Diego: Bigger Than Life

by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand, David Díaz (Illustrator)

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand's inspiring free verse and David Diaz's vivid paintings capture the defining moments and emotions of Diego Rivera's tumultuous life, including his stormy relationship with artist Frida Kahlo and his passion for his art. Rivera's energy, physique, love for women, and work were all "bigger than life." A biography, chronology, glossary, sources, notes, and famous quotations are included.

Genres: Poetry, Biography, Picture Books, Art, Nonfiction, Childrens, Latinx

64 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2009

About the author

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand is a national award winning author of eleven books for children and young adults. She teaches writing at the Whidbey Island MFA, a program of Northwest Literary Arts, at Writers in the Schools, a program of Oregon Literary Arts, and at Wordstock.

In 2008, The Oregon Library Association's Children's Division gave her the Evelyn Lampman Award for her significant contribution to the children of Oregon in the field of children's literature.

Bernier-Grand was born in Puerto Rico but lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, Jeremy Grand, and her bilingual dog, Lily.

(source)

Reviews

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Are we supposed to admire Diego Rivera? Or is this a cautionary tale?

[Thomasin Propson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can like to read about Diego without "liking" him. I do like his work (what has survived the purges performed by irritated viewers). Having previously read Barbara Kingsolver's book set in his (and Frida's) world, I can "feel" his importance and what a mark he made on the world.

The poetry (each page is it's own poem and 'chapter') is easy to read - un-rhymed free verse - and a unique way to share the artist's history.

Value/importance: 4 stars
Illustrations: 2 (they were just so tiny!)
Re-readability: 2.5 - 3 (some sections are more interesting than others)
Enjoyable: 3

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernier-Grand's work follows the life of Diego Rivera. In poem form, we learn about Diego's early life, all the way through his painting career and death. Readers learn a lot about his back story, experiencing things like trips up mountains with his nurse, boats and passages from country to country. We feel the heartbreak of losing a son, and can see how Diego copes. The poetry allows the reader to have a deeper look into the artist's life and thoughts. It was eye-opening to see how his experiences led him to act a specific way, or how his paintings were influenced. Although there are darker topics present in the book, such as corrupt politics, WWI, Diego's thoughts and treatments of his first child and lover, the reader gets the overall view of what Diego's life was like in a raw form.
I believe the illustrations in the book allow further insight into the experiences Diego was having. David Diaz uses simplistic lines with stark colors, reflecting the mood of the poems they accompany. Having the visual along with the text is ideal for understanding the artist, because what better way to portray an artist's life than through pictures?
I would recommend this book to teachers in a middle school setting. Some of the topics addressed are a bit heavy for young students to comprehend, but reflect events of the time. It is engaging and telling of Diego Rivera, and a great book for an artist study. Getting background information on him would help further analyze his paintings, and this is just the book for that.

[Q_Ayana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through free-verse poems and colorful illustrations, the life of Diego Rivera is shared, from birth to death. Rivera was a Mexican artist, famous for fighting for social justice through his mural paintings of common, working people. Each poem, told through the eyes of the Rivera, explores a moment in the artist’s life, which includes his accomplishments and indiscretions. The illustrations which illuminate with a light around the characters exhibit the energy and power of the Mexican culture and also include pictures of Rivera’s actual paintings. There is a biography, glossary, and chronology given at the end of the book, to elaborate on the factual events in his life. In addition, the poems are chronological, which makes the book easy to read and understand. The vocabulary is not over-complicated, however, some of the terms may need to be explained further, which the glossary helps to solve. Due to the honesty in revealing Rivera’s affairs and the stance he took in support of Mexican Communism, the book would be appropriate for high school students who are capable of engaging in mature discussions. This would be a great book to include in an ensemble of other biographies of great diverse artists and social reformers. Selected poems could be shared with upper elementary students through high school students, to discuss themes of politics, nationalism, love, and life’s struggles.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the poetic life of Mexican artist Diego Rivera. While the verses paint an almost rosy picture, the final pages of the book include "The True Life of Diego Rivera," " Glossary," "Chronology," and quotes "In His Own Words." As is the case with many artists, Rivera had a tumultuous life as he worked to find his own style. By far, the best parts in the book are where Rivera's actual pieces are mixed in! This book would be a great read aloud for older grade (especially high school) due to the adult content (many, many affairs) as well as complexity of text (the prose leads to many inferences needing to be made).

[Bernadette · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Diego Bigger Than Life (2010 Pura Belpre Author and Illustrator Honor Award), Carmen T. Bernier-Grand memorializes the life of muralist Diego Rivera through a series of biographical poems. Colorful mixed media artwork contributed by illustrator David Diaz accompanies each of the poems detailing Diego's rich but sometimes controversial life. Students in grades 7-12 would benefit most learning via poetry about people, places, and political movements of Latin America.

[Allie Maas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Diego: Bigger Than Life
Author: Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Illustrator: David Diaz
Genre: Biography (3-5)
Theme(s): Painters, Biography
Opening Line/sentence:
Fabulous Storyteller
What is life but a story?
I choose to embellish my life story.

Brief Book Summary:
If not moved by the artwork, the poetic verse of this book surely will make you relish the life of Diego de Rivera. Written in individual poems that mark the chapters of Rivera’s life, this book shares the tale of how Diego became the famous artist he is and his personal life filled with anger, hope, despair, and love all of which make for the inspiration behind his works. This book, accompanied by small illustrations, reveals the essence of Rivera’s personality and creativity all the way up to his death. The book ends with a simple matter of fact poem about where and how Rivera died and what happened to his love, ending with the loving words, “Take from life all it gives you.”

Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Mary Hynes-Berry (Children's Literature)
This celebration of the great Mexican artist Diego de Rivera may look like a picture book, but it is not designed for young children. However, it does provide keen creative insight about this important figure. Biographical details about the course of Rivera’s life and the evolution of his art are provided through a series of prose poems by Carmen Bernier-Grand, whose previous book featured Rivera s wife, Frida Kahlo. Less knowledgeable readers may need to receive help if they are to understand this somewhat elliptical narrative. Some themes, such as jealous lovers and death, may need to be handled with care. A few of these poems are accompanied by reproductions of Diego’s own art. More often, David Diaz provides a large or small illustration for each one-page poem. Diaz’s rich palette of orange, brown and green, as well as his flowing lines reveal his regard for the Mexican working class heritage of which Rivera was so fiercely proud.

Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2009 (Vol. 77, No. 4))
As she did in Frida: Viva la Vida! Long Live Life! (2007), Bernier-Grand channels the personality of Kahlo's husband in 34 free-verse poems. From the beginning, readers learn that Rivera's truth is mutable: "What is life but a story? / I choose to embellish my life story." Thus he confides to readers that while he "rode the revolutionary hills" in his public story, "In truth, I boarded a ship to Europe / a storm of guilt almost sank me in mid-ocean." He is just as frank about his many liaisons and children, mitigating his infidelity with his ardent yearning to create art that celebrated the Mexican people. Where the earlier volume paired poems with Kahlo's art and archival photographs, this mixes some reproductions of Rivera's work with Diaz's stylized, Aztec-inspired mixed-media tableaux. Done in a South-of-the-Border palette, they are undeniably lovely, but serve to distance readers from the vigorous man speaking in the poems. While this effort is not as sublime as its predecessor, it nevertheless makes a worthwhile, if flawed, companion rather like the man himself.

Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Both reviews touch on Rivera’s Mexican pride and how the colors and illustrations of this book reflect Rivera’s style and heritage. In addition to the illustrations, I agree with the first reviewers comment about the text. This book is not designed to read in a younger classroom with its length and prose poem verses. Although I have never read the similar book about Rivera’s wife mentioned in both the reviews, I would be interested to see how this one compares to it and it would be interesting to contrast the elements of each book unique to the individual written about.

Evaluation of Literary Elements:
The author of this book added an additional artistic element by writing this book in prose poem. Although it might be hard to read for a younger audience, this book appeals to older individuals. By writing in poem the reader feels captivated by Diego’s life and has the same creative, yet reflective mindset Diego had. The book is organized almost in a chapter book feel with each poem serving as a new chapter in Diego’s life and a new sense of understanding as Diego grows from the beginning of the book to the end. The illustrations of this book are colorful, to reflect the main character’s profession, and have an Aztec-like feel, to reflect the main character’s heritage. By illustrating in this fashion, the images add meaning to the book through traits that reflect Rivera and his own style. This book, convenient to the reader, also contains a glossary to help understand some of the locations and the hints of Spanish sprinkled throughout the book. There is also “The true life of Diego de Rivera” in the back of the book that shares a more factual story of the artist’s life followed by a chronological timeline of Rivera’s life and accomplishments. To close the book the author included a page of sources so that if a reader is interested he or she might do further research and learn more about Rivera. All of these back pages are characteristic of a valuable nonfiction book and really supplement the story itself.

Consideration of Instructional Application:
This book would be a nice addition to a classroom library in an upper-elementary grade. I would not read the whole book to the class aloud, but instead pick a few poems out of it that really highlight Rivera’s life so that my students get a general idea of the man. I would then retire the book to a book bin where my students could have access to it if they wanted to continue to read about the artist or look at some of the illustrations of this book. This book might spark an art lesson where the class can do an artist study and mimic Diego de Rivera’s style and try to paint similar artworks to his. Also this book would be an excellent example to use when teaching a lesson on poetry, especially prose poems. This book does a nice job of showing how not all poems have to have a specific rhyme or rhythm.

[Shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernier-Grand, C.T. (2009). Diego: Bigger Than Life. Marshall Cavendish Children.

9780761453833

64 pages


Appetizer: Diego shares the biography of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera through thirty-four(ish) poems. Starting with his birth, the poems follow Rivera's life including a lot of interesting details (like how as a newborn, his pale body was dumped in a dung bucket). The poems also include a lot of Spanish words and draw attention to the beautiful sounds (like "a Mexican town whose name sounds like singing frogs in water: Guanajuato").

I liked that the poems often account for Diego's emotions. It would have been easy to write "he went here...then there...then got married...then went...," but Bernier-Grand dives deep, accounting for Diego's feeling about his role in the Mexican Revolution.

I was also surprised and impressed by how Bernier-Grand politely included the many love affairs Diego had throughout his life.

I also liked that, on occasion, the poems incorporated more than just Diego's voice. From time to time, Frida Kahlo and the Mexican Communist Party also share their perspectives.

This book was one of the honor books for the Belpre award this year (for the text AND the illustrations...do two award honors equal a winner? I think just maybe).
While I completely agree with the choice about the text, personally, the illustrations left me feeling "eeh." I liked their use of color, but I think I would have liked to see more of Rivera's own artwork reflected in more of the illustrations.

I love that a chronology of Diego's life was included at the end. I've read a biography in poems before and found it vaguely confusing because there was no way to ground the beautiful poems in a temporal setting. (I'm looking in your direction, Carver: A life in Poems!) But even if a student is too lazy to read through the chronology, the poems are easy to follow.


Dinner Conversation:

"What is life but a story?
I choose to embellish my life story.

I am DIEGO-
the charming, monstrous,
caring, hideous
Mexican muralist."

"So pale and dead I looked
that the midwife dumped me
in a dung bucket;
then helped my frail mother
give birth to my twin brother"

"I drew on furniture, walls, floors.
I drew pulleys, wheels, gears
in the margins and between the lines
of Papa's best books."

"A French teacher
spoke to me about a world without
rich people or poor people, only equals.
And Father Servin admired the pastel landscapes
I painted under the petroleum lamp.
He told me to be whatever I wanted to be."

"On public walls, I'd start a social revolution.
I'd paint the poetry of the common people,
working, suffering, fighting, seeking joy, living, and dying."

"Seven days a week, eighteen hours a day,
I painted fables of the history and culture of MExico,
my vision of the truth,
hoping people would learn what tomorrow might look like."


To Go with the Meal:

A teacher could also provide historical, ideological and political context for Diego's life and the Mexican Revolution. And aside from going into more depth of Rivera's biography (or that of Frida Kahlo), a teacher could do a lesson on murals and different styles (such as cubism) from around the world or have students design their own mural.

Based on the first poem, "Fabulous Storyteller," students could create their own books, writing poems about their own lives.


Tasty Rating: !!!!

[Creising · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audience – A good audience for this book would be middle to lower high school because poetry can be tricky to understand. Also some of these poems talk about death and other difficult times in life.

Appeal – The appeal of this book is that it tells the biography of an authors life through free verse poems and all the beautiful illustrations. It is also a book a student could pick up and flip to anypage just to read one or two poems without having to read the entire book.

Application – I would use this book when talking about poetry. It is a good example of how poems don’t have to rhyme. I would have the students write a poem about a significant event from their life.

Award list - Pura Belpre

copy right -- 2009


School Library Journal
( April 01, 2009; 9780761453833 )

Gr 5-9-This treatment of the Mexican muralist is a companion piece to Bernier-Grand's Frida (2007), but bears more resemblance to the author's Cesar: Si, se puede! (2004, both Marshall Cavendish). All three titles employ free verse, but Frida's story is told visually through her own art; Diego and Cesar exhibit Diaz's stylized digital and mixed-media compositions, his recognizable figures rendered in profile, with a prominent, single eye. Diaz is in top form here with luminous scenes drenched in color, layered with indigenous and political motifs, and sensitive to the various art styles his subject explored. However, only four reproductions of Rivera's work are included, which barely scratch the surface. That said, author and artist provide a nuanced and spirited look at a complex individual. Bernier-Grand's first-person poems introduce Rivera as storyteller, one who proceeds to spin true and fabricated details. Fact and fiction are sorted in the meticulous end matter, which includes a biographical overview, sources, endnotes, quotations by the artist, and a photograph. One emerges with a sense of Rivera's genius, devilish personality, and struggles both in relation to accepting financial support from oppressive governments and in his capacity to be, by turns, self-centered or tender with the many women and children in his life. Young people will be surprised and entertained by this accessible, arresting portrait.-Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

I agree that this book would be good for 5th through 9th graders because poetry can be difficult especially when it deals with subjects of death and other hard times. The illustrations are beautiful as well and portray some of the artists work.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of poems for older children about the life of Diego Rivera. I have read picture book biographies of him before but they glossed over some of the more scandalous/tragic aspects of his life. I feel like Rivera and Hemingway would have gotten along; two big man-babies who couldn't function without at least two women in their orbit.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernier-Grand, Carmen T. Diego: bigger than life. illus. by David Diaz. Marshall Cavendish. Trade. ISBN : 978-0-7614-5383-3. $18.99 64p. Glossary, timeline, bibliography, notes, illustrations“In His Own Words.” (Middle School) 5 stars.

Diego Rivera was best known for his large murals, member of the Mexican Communist Party and storyteller; often making it difficult for biographers and historians to discern some of the real truths of his life. Rivera was educated in Mexico during his childhood and later studied in Europe; a period when his artistic career was influenced by Picasso's cubist style of art. When Rivera returned to Mexico he realized his true love of painting murals depicting peasants, workers, soldiers, famous Communist world leaders and common people. Diego: bigger than life captures the very essence of his passions in flowing lines of poetry, chronologically set from birth to death. The poems are written in first person free verse giving the reader a true sense of not only the large scope of Diego's love of his country but of his large, domineering size and personality. Bernier-Grand captivates his readers with lines, “To digest the tastes and scents of Mexico in the juices of my imagination...” “Seven days a week, eighteen hours a day, I painted fables of the history and culture of Mexico...” “The strange creature moved, slowly, precisely, intensely.” His poetry vividly describes the culture, people, and traditions of Mexico. David Diaz, illustrator, captures each poem with his warm tones of mixed media. Vibrant hues of turquoise, oranges, purples and browns highlight each page and grips the readers imagination of Rivera and his life's passions. Diego is a brilliant book of poetry about the life of one of Mexico's great artists. Collections lacking easy to read materials on Diego Rivera would find this an excellent purchase for art, artists, famous Mexicans, and artists triumphs and failures. The book does contain some mature material which may effect adding the book to a middle school collection. sbw

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diego Rivera (1886-1957) was indeed larger than life. His passion for life, love, and art drove him toward success. A brilliant and hugely (literally) talented man, his passions often led to controversy and tumultuous relationships. He is most famous for his large murals in Mexico and the United States depicting the history and plight of the working-class people. He is also well known for his fiery love affairs, especially with Frida Kahlo, to whom he was married twice.

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand’s text reflects his emotional, passionate life. The use of poetry is perfect for depicting this. Her words are expressive and informative at the same time. Each poem of the book, told through Diego Rivera’s point-of-view, tells vividly of his many experiences from his birth through his death. Her poetry is the reason for my awarding this book four stars.

Although, David Diaz’s illustrations captured the light and liveliness of Diego Rivera, I was a bit disappointed in his visuals of Frida Kahlo. Her distinct appearance and style of dress, was not really captured. I do realize that David Diaz’s illustrative style is more abstract, using shape and color to tell the story.

I believe this book is worth sharing with older elementary students and older students. The information of his life told through wonderful poetry would be a nice way to introduce the life of this important Mexican artist to students. I would be reluctant to use it with younger students, due to the mature nature of the content, specifically his affairs. Other aspects such as his involvement with communism and the political controversies of his art might be lost on younger audiences. A wonderful companion book would be Frida: ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life, by the same author. This 2008 Pura Belpré Author Honor book tells the story of Frida Kahlo’s life through her point-of-view. I highly recommend it.

[Diana Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say live your life in a unique way and leave your legacy behind. That is exactly what Diego Rivera did. In this book, author Carmen Bernier Grand tells the life story of artist Diego Rivera in sixty four pages of text and illustrations. This is no ordinary structure, Diego’s story is told by the creation of several short poems. Each poem is titled with a major event or subject that took place in Diego’s life. From the day Diego was born to the day he passed away, the book continues to tell about his love for art, his love stories, and even the deaths of his own children. The readers of this book are approached by a whole new way of reading; a way in which we feel as if we are with Diego during all events in his life.

When I first checked this book out, I did not expect the structure to be the way it was. It was something I never experienced. Once I began reading, I fell in love with reading a story through poems. I highly enjoyed reading the story, almost forgetting that it was about Diego Rivera. Not only should this book itself be read and used in a classroom, but teachers should introduce children to the teaching of story through poetry.The context is more challenging only because it has more Hispanic vocabulary but the glossary in the back is useful. When it comes to the structure, it is something new and beneficial for students. This is because it gives students the sense of amazement. The story is read in a new perspective and the illustrations help students imagine and put themselves in Diego’s shoes. This book has opened a new way of writing for me and I think allowing other students to read this will not only taking them on Diego’s life journey, but a journey of new literature style.

[Teresa Scherping Moulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

From his tenacious survival as a sickly baby to the controversial murals that were his greatest artistic achievements, Diego Rivera always defied expectations. He hated Mexico's oppressive dictator and yet accepted an art scholarship financed by that very government. He painted murals for the common people to see, depicting the beauty and dignity of the working class, but the Mexican Communist Party rejected him for accepting work from anti-communist regimes. He loved many women during his life, but only one, fellow painter Frida Kahlo, truly had his heart. He was a large, forceful man, but those who knew him best described him as an overgrown child. Diego's legacy is in creating art that was truly revolutionary and deeply Mexican in its roots.

This book is best seen as a beautiful piece of art rather than strictly a biography. Because of its free verse format, a lot of the context is left to be inferred by the reader, although an author's note at the end clarifies some of the events of Diego's life. Also, I wanted to see more actual pictures of Diego's art. The illustrations and verse are wonderful, however, and do a great job of depicting the complexities of Diego himself and his life.

This book would be best for grades 5-9. The book does mention Diego's many affairs, and some of the events of his life would be difficult to understand for most younger kids. This Pura Belpre Honor Book would be great for anyone interested in Latin American/Mexican art or famous Latinos (although it would be best read alongside a more traditional biography). Readalikes include Diego Rivera: His World and Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh (for a younger age level) and Frida: Viva la Vida!/Long Live Life!, also by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an engaging read that bridges the gap between a variety of art forms. Written as a chronological biography of Diego Rivera's life, it is a collection of titled poems that span from Diego's birth to his death. Though I already had quite a bit of background knowledge on Rivera, I still learned things I did not know. Surprisingly, a book about an artist does not depend on art to tell the story, though each poem is accompanied by a picture that is as small as a corner in the page or as large as a whole page. Bright colors are used for the most part, though some muted and darker tones come out when talking about dark times of Diego's life. Though a small handful of his artwork is presented in the text, it is by no means a display of his work as an artist. Instead, the book focuses on the narrative that was his life, including his many marriages, affairs, and political endeavors.

This book is engaging and the text is accessible to readers on a second or third grade level and above. It goes a good overview of his life and could be used as a great method by which to introduce Diego Rivera to young people. While the poems are short and direct, there is a more complete prose section in the back that fills in some of the gaps of his life. Additionally, the book includes a timeline of important dates and a list of sources, which is a great way to springboard oneself into further reading. All in all, the book is well worth the time.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main Character: Diego Rivera
Setting: Various (past)
POV: First person
Grade Level: 4th and higher
Summary:
This is a children’s book that chronicles the life of artist Diego Rivera. It is very honest in its delivery because it depicts the tumultuous relationship between Rivera and Frida Kahlo, his wife. He is depicted as a very passionate artist who loves each piece of art that he produced. Riveras family are introduced early in the book. There is also a discussion of his infidelity, his socialist beliefs, and the premature birth and death of his son. These are more mature topic matters which would need to be talked about delicately in the younger grades. The illustrations in this book are also interesting because they are mixed media. It is written in poetry form which is also more interesting for children to read instead of a regular biography. After the poetry there is also a biography which clarifies the events in the poetry as well as a chronology of Diego Rivera’s life.
Classroom uses/theme:
I would use this book in the classroom to introduce historical figures. This is a very culturally relevant book in light of Riveras involvement in the Mexican revolution. This book could also be used to introduce the Mexican revolution. I think that it would also be a good book to use to identify character traits as he is a very passionate artist.

[Catherine Woodman]

THere are several things that I loved about this book--the first is the illustrations--my only complaint is that there is not enough of Rivera's mural work, in particular his history of native Indian populations in Mexico (and I thought it would fit beautifully into the section about him being given to his Indian wet nurse after his twin died and his mother appeared to suffer from depression as a result). THe ones that are included int he volume are well produced, and more would have been gorgeous--especially when there are large parts of the book where the illustrations are quite small--they are also lovely and in the color and spirit of the painter--but just not enough of them either. THe history of zDIego RIvera is told in story format, and then there is a three page symopsis about what else we know, or how much of what is portrayed in the story is based on super hard facts--in this it does tell about his extensive womanizing, which I am not sure if it is entirely suitable for the grammar school rowd--maybe it is, but be aware--he father children simultaneously with women, and then we know very little beyond that, so I am not sure what it tells us about him, other than he lacked fidelity as a virtue.

[Ally Copper · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Diego: Bigger Than Life" by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand uses free verse poetry to tell the life story of Mexican artist Diego Rivera. In short, it is a fascinating portrayal of a fascinating life. It captures Rivera's huge personality and appetites (for food, women, and art). It captures his frustrations with his home country and with himself. It also captures the idea that Diego Rivera was not a saint but rather a real person who made both good and bad decisions. This book provides an enchanting alternative to more traditional biographies that can be uninteresting to some readers. The book contains a three-page biography at the end that clarifies some of the events from Rivera's life. That, along with a glossary, timeline, and list of sources, add to the reliability of this particular text as a work of nonfiction. The illustrations by David Diaz have a sort of air-brushed quality to them, and they capture both the meaning and the spirit of the corresponding poems. Diego Rivera was an intriguing personality, and he lived a sensational life that spanned several countries and political eras. I can think of no better way to tell his life's story than through poetry and illustration.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this companion to Frida: Viva La Vida! Long Live Life! 34 free-verse poems chronicle the life of Diego Rivera, Mexican painter of frescos, lover of Frida Kahlo, revolutionary in his principles, and in his art which arose from his love of Mexico and especially the indigenous peoples. David Diaz seems the perfect choice for illustrations, matching his technique to Bernier-Grand's description of Rivera's art: "As naturally as I breathe,/ I painted in grand scale the colors of Mexico/ clearer, richer, more full of light than colors in Europe." from the poem "Brimming with Mexican Light" (p 32). There are also a few images by Rivera himself, just enough to send readers looking for more. Appropriately for young readers this biography focuses more on Rivera's work than his life style or political views, but they are not ignored. The end matter includes a glossary, chronology, sources, and notes - an attempt to sort out the facts of an often-embellished life of a larger-than-life figure.

[L13F_Jana Wilkening · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading, Frida: Viva La Vida!, I was excited to read this book by the same author. This 2010 America’s Award Commended book follows a similar format in that it uses biographical poetry to tell the story of Frida’s husband, artist Diego Rivera. Along with the biographical poems are photographs and colorful illustrations, some of which are by Rivera. It showed me another side to Diego that I had not seen from only reading Frida’s version. This book would be an amazing resource for grades 7-12 paired with Frida: Viva La Vida. It is a great resource for teaching non-fiction and biography. The back of the books offers wonderful resources such as a biography, glossary, timeline, and further sources. Like the Frida book, I was completely drawn in to his life and was excited to learn more about him after reading this book. This is exactly what I would want to happen to my students-gain their interest so that they will be excited to do further research. I did prefer the Frida book because I felt it had more of her artwork, but this is truly another fantastic read!

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diego is the story of the life of Diego Rivera. Like 'Cesar: Si, Se Puede!', it is told through poetry; however, Diego goes much more in depth than 'Cesar: Si, Se Puede!.' I thought the illustrations in both books were kind of monotonous and looked too computer-generated, like clip-art. I did like that in Diego, Bernier used some of his original work. Diego goes very in-depth into the subject's political beliefs and politics of the time, so I think it would be suitable for high school students. Bernier does a beautiful job contrasting Diego's love for his country to his disgust with the curropt government. It's very evident that the truth of Mexican history is important to him and the author does an excellent job conveying this. His love life was an interesting addition, as I had no idea Diego had so many marriages/loves. The epilogue, glossary, and biography at the back are good additions that add closure to the book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to imagine how a cradle-to-grave presentation could be more vigorous, compassionate, revealing and humorous than Carmen T. Bernier-Grand’s Diego: Bigger Than Life. Through evocative free verse, readers learn about the king-sized Rivera’s life from a childhood marked by tragedy and exceptional gifts to his death shortly after the passing of the love of his tempestuous life, Frida Kahlo. In glowing stylized portraits that compliment each first-person poem, David Diaz evokes the Aztec imagery that informs the huge public frescoes that the towering Diego created for the Mexican people. While Kahlo has overshadowed Rivera in recent years, this standout title could go a long way in introducing this pioneering artist to a new generation of young people.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book on Diego Riveras, well-known artist, is told through colorful illustrations and free verse, a series of chronological poems. The illustrations are colorful, stencil-like, almost abstract at times. It also includes a synopsis of Diego's life, childhood, his various relationships (including with fellow artist Frida Kahlo) and his art. An excellent book for the older "reluctant reader." I would save this for older grade school (at least fifth grade) and middle school. Diego's poetic "voice" is honest in his many relationships with his mistresses, the pain of his losses, death and other serious subjects. Also, I think much of the book (such as Diego's delving into cubism) would go over the younger reader's head.

[Lorena Magallanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmen T Berlier-Grands book, entitled Diego: Bigger Than Life is a poetic biography. Diego is filled with free verses, each one on a different aspect of Diego's life. The contents page, helps to navigate the book, starting at Diego's early life until his death on November 24, 1957.

Each poem is accompanied with art done by Caldeocott winner, David Diaz, with the exception of a few poems who were painted by Diego Rivera himself. Diaz' art is filled with colors, and while the images are not very intricate they still do highlight important aspects of Diego's life.

The end of the book includes The True Life of Diego Rivera, a Glossary, and Chronology of important events throughout Diego's lifespan.

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

This biography in poems left me wanting to read more about Diego Rivera, the Mexican painter. The author provides additional biographical information for clarification of some of her poems at the end of the book, however, and a list of sources of further information. I must read his autobiography! I had no idea he was such a revolutionary. Normally I don't like David Diaz's illustrations, but this time he did it just right. Also included are some (not enough!) of Rivera's own paintings. This book was a 2010 Pura Belpre Award honor book for both the text and the illustrations, and very much deserving of both. Highly recommended!

[Q_michelene Haggard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Diego Rivera written in free verse poetry. Includes useful Glossary, Chronology, Sources, Notes and "In His Own Words" at the end of the book. Best for high school. Good to show students that picture books are not only for small children. Quick-read format for a biography. Also good for differentiation - for a lower level reader, the poetry with illustrations might be a more accessible biography format than a traditional novel biography.

Painting Lenin in his mural in NYC shows Rivera's courage and stong conviction to his beliefs.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diego: Bigger than Life tells the story of Mexican artist Diego Rivera through a series of poems and illustrations. The entirety of his life is illustrated in the poems from birth to death. I loved that the poems conveyed all the emotion and actual situations of each subject. I feel like I learned all about Diego Rivera through these few poems. Everything from his upbringing, to his art to his many wives and mistresses were covered. I really enjoyed the illustrations as well, but I do wish that more of Rivera's actual art could have been used.

[Q_Jill Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of free-verse poems about the life of Diego Rivera. He was a painter and revolutionary who painted the common people. His work was controversial because he wanted justice for people living under communist rule. In his murals are hidden messages for a social revolution. He was "bigger than life" living as he wanted. This book would be ideal for an older student. It would be great to study how politics and a passion for change can influence art.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how many biographies I read about Diego Rivera, I am constantly amazed by this man and his life. He seemed to have grabbed life with both hands to squeeze out every ounce of emotion and then painted it.

The illustrations are gorgeous and I appreciated the few photographs that were included.

A section that stood out was:

"A million public walls
wouldn't be enough
to paint all the beauty of Mexico."

[Kate MacMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen T. Bernier-Grand's inspiring free verse and David Dia's vivid paintings capture the defining moments and emotions of Rivera's tumultuous life, including his stormy relationship with artist Frida Kahlo and his passion for his art. Rivera's energy, physique, love for women, and work were all "bigger than life." A biography, chronology, glossary, sources, notes, and famous quotations are included. IL 3-6 RL 5.6