Frida Kahlo: Mexican Artist (Essential Lives Set 4)
Essential Lives Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
The book 'Frida Kahlo: Mexican Artist (Essential Lives Set 4)' by Emma Carlson Berne explores the life and work of the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. It delves into her early life, including her childhood, her bout with polio, and the bus accident that led to a lifetime of physical pain. The summary would highlight Kahlo's artistic career, her unique style, and her use of self-portraiture to express her identity, pain, and passion. It would also touch upon her tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera, her political activism, and her impact on feminism and Mexican culture. The book aims to provide readers with an understanding of Kahlo's significance as an artist and the enduring legacy she left behind.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-17
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Frida Kahlo face and how did she overcome them?
How do Frida's paintings tell stories about her life and culture?
Why do you think Frida Kahlo is considered an important artist around the world?
If you could ask Frida one question about her artwork, what would it be?
How does learning about Frida Kahlo inspire you in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on Frida Kahlo’s story to encourage open communication.
Highlight the resilience and creativity demonstrated by Frida, relating them to challenges your child might face.
Ask your child to point out colors and symbols in Frida’s artwork and discuss their possible meanings.
Discuss the cultural significance of Frida's work, focusing on how she embraced her heritage.
Encourage your child to draw a picture inspired by Frida’s style, discussing their choice of subjects and colors.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book details Frida Kahlo’s life, highlighting how she overcame numerous health challenges and personal tragedies to become a celebrated artist.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and staying positive, even when facing their own challenges, be it in school or their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness and authenticity
Explanation: Frida Kahlo is renowned for her unique painting style and self-portraits that express her identity and heritage.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to celebrate their own uniqueness and be authentic in expressing themselves, whether through art or their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of cultural heritage
Explanation: The book explores Kahlo’s deep connection with her Mexican heritage, which is vividly reflected in her artwork.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural backgrounds and understand how it shapes their identity.
Example Lesson: Courage to follow one's passion
Explanation: Despite societal norms and personal setbacks, Frida Kahlo pursued her passion for art relentlessly.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to pursue their interests and passions relentlessly, regardless of the obstacles they might encounter.
Example Lesson: Empathy through art
Explanation: Frida used her art to express not only her physical pain but also her emotional struggles, teaching empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' feelings and experiences and find expressive outlets for their emotions.