Isamu was a boy of the East and the West. Born in the United States to a Japanese father and Scotch—Irish American mother, Isamu grew up in Japan. From his earliest years he felt the tug of his biracial heritage, never quite fitting in or thinking he belonged. Pleasure came, however, from the natural world. Color, light, and shadow. Earth, wood, and stone. Working with these forms of nature, Isamu found a way to blend his cultural divide. It was an exploration that became the cornerstone and spirit of his lifelong creative journey.
With lyrical text and luminous artwork, Christy Hale tells the story of the boy who grew up to be the multifaceted artist Isamu Noguchi. Guided by his desire to enrich everyday life with art while bringing together Eastern and Western influences, Noguchi created a vast array of innovative sculptures, stage sets, furniture, and public spaces. The East—West House is a tribute to the artistic beginnings of this pioneering modern sculptor and designer.
Guided Reading: T
Lexile: AD760L
Interest Level: Grades 1 — 5
Reading Level: Grades 3 — 4
Christy Hale is the author and illustrator of The East—West House: Noguchi's Childhood in Japan, a Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year selection. She has also illustrated several award—winning picture books, including Elizabeti's Doll and its two sequels. As an art educator, Hale has written about artists for Instructor magazine's Masterpiece of the Month feature and workshops. Hale lives with her family in Palo Alto, California. Visit her online at christyhale.com.
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