FRIDA KAHLO

I've been reading a lot of kid's books about Frida Kahlo this past week, preparing to begin this year's teaching with some overall history of MEXICO before I jump into Maya History. What a fascinating woman!

Frida Kahlo was born Magdalena Carmen Frida Kahlo y Calderon on July 6, 1907, just before the Mexican Revolution, in Coyoacan, Mexico. There was much tragedy and anguish in her life, but it sure looks like she tried to live every minute to the fullest.

Here are some excellent BIOGRAPHICAL WORKS . They all include some of her paintings, and many include photos.

Frida by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
2007
64 pgs.

This is the book that got me started, then fascinated. You can read my review here.






Frida Kahlo: Painting Her Lifeby Lila & Rick Guzman
Enslow Publishing - Famous Latinos series
2006
32 pgs.

This is a biography that would make a good read aloud -- the text is linear, with not a lot of boxes and sidebars (other than the paintings and photos and their captions)--yet simple, sttraightforward, full of information but interesting, quick. Broken into five chapters (one/day?):
1 - Frida's Childhood
2 - Learning to Paint
3 - Frida and Diego
4 - Frida's Art
5 - Becoming Famous

The book ends with a timeline and resource list.

Frido Kahlo
by Adam G. Klein
ABDO Publishing Co. Checkerboard Library "Great Artists"
2007
32 pages
Easy Reader

Includes 10 paintings, 7 photos, glossary, punctuation key, as well as a simple timeline of her life.

Each two-page spread has an easy amount of text, painting or photo, and a "Chapter" title that's surrounded by colorful swatches of dripping color.

I would certainly encourage a 3rd or 4th grader to read this book. Very appropriate.

Frida KahloArtists in Their Time Series
Jill A. Laidlaw
Franklin Watts, 2003
48 pgs.

Each two-page spread has a title ("Who Was Frida Kahlo? Childhood Years. Declining Health. What is Communism?), numerous photos and paintings with captions, boxes with interesting information, and a timeline across the bottom of each beginning page.

This is a particularly interesting, informative book to read. I'd use it with grades 4 and 5.

Amelia to ZoraTwenty-Six Women Who Changed the World
2005
An ABC collection of simple biographies and quotes.

Frida Kahlo represents "F".
My review.


Me, FridaAmy Novesky/David Diaz
Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010
Young Frida has just married Diego Rivera and spends a year in San Francisco. Not my favorite of Frida, but details this time she spent in Calfornia, the first time away from Mexico.
My review.
More Coming....