifetime spanned enormous political, cultural, and scientific changes. She went from horse-and-buggy to machine and space age! Can you imagine any person living through that time frame and seeing so much change?! I'm sure there will never be such a dramatic change ever again!
In 2015, First Lady Michelle Obama opened up the Old Family Dining Room for public viewing for the first time in history, displaying contemporary art and design. In this room hung Alma Thomas's painting Resurrection. I wonder what she'd think if she knew her piece of art was 1) in the WH when a black man was president and 2) her painting was the first by a Black woman to be displayed in the permanent collection.
We lived in Northern Virginia for 8 years. Our next move was to Florida in 2016, so before we left, I booked us in a tour the White House and guess who saw this picture in the Old Family Dining Room and guess who has a picture of it?! Cool!!!! When I pulled up the picture in my March 2016 collection, I had goosebumps seeing it. I'm not sure how to upload it on here or if I can even do that? Too bad.
Alma Thomas - what an inspiring woman!
December 5, 2022
"Through color, I have sought to concentrate on beauty and happiness, rather than on man's inhumanity to man." - Alma Thomas.
This is a biographical picture book of Alma Thomas' life which began in Georgia in the late 1900s. Segregation and discrimination prevented Alma and her sisters from attending their local school (it was only for white children...) so their parents filled the house with books and created their own place of learning. However, when Alma turned fifteen and was prohibited from attending high school, the family moved North to Washington DC. Things were better in DC, but there were still roadblocks to overcome. As an adult, Alma wanted to be a teacher but she could not teach her art in the local schools so she worked to bring art to the children in her neighborhood. Finally, when she was 70, she focused on making her own art - which drew heavily from nature and used lots of vibrant colors. Her art was the first solo art show by a Black woman. Alma died in 1978, after contributing greatly to the world of art and art education. In 2015, the Obamas chose one of Alma's paintings to display in the White House - the first artwork by a Black woman in the White House. Additional notes by the author and illustrator plus a timeline help expand the story. There is also a list of references for further study. This is an inspiring and ultimately hopeful story about pursuing your passion, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
This is a biographical picture book of Alma Thomas' life which began in Georgia in the late 1900s. Segregation and discrimination prevented Alma and her sisters from attending their local school (it was only for white children...) so their parents filled the house with books and created their own place of learning. However, when Alma turned fifteen and was prohibited from attending high school, the family moved North to Washington DC. Things were better in DC, but there were still roadblocks to overcome. As an adult, Alma wanted to be a teacher but she could not teach her art in the local schools so she worked to bring art to the children in her neighborhood. Finally, when she was 70, she focused on making her own art - which drew heavily from nature and used lots of vibrant colors. Her art was the first solo art show by a Black woman. Alma died in 1978, after contributing greatly to the world of art and art education. In 2015, the Obamas chose one of Alma's paintings to display in the White House - the first artwork by a Black woman in the White House. Additional notes by the author and illustrator plus a timeline help expand the story. There is also a list of references for further study. This is an inspiring and ultimately hopeful story about pursuing your passion, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
May 5, 2025
In this book, the author talks about how some barriers were broken, and she found an artistic voice that she wasn't actually looking for later on in her life. It showed a colorful point of view throughout the book with abstract paintings and showed how she was determined to create something beautiful despite the way the world tried to limit her. I can relate to that totally because I do nails on the side as a form of relief, but it helped me find my artistic voice and people gravitated towards it tremendously. I ended up painting on nails as a form of an outlet and it began to bring me happiness and awaken my inner child. I also turned out to be good at it as well. I try my best not to allow limitations to stop me, and I just keep pushing forward and that's what the author showed in this book as well. Its something about discovering yourself while doing something you love is so rewarding in the end. I thought this book was encouraging, and empowering. I think it will encourage kids to express themselves and create to explore the endless possibilities life has to offer and what they can be. This book will inspire kids that read it and go after their artistic dreams if they have them! Painting helped me find my voice and it soothed me as well.
Two literary devices used were Imagery and Descriptive Language with the color based descriptions and the vibrant painting style. This was a great highlighted journey to find that artistic passion and creative expression while pushing through challenges the challenges she was facing.
Two literary devices used were Imagery and Descriptive Language with the color based descriptions and the vibrant painting style. This was a great highlighted journey to find that artistic passion and creative expression while pushing through challenges the challenges she was facing.
January 13, 2022
From humble beginnings to one of the most celebrated Black women artists of the 20th century, Alma Thomas's story is an inspiration. Growing up in the South in the early part of the 1900s, education wasn't available to black children in the South. But thanks to her innovative parents, Alma was surrounded by books and learned from the interesting people they invited over to discuss various topics. But perhaps it was Alma's sensory learning -- playing in ever-changing gardens and molding pottery from the red clay on the banks of a stream -- that was the biggest influence on her art.
Vibrantly-illustrated pages perfectly reflect the bold colors used in Alma's artwork. The drawings leap off the page and brightly expound on her theories about color and her "focus on beauty and joy".
The book's backmatter is fascinating and includes a timeline of both Alma's life and major events during her lifetime helping readers better understand what was happening during these tumultuous times. With a comprehensive Educators' Guide full of discussion questions and extension activities, Ablaze with Color offers a starting point for class discussions during Women’s History Month and Black History Month.
Vibrantly-illustrated pages perfectly reflect the bold colors used in Alma's artwork. The drawings leap off the page and brightly expound on her theories about color and her "focus on beauty and joy".
The book's backmatter is fascinating and includes a timeline of both Alma's life and major events during her lifetime helping readers better understand what was happening during these tumultuous times. With a comprehensive Educators' Guide full of discussion questions and extension activities, Ablaze with Color offers a starting point for class discussions during Women’s History Month and Black History Month.
February 3, 2023
Alma felt her best when she was outside with the colors of nature. Alma never wanted to sit like her sisters. Alma wanted to make things. She used clay to make things. Alma and her sisters were sad they couldn't attend the white school next door. They couldn't go to museums or to the library. Alma parents filled their own library in their home. They invited teacher to their home. Alma was fifteen and moved north away from the injustices of the south to Washington D.C. where she lived most of her life. Alma studied art in college. The access to art was limited. Alma did what her parents did and brought art to her living room for the youth and devoted her self to helping children. Alma was almost seventy years old when she stop teaching and started focusing on her own art. Alma painted a new style circle and dashes. She painted how she felt on the inside of what she saw on the outside. Galleries began showing her artwork. The Whtiney museum featured Alma's art about earth and space. The first showing of a black woman. The mayor declared September 9. Alma Thomas day for her art and what she did for the youth. Alma didn't get to live to see her artwork chosen by the president to be displayed in the White House.
February 26, 2022
As a young girl, Alma Thomas loved all the colors around her, the flowers the leaves the grass and the sunsets. She didn't like to cook or sew, like her sisters, instead she used the clay from the banks of the brook to make bowls and cups. Because of Segregation, she and her sisters couldn't attend the local school, but her parents invited people into their home to tell stories and teach the girls. While she was still young, Alma and her family moved to Washington DC, where she graduated from Art college and became a teacher. Access to art and museums for black people was still limited, so Alma opened her home so children could learn about art there. In her 60s she stopped teaching and focused on making art, eventually having her work shown in important galleries. The Obamas purchased one of her paintings to hang in the White House.
Loveis Wise's illustrations are perfect - representing the time period's art and so like Alma's actual paintings. A nice addition to your picture book biographies, and I also this Art teachers could use it in the classroom.
Cross posted to http://kkissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Loveis Wise's illustrations are perfect - representing the time period's art and so like Alma's actual paintings. A nice addition to your picture book biographies, and I also this Art teachers could use it in the classroom.
Cross posted to http://kkissthebookjr.blogspot.com
March 17, 2022
While not a bad book, this picture book biography of Alma Thomas felt a little lackluster to me. The illustrations by Loveis Wise are, of course, gorgeous, but the text felt superficial and didn't really give me anything to "grab on to" as a reader-- I kind of wish there had been one story that was focused on more, instead of a quick drive through Thomas' entire life. While racism is acknowledged in the book (Alma and her siblings can't attend the local school, museums, or town library, for example), this attention feels similarly superficial-- Alma and her sisters are described as merely "feeling sad" about this form of oppression they experience, for example.
While just okay on its own merits, this book is still a much needed addition to the catalog of children's book artist biographies: Alma Thomas is essential! Hopefully there will be more picture book biographies of her to come.
Themes: Art, Artists, Racism, Social Justice, Black History
Age range: Kindergarten-Early Elementary
While just okay on its own merits, this book is still a much needed addition to the catalog of children's book artist biographies: Alma Thomas is essential! Hopefully there will be more picture book biographies of her to come.
Themes: Art, Artists, Racism, Social Justice, Black History
Age range: Kindergarten-Early Elementary
March 20, 2022
“How nature made her heart sing and dance, even when life could be hard and unjust.”
Alma was always inspired by the colors of nature and the creativity of her family. Because they were living in the segregated south and were unable to visit libraries and museums, her parents brought books into their home and invited teachers in to talk about the world, tell stories and demonstrate different ways of thinking. They created their own educational system for their children.
Alma studied art in college and chose to share that knowledge by teaching kids. But because schools were segregated, even in Washington, DC, she invited children into her house and created a place for them to be inspired by art. It wasn’t until she was almost 70 that Alma changed her focus from teacher about art to creating her own works of art and she created a new style, still inspired by the colors and patterns of nature.
Includes an author’s note, timeline and list of resources for further reading.
Alma was always inspired by the colors of nature and the creativity of her family. Because they were living in the segregated south and were unable to visit libraries and museums, her parents brought books into their home and invited teachers in to talk about the world, tell stories and demonstrate different ways of thinking. They created their own educational system for their children.
Alma studied art in college and chose to share that knowledge by teaching kids. But because schools were segregated, even in Washington, DC, she invited children into her house and created a place for them to be inspired by art. It wasn’t until she was almost 70 that Alma changed her focus from teacher about art to creating her own works of art and she created a new style, still inspired by the colors and patterns of nature.
Includes an author’s note, timeline and list of resources for further reading.
January 21, 2022
This most beautiful book is inspiring, entertaining, and educational. The book is the story of the life of famous artist, Alma Thomas. The girl was born in Georgia during segregation and couldn’t go to the white school, libraries, or museums. Her parent provided many books, activities, lectures, and led the community in cultural and educational events. Later, they moved to Washington, DC, where they continued to carry out community outreach. Alma followed in their footsteps after studying art in college. She loved teaching art to children in the schools of Washington, DC. Her art peaked in her later years and she was featured in major galleries and President Obama hung her painting in the White House. This book is so beautifully illustrated and young children will be inspired by her story.
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey.
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Jeanne Walker Harvey.
March 24, 2022
Alma Thomas's unique painting style is beautifully highlighted by Loveis Wise in this picture book biography of the famous artist. Growing up in Georgia exposed Alma not only to segregation and it's unfairness but also to the rich colors of nature. With the encouragement of her parent's Alma developed her love of art and creativity and after graduating from college became a teacher to pass it on to others. After decades spent teaching, she finally gave herself completely to her art producing paintings that would be displayed in museums, gallery's, and even the White House. This lovely book shares with readers Thomas's dedication to not only her art, but to helping children develop their love of art also. Harvey's text is beautifully complimented by Wise's stunning artwork. The fantastic backmatter includes an author's note, illustrator's note, photographs, a timeline, and bibliography. A great addition to any collection.
August 18, 2022
Alma Thomas grew up in the south during a time when separation of white people and colored people was the law. Opportunities for everything from education, art museums, and even puppet shows was not allowed for all. Luckily Alma had parents who allowed her to explore art of all kinds and become the artist she was supposed to become. Alma found joy in art, education, and dreamed of what space exploration may bring to our world. Illustrator Loveis Wise has captured the joy and love in Thomas' work and depicted the artist in a most engaging way.
This picture book biography of painter Alma Thomas is as vibrant as her work! It is sure to find new fans that may choose to honor her memory and her work through supporting libraries, and creating art to be seen by all. There is ample backmatter included for those who love this art.
This picture book biography of painter Alma Thomas is as vibrant as her work! It is sure to find new fans that may choose to honor her memory and her work through supporting libraries, and creating art to be seen by all. There is ample backmatter included for those who love this art.
June 14, 2022
Although Alma Thomas grew up in segregated Georgia and was not allowed to attend high school, visit museums or the town library, her parents made their home a center of learning. When her family moved to Washington D.C., Alma was able to complete her education and eventually became a teacher. She begins making her own art when she's 70 years old and eventually has an exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Alma died in 1978 so she didn't live to see her artwork displayed at the White House. Don't miss the excellent back matter that includes an author's and illustrator's notes, a timeline of Alma's life and the events in the United States that would relate to her life, and sources, notes, and references. An inspiring picture book biography!
September 16, 2022
Alma Thomas’s paintings are jubilant and act as a megaphone for her love of nature and beauty. Every time I see one of her works I feel joyful! So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to run across Jeanne Walker Harvey’s Ablaze with Color. Jeanne tells the story of Alma’s life and art and exuberance for life. And the illustrations by Loveis Wise are the perfect match for Jeanne’s color-filled text. Jeanne opens Ablaze with Color with one of Alma’s most famous quotes: "Through color I have sought to concentrate on beauty and happiness, rather than on man’s inhumanity to man." It’s a sentiment that is so needed in the world we live in today. But it also sets the tone for Jeanne’s prose, which celebrates not only Alma’s life, but also the beauty of this world. You won't want to miss this one!
November 15, 2022
“Through color, I have sought to concentrate on beauty and happiness, rather than on man’s inhumanity to man.” Alma Thomas
Ablaze with Color is exactly that - bright, beautiful and vibrant. Harvey focused on the beauty painter Alma Thomas sought and found, even amid a life of unfairness and intolerance. This picture book biography unveils a woman’s great goodness, and her hope for the future. Her painting is the first by a black woman to take a permanent place in the White House. Her words and legacy are a refreshing and hopeful perspective on our imperfect history.
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Ablaze with Color is exactly that - bright, beautiful and vibrant. Harvey focused on the beauty painter Alma Thomas sought and found, even amid a life of unfairness and intolerance. This picture book biography unveils a woman’s great goodness, and her hope for the future. Her painting is the first by a black woman to take a permanent place in the White House. Her words and legacy are a refreshing and hopeful perspective on our imperfect history.
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
December 14, 2022
4.5 stars, rounded up. I have a few quibbles with the presentation (and omission) of some minor details and facts in this book, but overall it’s a fantastically comprehensive, richly written, and gorgeously illustrated picture book biography worthy of Alma Thomas. This would be a great addition to any child’s bookshelf.
(Side note: Goodness, do I LOVE this trend of publishing more beautiful children’s picture book biographies spotlighting trailblazing women artists. This would go so well on a bookshelf alongside A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa.)
And not to flex too hard, but… I’m definitely more qualified to recommend an Alma Thomas picture book than the vast majority of people here. Just trust me on this one.
(Side note: Goodness, do I LOVE this trend of publishing more beautiful children’s picture book biographies spotlighting trailblazing women artists. This would go so well on a bookshelf alongside A Life Made by Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa.)
And not to flex too hard, but… I’m definitely more qualified to recommend an Alma Thomas picture book than the vast majority of people here. Just trust me on this one.
March 8, 2024
I became acquainted with the name "Alma Thomas" when I saw a display on a K4 classroom door.
Then I saw this title in the book return bin of my library...
This is a beautiful introduction to Alma Thomas for anyone.
Where I still get tears was the note on the versa...
a note from 2015, "...newly restored Old Family Dining Room...and it now includes a painting by Alma Thoma called "Resurrection" -- and that's the first in the White House Collection by an African American woman. [First Lady] Michelle mad that happen, and we could not be prouder....
~Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library.
Back matter incluldes a beautiful timeline, sources, notes, references.
Highly recommend.
Then I saw this title in the book return bin of my library...
This is a beautiful introduction to Alma Thomas for anyone.
Where I still get tears was the note on the versa...
a note from 2015, "...newly restored Old Family Dining Room...and it now includes a painting by Alma Thoma called "Resurrection" -- and that's the first in the White House Collection by an African American woman. [First Lady] Michelle mad that happen, and we could not be prouder....
~Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library.
Back matter incluldes a beautiful timeline, sources, notes, references.
Highly recommend.
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