Dream Builder

The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
By Kelly Lyons, Laura Freeman Hines
Hardcover: $20.95

You’ve seen the building. Now meet the man whose life went into it.

Description

Philip Freelon’s grandfather was an acclaimed painter of the Harlem Renaissance. His father was a successful businessman who attended the 1963 March on Washington. When Phil decided to attend architecture school, he created his own focus on African American and Islamic designers. He later chose not to build casinos or prisons, instead concentrating on schools, libraries, and museums–buildings that connect people with heritage and fill hearts with joy. And in 2009, Phil’s team won a commission that let him use his personal history in service to the country’s: the extraordinary Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon celebrates a contemporary black STEAM role model, a man whose quiet work enabled the creation of an iconic building reflecting America’s past and future. With a stirring text by Kelly Starling Lyons, vibrant pictures by Laura Freeman, and an afterword from Philip Freelon himself, it is sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers and builders.

About the Creators

Kelly Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons is the author of multiple award-winning picture books and chapter books, most recently Sing a Song: How "Lift Every Voice and Sing" Inspired Generations, illustrated by Keith Mallett, and the Jada Jones series, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Like Philip Freelon, Kelly grew up in Pennsylvania in a family that prized creativity, and now lives in North Carolina with a family of her own. Please visit her website at kellystarlinglyons.com and follow her on Twitter at @kelstarly.

Laura Freeman Hines

Laura Freeman has illustrated more than thirty picture books, including the picture-book edition of Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, which won both the NAACP Image Award and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, and Jazz Baby and Bedtime Fun, both published by Lee & Low's Bebop Books imprint. Laura lives near Atlanta, Georgia, and you can find her on the web at lfreemanart.com.

Awards

  • Jane Addams Children's Book Award

    Jane Addams Peace Association

  • Junior Library Guild Selection

    Junior Library Guild

  • Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction Recommended

    National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Keystone to Reading Book Award Nominee

    Keystone State Literacy Association

Reviews

  • "[T]his book will inspire children who have trouble reading... and those who aspire to have careers as artists and architects. Both an inspiration and an excellent companion for a trip to the museum its subject designed."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "[Freelon's] work and life story can inspire young readers to follow in his footsteps."

    - School Library Journal
  • "In a nod to the architectural process, Freelon's story is told in five brief parts, entitled Vision, Foundation, Frame, Form, and Dream. Freeman's illustrations seamlessly incorporate architectural elements (shadows of well-known buildings, gridlines, etc.) into the brilliantly hued digital illustrations."

    - The Horn Book

Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781620149553
  • Price $20.95
  • Publication Date Jan 14, 2020
  • Trim Size 9.25 × 11 in
  • Weight 1.125 lbs
  • Page Count 40
  • Interests

  • Imprint Lee & Low Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Science & Technology
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Art
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / Biography & Autobiography / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional
  • Themes African / African American / Black, Art, Biography / Memoir, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Collaboration, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Education, History & Civics, Imagination, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Leadership, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Pride, Social & Emotional Learning, STEM / STEAM, United States History
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 4 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades 3 - 5
  • Guided Reading S
  • ATOS Book Level 4.7
  • DRA 40
  • Interest Level Grades 1 - 6
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 810
  • Reading Level Grades 4 - 5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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