Zaha Hadid

October 11, 2019

PreS-Gr 2-Simple and straightforward text takes us through Shelley's life and early career. S�nchez Vegara uses carefully curated biographical moments to establish the factors that led to Shelley discovering her writing career. A brief time line with photographs provides further context. Bryksenkova's illustrations depicting Shelley's family and career progression in rich jewel-tones are wonderfully playful, and the positioning of the elongated limbs and exaggerated facial features of the key players pairs well with the text and contributes to the tone of each spread. Context is also key in S�nchez Vegara's biography of Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Hadid's interest in design manifested at a young age, both in her schoolwork, where she was drawn to math and art, and in the decorative arts she had immediate control over, beginning with her clothing and bedroom. Truly a global citizen, Hadid grew up in a well-traveled family and spent time in Baghdad and Switzerland, before continuing her graduate studies in London. Her curved building designs gained notoriety as they challenged and changed the limitations of traditional architectural engineering; Hadid is remembered as a trailblazer for both women and Muslims in architecture. A brief time line with photographs includes more specific details about her life. Amar's illustrations, with their bold curved lines, reflect Hadid's designs. VERDICT These picture book biographies make welcome additions to this series for elementary readers. Both titles are recommended for elementary nonfiction collections.-Lauren Younger, University of Dallas Library

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

August 15, 2019
An introduction for young readers focuses on the architect's journey and how she became the "Queen of Curve." Readers are introduced to "little Zaha," a "Muslim girl who lived with her family in Baghdad," and learn that at 7 she was designing clothes. S�nchez Vegara leads readers through Zaha's childhood and adulthood, covering her schooling, favorite subjects, and how she became the woman who experimented and dared to change architecture. Amar's illustrations are simple, bright, and colorful, portraying Zaha in a space mostly occupied by men. Little details such as the letters "ZH" on construction helmets worn by men listening to Zaha's project plan emphasize her role as a leader. When S�nchez Vegara points out that Zaha "changed the way that people thought about women--especially an Arab woman--in an industry run by men," Amar dedicates a spread that draws attention to Zaha's status with a wall of portraits of notable architects in which she is the only woman. Like other titles in the series, this one ends with more facts on Zaha and her family along with four black-and-white photos taken at different points in her life and suggested titles for further reading. Series companion Mary Shelley, also by S�nchez Vegara but illustrated by Yelena Bryksenkova, publishes simultaneously. A great introduction to an architect, a feminist, and a leader who showed the world the impossible. (Picture book/biography. 5-8)

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