Restless spirit: The life and work of Dorothea Lange
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
A biography of Dorothea Lange, whose photographs of migrant workers, Japanese American internees, and rural poverty helped bring about important social reforms. More than fifty of the photographer's own duotone pictures accompany this chronicle of Lange's life and passion for photography, which took her from New York City to the West Coast, where she put faces to some of America's darkest times.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Dorothea Lange’s photographs helped tell the stories of people during her time?
What emotions do you feel when you look at her photographs and learn about the people in them?
Why is it important to remember and tell stories from the past, according to Lange’s experiences?
How do you think Lange's work influenced the way people view social issues?
Can you think of a time when a photo or image made you think differently about something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the photographs and stories in the book without interrupting, showing them that their thoughts and feelings are valued.
Discuss the historical context provided in the book, drawing parallels to current events to enhance understanding and relevance.
Ask your child to imagine being a photographer like Lange and to think about what kind of subjects they would choose to capture and why.
Acknowledge the difficult themes in the book, providing reassurance and a safe space to explore any emotions or questions that arise.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Dorothea Lange's journey showcases her overcoming personal and societal challenges to become a renowned photographer during the Great Depression.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and determination when facing their own difficulties, whether in school or personal life.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others' struggles
Explanation: Through Lange's photography, readers witness her deep empathy for her subjects, capturing the human condition in times of struggle.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting compassion and kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity and expression
Explanation: The book highlights how Lange used her photography as a form of artistic expression to convey powerful messages and evoke change.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own creative talents and use them as a means for self-expression and influencing positive changes.
Example Lesson: The impact of history and culture
Explanation: Lange’s work documents significant historical events, providing insights into how history and culture shape society.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of history and culture and encourages them to learn more about their own and others’ heritage.