CCBC Booklists

CCBC Review:

A striking picture book biography details the pioneering work of photographer Imogen Cunningham, the author’s grandmother. Imogen grew up in a rural setting outside of Seattle as one of ten children. Her father, who named Imogen after a character in his favorite Shakespeare play, always found a way of supporting his daughter’s artistic pursuits, even if the family didn’t always have the means. A dreamer and observer, Imogen’s modes of artistic expression didn’t click until she discovered her potential as a photographer. At the turn of the century, photography equipment and female creative role models were difficult to come by, but Imogen made do. Her father converted a woodshed into a darkroom so that Imogen could make her own prints. Staging portraits became her career; she went on to photograph fellow artists, such as Frida Kahlo and Ruth Asawa, and exhibit her work in galleries across the U.S. and the world. Richly layered ink illustrations evoke printmaking and help convey Imogen’s life and vision. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

CCBC Age Recommendation: 8-12
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Formats: Biography, Autobiography and Memoir Picture book
Subjects: 19th Century 20th Century Art and Artists Girls and Women Independence/Self-Reliance

On CCBC Booklist: Picture Books for Older Children and Teens: Never Too Old 

Publishers: Penguin Random House, Viking
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781984835185
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Cunningham

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