In Unbound: The Life & Art of Judith Scott, readers follow the remarkable journey of a person born a twin and born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition when a person's DNA carries an extra chromosome. Judith’s parents and twin sister Joyce welcome her into their loving family, and the sisters play together as “two peas in a pod.” But when Joyce enters kindergarten, Judy is not admitted because of her special needs; in 1948, Down syndrome had not yet been named as a genetic condition and some of its characteristics and impact on individuals were not known. Judy’s parents must place her in an institution for people with disabilities—many of which were not well understood—and for years Joyce remains heartbroken that her sister lives in a grey, dispirited place, without the kinds of resources and stimulation that most people have at hand. When preparing to move to California with her family, Joyce works to become Judy’s legal guardian so she can join them in their new home. Soon, they discover the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, CA, and Judy enters a colorful, affirming environment where adults with disabilities are encouraged to explore and express their individual creative energies. Months pass before Judy reaches out and joins the busy artists at work, but once she takes hold of natural materials, yarn and twine she begins her own expressive journey—a journey that lasts the rest of her life. With the support of her teachers and increasing recognition of the expressive potential of people with developmental differences, Judy thrives. From her mid-40s until her death in 2005, Judy creates glorious sculptures with fibers and found objects; museums around the world feature her work. Joyce Scott and Brie Spangler’s flawless narrative introduces readers to Judy's latent spirit, the positivity of her twin, and the joyous emergence of an artist’s drive to create. Melissa Sweet’s illustrations are the perfect accompaniment, capturing the layered dimensions of Judy’s life journey—ultimately bursting forth with the color, textures and vibrancy of Judy’s remarkable creations. Endnotes about Down syndrome, a timeline that includes both Judy’s life events and key Federal acts providing support and equal opportunities for people with disabilities, and author and illustrator notes convey how urgently the story of disability and creativity needs to be told. Ages 4-9. Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children’s Books, 2021
Here is more information about Down syndrome and the landmark school where Judy discovered her artistry:
https://www.ds-int.org and https://creativegrowth.org
