Collection(s)

By: Rena Cook

Publisher: Methuen Drama (2012)

Why we chose it: This book was chosen because it gives young performers a clear, structured approach to breath, resonance, articulation, and expressive vocal work. The exercises support mirror practice and help students develop confidence and control onstage—skills essential for both drama classes and public speaking. 

What reviewers say: According to New England Theatre Journal, Cook “demystif[ies] the speaking voice for the high-school drama student… who wants to use the voice more clearly, easily and expressively,” and provides “an exceptionally clear and engaging outline for the vocal progression, including useful diagrams and space for reflection” (Bercovici, 2012, para. 2) 

Reference: Bercovici, T. V. (2012). Voice and the Young Actor: A Workbook and DVD [Review]. New England Theatre Journal, 23, 152–154. 

By: Preston Blair

Publisher: Walter Foster Publishing

Why we chose it: This title was chosen because it provides aspiring young animators with foundational techniques such as squash-and-stretch, line of action, and character construction. Blair’s explanations help students translate movement into expressive character drawings, building core animation literacy. 

What reviewers say: Animation Magazine notes that Cartoon Animation is “chock full of indispensable advice covering the nitty gritty of animated character construction,” with standout explanations for essential animation principles. Industry veterans often refer to it as “the definitive animation book” (Gurman, 2006, para. 9) 

Reference: Cartoon Animation. (2006). Animation, 20(2), A16.

By: Jonathan Glancey

Publisher: DK

Why we chose it: This volume was selected because it gives young artists and designers a broad, visually guided introduction to 5,000 years of architectural history. The concise style and rich photographic content make it ideal for middle school learners who benefit from visual explanations. 

What reviewers say:  According to Library Journal, Glancey “examines 5000 years of architecture throughout the world” and provides “an accessible and inexpensive outline of the subject,” making it a strong fit for public and high school libraries (Conn, 2006, p. 98) 

Reference: Conn, D. R. (2006). Architecture. Library Journal, 131(9), 98.

By: Stephanie Corfee

Publisher: Walter Foster Jr.

Why we chose it: This book was selected because it introduces learners to fashion illustration, clothing details, and garment types in an approachable way. The visual glossary, fabric-texture guides, and templates support middle school students who want to explore design and self-expression through clothing. 

What reviewers say: According to School Library Journal, the book includes "a glossary of fashion industry terms, a visual glossary of garment types, a guide to drawing clothing textures, and a 'Fashion Figures Templates' section that many artists could find useful," with finished drawings that "look like the drawings in any fashion-mad teenager's notebook" (Willey, 2013, para. 5) 

Reference: Willey, P. (2013). How to Draw Magical, Monstrous & Mythological Creatures/Fashion Design Workshop/How to Draw Manga Chibis & Cute Critters. School Library Journal, 59(4), 111. 

By: Chip Kidd

Publisher: Workman Publishing, 2013

Why This Book Was Selected: Chosen for its vibrant, teen-friendly introduction to design principles such as form, color, scale, and typography. It empowers students to analyze the visual world they live in and create their own designs. 

What reviewers say: According to Booklist, Kidd presents “a rich, colorful, and captivating overview” of design, using visuals to make concepts clear and engaging for young readers (Hunter, 2013, para. 4)

Reference: Hunter, S. (2013). Go: A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design. Booklist, 110(5), 66 

By: Susan Schwake

Publisher: Quarry Books, 2012

Why this book was selected: This title was chosen because it introduces middle school learners to sculpture and three-dimensional design through fun, classroom-ready projects. The activities use affordable, everyday materials, making them accessible for a wide range of students while encouraging experimentation and creativity.

What reviewers say: According to Library Journal, this book “offers budding artists an approachable series of 3D art projects that emphasize creativity and exploration,” making it a strong addition to youth art education collections (Halliday, 2012, para. 1) 

Reference: Halliday, H. (2012). Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media—for Budding Artists of All Ages. Library Journal, 137(6), 78.

By: Lynda Barry

Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly, 2019

Why this book was selected: This book was chosen because it encourages middle school students to experiment with comics as a way of expressing stories and emotions. Through prompts, doodles, and reflection, Barry gives young artists permission to explore creativity without fear of being “good” or “bad” at art.

What reviewers say: As noted by Booklist, this title is “lively, playful, and empowering” for aspiring teen cartoonists, offering “a wealth of valuable insights and exercises” that emphasize discovering one’s creative voice rather than achieving technical perfection (Booklist, 2019, para. 2) (Public Source)

Reference: Making Comics by Lynda Barry. (2019). Booklist. American Library Association. 

https://drawnandquarterly.com/press/booklist-gives-making-comics-starred-review/ 

By: Carol Strickland

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1992 (rev. ed. 2007)

Why this book was selected: This book was chosen because it provides a clear, illustrated overview of art history, making it accessible to middle school students who are just starting to connect major art movements with cultural change. It works as both a reference and an engaging narrative that supports classroom lessons and independent exploration.

What reviewers say: According to Arts & Activities, this book is “literally a crash-course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern,” covering fine art, architecture, performance, photography, installation, and global traditions in an accessible illustrated format (O’Hanley, 2017, para. 4) 

Reference: O’Hanley, H. (2017). The Annotated Mona Lisa [Review]. Arts & Activities, 137(4), 16–42. 

Further Exploration:
Explore more early art history on Smarthistory: 

https://smarthistory.org/tiny-timeline-ancient-egypt-and-mesopotamia-in-a-global-context-5th-3rd-millennia-bce/. 

By: Austin Kleon

Publisher: Workman Publishing, 2012

Why this book was selected: This title was included because it encourages students to embrace creativity as a process of learning from others, remixing ideas, and finding their own voice. Its short, approachable chapters and playful visuals make it accessible and inspiring for middle school readers exploring their creative identity.

What reviewers say: In Denver Journal, Groothuis notes that while the book is stylistically unconventional, its core idea — that “no artist is absolutely original” and that imitation plays a natural role in creativity — provides meaningful insight into the creative process (Groothuis, 2013, para. 8) 

Reference: Groothuis, D. (2013). Steal Like an Artist: Ten Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. Denver Journal, 16, 1. 

By: Cedar Lewisohn

Publisher: Abrams, 2008

Why this book was selected: This title introduces middle school students to graffiti and street art as global movements that blend visual culture, youth expression, and public space. Its accessible writing and broad cultural scope help students see art beyond galleries and understand how artists use walls, trains, and cities as canvases. 

What reviewers say: According to Library Journal, Lewisohn "attempts the first global history of street art and graffiti, which he defines as two distinct concepts." The review praises his discussions of New York graffiti in the 1980s and its influence worldwide, while noting that the book offers a valuable overview for academic and larger public libraries (Linderman, 2008, p. 63)

Reference: Linderman, E. (2008). Street Art: The Graffiti Revolution. Library Journal, 133(18), 63. 

By: Nic Kelman

Publisher: Assouline / Universe, 2006

Why this book was selected: This title was chosen to bridge students’ interest in gaming with a serious look at artistic design, storytelling, character work, and environment creation in video games. It shows how games can function as modern art media, helping young learners see the craft behind the screen.

What reviewers say: According to GameCritics.com, although the book features many striking images, Kelman’s main goal is to explore “whether or not videogames can be viewed as a new artistic medium,” offering readers a deeper look at how design, narrative, and emotion work together in interactive art (Gallaway, 2006, para. 3) (public source). 

Reference: Gallaway, B. (2006, April 25). Videogame Art – Book Review. GameCritics.com. 

https://gamecritics.com/brad-gallaway/3658/