Discover the remarkable story of an orphaned Black boy who grew up to become the groundbreaking architect to the stars, Paul R. Williams. A stunning nonfiction picture-book biography from the Caldecott Honor–winning author and NAACP Image Award–nominated artist.
As an orphaned Black boy growing up in America in the early 1900s, Paul R. Williams became obsessed by the concept of "home." He not only dreamed of building his own home, he turned his dreams into drawings. Defying the odds and breaking down the wall of racism, Williams was able to curve around the obstacles in his way to become a world-renowned architect. He designed homes for the biggest celebrities of the day, such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, and created a number of buildings in Los Angeles that are now considered landmarks.
From Andrea J. Loney, the author of the Caldecott Honor Book Double Bass Blues, and award-winning artist Keith Mallett comes a remarkable story of fortitude, hope, and positivity.
★ "An accomplished and uplifting biography of a Black man who "created more than 3,000 structures around the world" and is integral to the history of Los Angeles." —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ "Inspiring." —Booklist, starred review
★ "This remarkable biography of a talented and determined man is highly recommended." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ "An inspiring tribute to a determined dreamer and doer constructed with admirable verve." —Kirkus, starred review
"The illustrations reinforce [the] theme of overcoming adversity. They convey grace, warmth, and dignity with a color palette dominated by purple and gold, blue and brown and burgundy, and expressive figures who fairly shine and glow." —Horn Book
Discover the remarkable story of an orphaned Black boy who grew up to become the groundbreaking architect to the stars, Paul R. Williams. A stunning nonfiction picture-book biography from the Caldecott Honor–winning author and NAACP Image Award–nominated artist.
As an orphaned Black boy growing up in America in the early 1900s, Paul R. Williams became obsessed by the concept of "home." He not only dreamed of building his own home, he turned his dreams into drawings. Defying the odds and breaking down the wall of racism, Williams was able to curve around the obstacles in his way to become a world-renowned architect. He designed homes for the biggest celebrities of the day, such as Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, and created a number of buildings in Los Angeles that are now considered landmarks.
From Andrea J. Loney, the author of the Caldecott Honor Book Double Bass Blues, and award-winning artist Keith Mallett comes a remarkable story of fortitude, hope, and positivity.
Praise
★ "An accomplished and uplifting biography of a Black man who "created more than 3,000 structures around the world" and is integral to the history of Los Angeles." —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ "Inspiring." —Booklist, starred review
★ "This remarkable biography of a talented and determined man is highly recommended." —School Library Journal, starred review
★ "An inspiring tribute to a determined dreamer and doer constructed with admirable verve." —Kirkus, starred review
"The illustrations reinforce [the] theme of overcoming adversity. They convey grace, warmth, and dignity with a color palette dominated by purple and gold, blue and brown and burgundy, and expressive figures who fairly shine and glow." —Horn Book
