In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage

Summary of Book

As a young girl in Florida in the 1890s, Augusta enjoyed nothing more than playing with clay. She would sculpt it into little figures: cows, chickens, ducks. Augusta's mother didn't mind but her father, a stern preacher, felt the girl was wasting time on idle nonsense. Augusta's sculpting talent blossomed as she grew into a young woman. Eventually, she found herself at a crossroad. Augusta wanted to pursue a career as an artist, but to do so she would have to leave behind all she knew. With only her passion to guide her, Augusta headed to New York City to follow her dream wherever it might take her. Award-winning author Alan Schroeder deftly weaves together known historical details to create a compelling portrait of this unique Harlem Renaissance sculptor. Warm paintings capture both Augusta Savage's struggles and resilience as she skillfully carved out her own special place in art history.

An unforgettable story about the power of believing in ourselves that is sure to inspire young readers to reach for their own moons.

Author Biography

Alan Schroeder, a lifelong admirer of Louis Armstrong, is the award-winning author of several picture books, including Lily and the Wooden Bowl, Minty, and Carolina Shout. His first book, Ragtime Tumpie, was chosen as an ALA Notable Book, a Booklist Children’s Editors’ Choice, and a Parents’ Choice Award winner. He lives in Alameda, California.

Illustrator Biography

There is this tableau that is enacted in my own work, that window, or in some cases, peepshow; now you're looking under a flipped skirt, or through the eyes of a revolutionary, or merely into a family's holiday tribute. The color, the culture, the view under, over and through, my art is my personal signature, it is who I am and cannot be altered.