My Name Is Georgia: A Portrait by Jeanette Winter

Like Jeannette Winter's other books, this text is beautifully illustrated and the story is told in a beautiful, lyrical way. What I like best about this biography about Georgia O'Keeffe-- besides the illustrations, is that it doesn't feel like a biography. There are no dense facts or dates. And yet we learn a lot about O'Keeffe. Aspects of her life that may not be as relevant or appealing to children (such as her relationship with Alfred Stieglitz) are not included. The narrative is told in first person, as if O'Keeffe herself is talking. This is a great book to read in combination with another, more traditional biography about O'Keeffe, so students can contrast the writing styles.

This book follows Georgia O'Keeffe through her childhood to her death, showing her inspiration for her artwork as well as her motivation for making it.
I love Georgia O'Keeffe, her life and work have always been interesting to me. I think this is a great biography for young children. The illustrations are beautiful, the writing is great and it feels true to O'Keeffe's life.

I liked this book because of the illustrations and the storyline. I liked the main character and her confidence in herself. I think that it is also a great story for students who like to paint. The language the author uses is also very descriptive. The author describes her paintings and her ideas very clearly, so that even if there was no picture on the page you could picture it. Georgia in the story says, "I have things in my head that are not like what anybody has ever taught me." The main idea of the story was to tell the story of a famous strong, independent painter named Georgia.

Written as though O'Keefe were telling you about herself. Shows the landscapes that were dominant in her work; discusses her connection to that landscape.

I read this book to a group of fifth graders for their biography unit. It also fell during March Women's History Month. I connected the story to another book containing images of her paintings. The story is relatively accurate if not simplified, but it does span her whole life. I like that the author incorporated acutal quotes by O'Keeffee into her narrative. Great stepping off story for discussing the artists life and the challenges for women at that time in history.

Winters has written a beautifully poetic account of the life of Georgia O'Keefe. This short picture book, geared toward middle elementary school readers, introduces children to the artist and her endeavors. Winters's illustrations use bold, crisp colors and a touch of surrealism, with images overflowing the boundaries separating art and text. This would be a great addition to a school or public library children's collection.

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A book from Georgia's perspective on her life and work.
A good window into a great artist's mind and perspective.