Don't Hold Me Back: My Life and Art

by Winfred Rembert (Illustrator), Nikki Giovanni (Contributor)

Winfred Rembert grew up in the 1950s in rural Georgia as the child of sharecroppers whose lives were little better than slavery. As a young man, he was nearly lynched, and served seven years in jail and on a chain gang. Yet he constantly found ways to create, to invent, to uplift. As a child, he made toys from pieces of junk at the town dump. In prison, he watched a leather worker and learned to carve and paint the leather himself. Now, in his own voice and through his powerful paintings, he shares with a new generation of young people his story and his passionate commitment to self-improvement.
Reminiscent of the work of Jacob Lawrence and Horace Pippin, the paintings? rich, deep colors and poignant details powerfully narrate a story of personal courage and exceptional talent. At the same time, Rembert shows how the civil rights movement was not just a matter of famous speechs and marches, but was a product of the bonds of the black community and the unbreakable spirit of individuals

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2003

Reviews

[Debra Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories and painting's work well together in this 'more than a picture book' autobiography of growing up in 1950's rural Georgia. Each painting has a story he tells that add to our understanding of those people featured (e.g. Bubba Duke and Feet) and what's happening - lots going on. These are leather paintings, so information on that media was fascinating, too.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful to Mr. Rembert for this book. His artwork is beautiful and his speaks to his brilliance and resilience.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually wanted it to be longer and show even more of his work and stories

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just wasn't a fan of the layout and the book jumps right into his life, which would be fine if the reader already knew who he was but if they didn't (and I didn't), it's a bit off putting.