Unbound: The life + art of Judith Scott by Melissa Sweet by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet.

I am generally not interested in picture book biographies of artists, but this unique story was intriguing and I think will speak to many people among our readers, both children and adults. The story is told from the perspective of Joyce, Judith’s twin sister. The two are close as children, their tight bond shown in lyrical text and Sweet’s joyous collage illustrations. But they are separated when Joyce goes to school; schools at the time would not accept children with disabilities and Joyce has what would eventually be known as Down Syndrome. She does not speak and on the advice of doctors is institutionalized.

As an adult, Joyce finds out that Judith is deaf, that the institution has labeled her uneducable. She fights to have her released and they are finally reunited after thirty-five years “It’s as if we were never apart.” Joyce enrolls Judy in an art studio that offers programs for adults with disabilities. For a long time, Judy does not participate but finally she is inspired by a selection of natural materials and begins to create unique creations, natural fibers and found objects, wound with yarn and string. “When she leaves this world, my sister is celebrated as a great artist. Her fame still grows.”

Back matter pictures Judith Scott and gives more details about her life, transitioning from being confined in an institution for thirty-five years to attending the Creative Growth Art Center. Notes from the author and artist, sources, and images are included to deepen readers’ understanding of Judith Scott’s life and experiences.

This is not a typical biography; it is more a tribute to the deep love between sisters and the triumph of a person who created art and meaning despite many challenges. It will open conversations on the treatment of people with disabilities and their opportunities and encourage readers to develop empathy for all those they encounter.

Verdict: Share this with classes and storytimes to inspire art and to think about what we, and the people around us, are capable of. Pair with Milo Imagines the World to explore perspectives and stereotypes, to go beyond the surface of people that we see. A powerful and moving story, highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780525648116; Published June 2021 by Alfred A. Knopf; Borrowed from another library in my consortium