It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way -- Kyo Maclear, Hardcover

* 4 Starred Reviews *

* An Indie Next List Pick *

"Playful, bold, and, much like its subject, full of grace." --Jillian Tamaki, Caldecott Honor winner for This One Summer

"It Began with a Page tells Gyo Fujikawa's] story beautifully, in picture-book form." --The New Yorker

From beloved team Kyo Maclear and Julie Morstad (creators of Julia, Child and Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli) comes an elegant picture book biography that portrays the most moving moments in the life of Gyo Fujikawa, a groundbreaking Japanese American hero in the fight for racial diversity in picture books.

Equal parts picture book biography, inspiring story, and a look at racial diversity in America, It Began with a Page is a gem for any book lover, librarian, or child who dares to dream big.

Growing up in California, Gyo Fujikawa always knew that she wanted to be an artist. She was raised among strong women, including her mother and teachers, who encouraged her to fight for what she believed in. During World War II, Gyo's family was forced to abandon everything and was taken to an internment camp in Arkansas.

Far away from home, Gyo worked as an illustrator in New York while her innocent family was imprisoned. Seeing the diversity around her and feeling pangs from her own childhood, Gyo became determined to show all types of children in the pages of her books. There had to be a world where they saw themselves represented.

Gyo's book Babies was initially rejected by her publisher, but after she insisted, they finally relented, and Babies went on to sell almost two million copies. Gyo's books paved the way for publishers, teachers, and readers to see what we can be when we welcome others into our world.

The book includes extensive backmatter, including a note from the creators, a timeline, archival photos, and further information on Gyo Fujikawa.

A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2019

A Kirkus Best of 2019 Picture Book

A 2020 ALSC Notable Children's Book

A 2020 Orbis Pictus Recommended Title awarded annually by NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)

Featured in the 2019 Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators

Author: Kyo Maclear
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 10/08/2019
Pages: 48
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 11.30h x 9.30w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780062447623
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.9
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 505279 / It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

Award: Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards - Honor Book

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2019 pg. 120
Publishers Weekly 07/15/2019
Booklist 10/15/2019 pg. 52
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2019
School Library Journal 10/01/2019 pg. 99
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2019 pg. 115
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 - Superior,Well Above Average