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Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing

illustrations by
4.23
on Goodreads (818)

What’s inside...

Iconic pop artist Keith Haring comes to life for young readers in this picture book biography lovingly written by his sister This one-of-a-kind book explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist's great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith's signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker. This is a story to inspire, and a book for Keith Haring fans of all ages to treasure.
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think inspired Keith Haring to keep drawing even when others didn't understand his art?
How did Keith Haring show kindness and generosity through his art?
Why do you think it's important to share your talents with the world?
Can you think of a time when you felt different for liking something others didn't? How does Keith's story help you feel about that?
How can we use our skills to help others in our community, just like Keith did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by exploring your child’s current interests in art and creativity, relating them to Keith’s passion for drawing. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reinforcing that their viewpoints are valuable. Highlight the themes of perseverance and community service, asking how they might apply these lessons in their own lives. Use the illustrations in the book to discuss the visual elements of Keith Haring's style, fostering an appreciation of art. Lastly, emphasize the impact of doing what one loves, and how it can positively influence both the individual and the wider community.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights Keith Haring's relentless passion for drawing, despite facing obstacles and criticism.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting with their passions and interests, even when they face challenges or discouragement.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: Keith uses art as a form of personal expression that resonates with people around the world.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express themselves through their own creative outlets, whether it’s art, writing, or any other form.
Example Lesson: Sharing your talents can have a positive impact on the community
Explanation: Keith Haring's artwork was not only about self-expression but also about community engagement and social activism.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their skills can be used to contribute to society and make the world a better place.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Keith's work often celebrated diversity and inclusion, addressing social issues through his art.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect people's differences and to understand the importance of inclusivity in society.
Example Lesson: The importance of art in society
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Keith’s public art installations brought beauty and thought-provoking messages to everyday spaces.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate art and understand its role in cultural and social contexts, fostering a deeper respect for artists and their work.