Starred Review ALA Booklist (Fri Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2013)

Starred Review With engaging prose that is beautifully illustrated with Rivera's paintings and murals, this spacious volume introduces the great Mexican artist to young people. Accompanied by crisply reproduced color images of both his bright, minutely detailed murals and archival photos of the artist at work, the accessible account discusses how Diego constructed his art and used pre-Columbian images to celebrate Mexico's history and Indian heritage: "The murals would be for the people in his country and not just a few rich collectors." Later spreads cover the artist's commission nded by Nelson Rockefeller paint frescoes showing workers and machinery in motion for the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Always the rebel, Rivera was expelled from the Communist Party, and Rubin discusses his politics and his personal life without sensationalizing. Married to artist Frida Kahlo, he was a womanizer, and they divorced, though the two stayed closely connected. For those who want to know more, the extensive back matter includes meticulous source notes; a glossary; a long historical note about how Mexico is referenced in Rivera's art, as well as Rivera's ongoing artistic influence; and a list of where to view the artist's original work. Suggest this to adults, too.

Horn Book (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

This biography balances details of Diego's personal life (his affiliation with the Communist party, his tempestuous relationship with Frida Kahlo) with his artistic endeavors (including insight into the mural-making process). The production values are high, from the glossy paper stock to a generous use of color throughout. A good introduction to one of Mexico's finest artists. Bib., glos., ind.

Kirkus Reviews

A perceptive if patchy tribute to Mexico's premier muralist and (arguably) second-most-renowned visual artist. Along with biographical details (frank enough to acknowledge repeatedly that he always "liked the ladies, and the ladies had always liked him"), Rubin highlights aspects of Rivera's art that sets it apart from Frida Kahlo's: the focus on public settings, on depicting working classes and campesinos, on representing historical and industrial themes. The rich array of illustrations include bright images of full murals and details, sample preliminary drawings, big photos of Rivera at work (and posing with Kahlo) and even works by other artists, from Giotto to José Guadalupe Posada, that strongly affected his artistic development. Though the appended disquisitions on Mexico's history and on Rivera's artistic influences seem tacked on and in large part go over material the author has already presented, overall this offers readers who only know Rivera from picture-book biographies a more nuanced view of his controversial life and distinctive art. A carefully researched, cogently argued and handsomely produced appreciation. (reading list, endnotes) (Biography. 10-13)

School Library Journal (Wed May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

Gr 5-8 Rivera's life is presented through the lens of his art, making his love of Mexico and traditional Mexican art palpable and his search for his own artistic style an intriguing journey. The stunning illustrations include images of Rivera's murals, his "cartoon" drawings, reproductions of art that he found influential, and photographs. The design, with scrollwork along the top and bottom and an unusual placement of page numbers, exudes style. The text is clearly written, straightforward, and attention-grabbing, with a good number of quotes interspersed throughout. Rivera's weaknesses and failures, such as his womanizing and the Rockefeller controversy, are presented honestly and without judgment-just the facts as they are known. Thoughtful sections about Mexican history as represented in Rivera's artwork and his artistic influences conclude the volume. Overall this is a classy, visually pleasing and interesting read. Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN