Author: Carolyn Meyer
Age group: 10 - 14 years
Page count: 352 pages
Publisher: Calkin's Creek
Publication date: April 24th, 2017
Summary from Goodreads:
In this historical novel, noted writer Carolyn Meyer deftly captures the daring and passionate life of photographer Margaret Bourke-White. Growing up, young Peggy White was interested in snakes and caterpillars and other unfeminine things. She intended to become a herpetologist, but while she was still in college, her interest in nature changed to a fascination with photography. As her skill with a camera grew, her focus widened from landscapes architecture to shots of factories, trains, and bridges. Her artist’s eye sharpened to see patterns and harsh beauty where others saw only chaos and ugliness. Totally dedicated to her work, and driven by her ambition to succeed, Margaret Bourke-White became a well-known and sought after photographer, traveling all over the United States and Europe. She was the first female war photojournalist in World War II and the first female photographer for Life magazine, which featured one of her photographs on its very first cover. A comprehensive author’s note provides additional information to round out readers’ understanding of this fascinating and inspiring historical figure.
The most important lesson in Girl with a Camera is perseverance. Although she faced discrimination, Margaret Bourke-White kept on trying to get where she wanted to be. Her dedication might inspire people to learn more about women's rights and photography.
I wish I could've enjoyed Girl with a Camera more. I couldn't connect with the protagonist. Her decisions and attitude seemed absurd. The protagonist bought extravagant things she couldn't afford, and for the sake of what? Allowing herself to be pressured into marriages, which ended in divorce? I didn't feel there was any logical explanation to her behavior. Although what Margaret Bourke-White did isn't the author's fault, I think the author could've delved into why the protagonist would act that way. It would've sparked my imagination.
I understand the author had to condense so many years of a person’s life into a 300 page book. However, it bugged me when I read something like, "A few months later, I..." There was so much information to tell, I felt that this was a biography. I was more interested in reading the author’s notes than the story. The small font it is in will discourage many readers. I also wish there could’ve been more photographs so we could get a better sense of Margaret Bourke-White’s work.
Sadly, it was not my favorite and I wouldn't recommend it. I usually adore Carolyn Meyer's historical fiction, but Girl with a Camera disappointed me.
Taken from Goodreads. Click here to visit her website.