Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America

Grades 1-3:This is an admirable introduction to the photographer Gordon Parks and his work, and an evocative testament to the important role artists can play in movements for social justice. Weatherford’s spare, clear prose, and Jamey Christoph’s expressive art create a moving biography belied by its brevity. Gordon Parks is most famous for being the first black director in Hollywood. Before he made movies and wrote books, he was a poor African American looking for work. When he bought a camera, his life changed forever. He taught himself how to take pictures and before long, people noticed.