DEBORAH J. LEACH / DEBA LEACH / SUZANNE WRIGHT
I See You, I See Myself, written for young adult readers, examines the early experiences and choices that led Jacob Lawrence to become an artist. In bold colours and precise language, the book describes how the break up of his parents, a period of foster care, reunification with his mother, brother and sister in Harlem and the influence of other adults in his community shaped the decisions Lawrence made about his art and his life. The hurdles that he faced - moving, parent separation and discrimination - are ones that challenge many children today. The book describes how the choices one makes in dealing with these challenges start to shape a person's life. It includes 65 color illustrations of Lawrence's work, accompanied by photographs documenting his early experiences in the Harlem community.