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George Bellows: Painter with a Punch!
No punches are pulled in this fascinating biography that covers the life and work of the prolific artist George Bellows. Having spent most of his adult life in New York City, Bellows left behind an extraordinary body of work that captures life in this dynamic city: bustling street scenes, ringside views of boxing matches, and boys diving and swimming in the East River. Art reproductions and photographs from his youth round out the book.
Praise for George Bellows
STARRED REVIEW
"Upbeat prose, photographs, and reproductions of George Bellows’s paintings provide an insightful homage to the urban artist and athlete. Burleigh places readers right in the moment."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The book’s excellent reproductions of Bellows’ work will excite young readers and budding artists. A fine portrait of an artist not on everyone’s radar but whose work can be readily understood and appreciated by youngsters.” —Kirkus Reviews
"Veteran biographer Burleigh breathes a great deal of vitality into Bellows’ short but significant life and career. Accompanied by Bellows’ striking and powerful works, this is an artist bio that, like its subject, packs a punch."
—Booklist
"Burleigh tells Bellows’s story with immediacy and with a firm grasp of his audience, striking the right balance of broad stroke and detail. Burleigh’s admiration of his subject comes through loud and strong and infectiously. And there are handsome reproductions of Bellows’s work...This impressive book captures the connection between the man and the world he observed during his short life. A new generation of young urban observers will be grateful."
—New York Times
"This is a beautifully illustrated biography of painter George Bellows. Bellows found his inspiration in the working class, including the gritty night life of the city... Burleigh adds to the interest of the story through direct quotes that are well-documented."
—Library Media Connection
"Burleigh is an enthusiastic and adept tour guide through Bellows’s New York milieu. Crisp reproductions coordinate closely with the text, so readers will easily connect..."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Award
Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - The Arts
2013 ALA/ALSC Notable Book
Praise for George Bellows
STARRED REVIEW
"Upbeat prose, photographs, and reproductions of George Bellows’s paintings provide an insightful homage to the urban artist and athlete. Burleigh places readers right in the moment."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The book’s excellent reproductions of Bellows’ work will excite young readers and budding artists. A fine portrait of an artist not on everyone’s radar but whose work can be readily understood and appreciated by youngsters.” —Kirkus Reviews
"Veteran biographer Burleigh breathes a great deal of vitality into Bellows’ short but significant life and career. Accompanied by Bellows’ striking and powerful works, this is an artist bio that, like its subject, packs a punch."
—Booklist
"Burleigh tells Bellows’s story with immediacy and with a firm grasp of his audience, striking the right balance of broad stroke and detail. Burleigh’s admiration of his subject comes through loud and strong and infectiously. And there are handsome reproductions of Bellows’s work...This impressive book captures the connection between the man and the world he observed during his short life. A new generation of young urban observers will be grateful."
—New York Times
"This is a beautifully illustrated biography of painter George Bellows. Bellows found his inspiration in the working class, including the gritty night life of the city... Burleigh adds to the interest of the story through direct quotes that are well-documented."
—Library Media Connection
"Burleigh is an enthusiastic and adept tour guide through Bellows’s New York milieu. Crisp reproductions coordinate closely with the text, so readers will easily connect..."
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Award
Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - The Arts
2013 ALA/ALSC Notable Book
48 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2012
About the author
Robert Burleigh
74 books47 followersOver the past 35 years, I have published poems, reviews, essays, many filmstrips and videos, and more than 40 children's picture books.
Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!
In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.
-from robertburleigh.com
Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!
In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.
-from robertburleigh.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 21, 2024
This is a children’s book about the great American painter, George Bellows, who was considered one of the greatest artists of his generation. Although he died early because of a ruptured appendix, his work remains highly sought after even in the 21st Century, with record sums being paid at auctions. He was part of the Ashcan School of Art as his works portrayed the working classes and the grittier side of life on the East Coast.
Unlike most books aimed at younger readers, this one doesn’t use juvenile illustrations to explain the artist’s work and life. Instead, the real artwork is included with detail about art and about his life. While it still adheres to the standard length for child books, it is very useful as any kind of introduction to Bellows, providing a go-to overview of his time. His most famous painting, Stag At Sharkey’s, depicts a backroom boxing match with all the sweat and screaming one can imagine in a dingy parlor.
At the age of 42, Bellows felt pain in his side but didn’t go to the doctor to get diagnosed. His appendix ruptured, killing him far too soon. His works still live on today. I enjoyed this book because of the way it presents life in the early 20th Century, with the teeming tenements and immigrants trying to get a step on the ladder of the American Dream. The text can be read by middle grade readers and adults, although I think younger readers may need someone to read to them. Very nice.
Book Season = Autumn (darkness incoming)
Unlike most books aimed at younger readers, this one doesn’t use juvenile illustrations to explain the artist’s work and life. Instead, the real artwork is included with detail about art and about his life. While it still adheres to the standard length for child books, it is very useful as any kind of introduction to Bellows, providing a go-to overview of his time. His most famous painting, Stag At Sharkey’s, depicts a backroom boxing match with all the sweat and screaming one can imagine in a dingy parlor.
At the age of 42, Bellows felt pain in his side but didn’t go to the doctor to get diagnosed. His appendix ruptured, killing him far too soon. His works still live on today. I enjoyed this book because of the way it presents life in the early 20th Century, with the teeming tenements and immigrants trying to get a step on the ladder of the American Dream. The text can be read by middle grade readers and adults, although I think younger readers may need someone to read to them. Very nice.
Book Season = Autumn (darkness incoming)
March 14, 2017
George Bellows: Painter with a Punch by Robert Burleigh honestly surprised me. Picking up this biography, I expected to read about an artist that painted only boxers. I was very surprised to read about George's life and tremendous work. I personally enjoyed seeing Bellows masterpieces in the book along with information related to each work.
This biography is a good book for grades 3 to 5. The text is too complex for any grade lower than third and students may not be able to comprehend the relation between Bellows and his life and environment. In the classroom, this text could be used for many activities that will enhance learning. I would use a GRR model or have students look at the paintings and describe to me what is going on. The GRR model helps the students dive deeper into the text. Using this model can help students comprehend and understand Bellows life and motivation to paint. Personally, I would have my students choose one of the paintings in the book and allow them to create a story behind their chosen work. This biography was very engaging, informational, and enjoyable. Definitely a 5 star.
This biography is a good book for grades 3 to 5. The text is too complex for any grade lower than third and students may not be able to comprehend the relation between Bellows and his life and environment. In the classroom, this text could be used for many activities that will enhance learning. I would use a GRR model or have students look at the paintings and describe to me what is going on. The GRR model helps the students dive deeper into the text. Using this model can help students comprehend and understand Bellows life and motivation to paint. Personally, I would have my students choose one of the paintings in the book and allow them to create a story behind their chosen work. This biography was very engaging, informational, and enjoyable. Definitely a 5 star.
May 23, 2012
A great introduction to an artist from the "Ashcan School" who unfortunately died very young. Bellows preferred to depict on canvas gritty scenes that reflected early-20th-century New York City at its most real. Excellent reproductions of Bellows' work.
August 30, 2019
I only knew of George Bellows through an introductory art book I read when I was very young, and the painting that was featured for him in that book was Dempsey and Firpo. It's still a stunning painting, and it graces the cover of this short biography.
I hadn't known that Bellows painted other New York scenes besides boxing matches. They are terrific pieces, and now I want to see his work in person. It really is a shame that he died so young.
I hadn't known that Bellows painted other New York scenes besides boxing matches. They are terrific pieces, and now I want to see his work in person. It really is a shame that he died so young.
June 10, 2024
Biography. 4th -6th grade. It was interesting to learn a bit about this artist's life and work. He chose daily life as his subject and portrayed it well. This isn't my favorite genre, and doesn't seem like something most elementary students will enjoy, but I like having book options that are diverse and may expand horizons for students. It could inspire an aspiring artist in my classroom!
August 13, 2024
This picture book is filled with the paintings and sketches of George Bellows. These primary sources make this such an incredible read aloud.
November 3, 2013
I reviewed this book for the biography-informational category (junior book project). It was one of the 2013 Notable Children's Books.
This biography about George Bellows helps readers understand the man behind the paintings. As a child, George struggled to choose between athletics and art; art obviously won. Bellows' painting show a darker side to New York City. He tried to capture scenes so viewers would feel like they were watching the moment live.
This book captures the setting, New York City, where Bellows lived and searched the streets looking for inspiration for his art. The writer matches the plot line of the artist's life to his paintings.
The book balances information about Bellows' life with his paintings perfectly, so one does not overshadow the other. The pictures that span onto the adjoining pages show that his works are as important as the words around those pictures.
The writer's factual style of writing presents an unbiased picture of an artist who dies too young and probably had so much more art to create. The list of places where readers can go to see Bellows' works would be helpful for interested readers.
My personal reaction to this book was that it was an interesting read. I had never heard of George Bellows, so I was thrilled to find the book somewhat interesting. While Bellows himself doesn't seem like the most interesting man in the world, it was neat to see how he sought inspiration and didn't just try to paint beautiful pictures like other artists of his time.
I would use this book in the classroom for creative writing assignments. I would show students Bellows' paintings and ask them to write a story about what is happening in the scene. Then, we could read the book together to find out what Bellows was really painting.
This biography about George Bellows helps readers understand the man behind the paintings. As a child, George struggled to choose between athletics and art; art obviously won. Bellows' painting show a darker side to New York City. He tried to capture scenes so viewers would feel like they were watching the moment live.
This book captures the setting, New York City, where Bellows lived and searched the streets looking for inspiration for his art. The writer matches the plot line of the artist's life to his paintings.
The book balances information about Bellows' life with his paintings perfectly, so one does not overshadow the other. The pictures that span onto the adjoining pages show that his works are as important as the words around those pictures.
The writer's factual style of writing presents an unbiased picture of an artist who dies too young and probably had so much more art to create. The list of places where readers can go to see Bellows' works would be helpful for interested readers.
My personal reaction to this book was that it was an interesting read. I had never heard of George Bellows, so I was thrilled to find the book somewhat interesting. While Bellows himself doesn't seem like the most interesting man in the world, it was neat to see how he sought inspiration and didn't just try to paint beautiful pictures like other artists of his time.
I would use this book in the classroom for creative writing assignments. I would show students Bellows' paintings and ask them to write a story about what is happening in the scene. Then, we could read the book together to find out what Bellows was really painting.
May 26, 2012
This is a well-written, quite accessible biography about painter George Bellows. Unlike many of his contemporaries who preferred to paint idealized versions of the world around them or use as subjects only the most attractive ones, Bellows sought out subjects and settings that allowed him to paint the less attractive, to some, the seamier side of life. Like others in the so-called "Ashcan School" of art, Bellows was interested in movement and depicting how the poor lived. He was known for his paintings of boxing matches that showed the sinew of the sports' combattants while the almost faceless crowd cheered them on. The accompanying paintings by Bellows allow readers to see the power of this man's work for themselves while an afterword fills in many blanks for readers, but the text itself piqued my interest in learning more about this artist. This is another winner from Burleigh that is particularly suited for middle grade readers.
July 17, 2012
An interesting book to read about how art back in the early 1900s was supposed to depict the beauty in life, not the everyday darkness that we normally find in real life. George Bellows was an athlete who made a decision to become a painter who depicted everyday scenes. I wanted to read this book because one painting "Lady Jean" was so familiar...it shows a little girl, with serious blue eyes, looking at the painter, and dressed up in a striped outfit, with matching bag and head piece. I can't remember where I saw the painting before but it's such a vivid memory that I just had to read about the painter who created it!
June 24, 2013
It makes perfect sense that an artist should be introduced in a beautiful picture book. I know that I have seen many of these painting but could not have named the artist. Now I can, living proof that we can learn something everyday. My "grown-up" friends look askance at my addiction to children's literature. But I would wager most of them could not name George Bellows or his works. They(like me) would not likely pick up a 300+ page biography about any artist. So why not enjoy this beautiful, succinct story of this man?? I can always be so intrigued by the children's version that I seek out the adult selections. But I am on to learn different tidbits today!
March 25, 2014
Excellent narrative non-fiction book about the American artist George Bellows, who originally hailed from Columbus, Ohio, but made his name painting gritty urban scenes of life in New York City. I've seen his most famous painting of a boxing match — Stag at Sharkey's — at the Cleveland Museum Art, and it's amazing. That image was not used for the cover of this book, but a similar painting still evokes the sense of action from the more famous work. Lots of examples of his paintings, with descriptions and notes in the back. Great for art lovers or sports lovers, as many of his works depicted physical activities.
December 4, 2012
This beautifully constructed biography explores the life and works of painter/athlete George Bellows. Text is set apart on a lighter background, making it accessible for younger children as well as older. The writing is lively, a good match for Bellows' goal of "creating a 'you are there' feeling" (26). The number of exclamation points is a bit off-putting, though. Even so, the author’s skill at combining art criticism and story in a way that reflects the contradiction of Bellows makes it an enjoyable read.
May 27, 2013
Burleigh has written a brief and lively biography of athlete and artist George Bellows, whose paintings of New York street life in the first few decades of the twentieth century are prized for their gritty realism and powerful sense of action. Bellows’s paintings and sketches and those of his contemporaries are beautifully reproduced and displayed alongside Burleigh’s vivid text by book designer Maria T. Middleton.
June 3, 2012
This is an interesting biography of a relatively unknown artist. While I think it will find some readers (art teachers will be psyched to share this title and it will make for a great read aloud to prompt discussion about primary sources) I’m not sure that it will have wide appeal, given the rather obscure subject.
March 26, 2013
I knew almost nothing about this American painter and was afraid (judging from the cover of the book) that I wasn't going to be all that interested in him...but I was wrong. The book does a beautiful job of weaving his life story together with his paintings to tell a really interesting story! Excellent biography on this artist!
March 1, 2013
Found out about this book by following a link to a blog post about using it to teach the difference between persuasive and argumentative writing. Wasn't too fond of the present tense narration but found the artist's work fascinating. Now, I need to find that link and reread the post.
December 4, 2013
Beautiful book, illustrated with Bellow's paintings of boxers, New York City street scenes, and other examples of the "Ashcan School" of American art. I was surprised and pleased to learn that he was from Columbus Ohio. Has many notes and descriptions next to the art.
June 19, 2014
From the cover to cover, I was struck by the strength and cultural history in subject matter of the paintings. The generous spacing between text and illustration renders a gallery type experience. This is a beautiful book. Source notes, bibliography, illustration credits, and index.
May 5, 2015
I love that the book contains so many paintings by George Bellows. It's as if George Bellows himself illustrated this biography. Nice!
Too bad none of his paintings are displayed close by where I live. I would like to see them in person!
Too bad none of his paintings are displayed close by where I live. I would like to see them in person!
June 23, 2012
A fantastic story about an artist I knew nothing about. The text is well written, and the artist's paintings are breathtaking.
September 21, 2012
one of the better young-reader aimed artist bios that I've read. gave me a greater appreciation for George Bellows than studying art-history did.
October 27, 2015
Good information not only on the artist, but on the times and the process of artwork itself.
March 13, 2013
I think the number of exclamation marks in this gets a bit out of hand (!!!).
March 21, 2013
I loved that this book was illustrated with the artist's actual paintings. His story was fascinating and seeing his actual paintings and scetches made it that much better!
Want to Read
March 27, 2013ALA Notable Children's Books, 2013
June 17, 2013
ALA ALSC Notable 2013
October 4, 2013
George Bellows, an athlete and painter, who depicted everyday scenes in NYC. A great read-aloud for secondary art teachers. I enjoyed that the illustrations were the artist's actual paintings.
August 28, 2014
Fascinating biography about an artist who followed his passion (and was brand new to me!).
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews