The life of visionary folk artist and labor organizer Ralph Fasanella stunningly illustrated for picture book readers.

Winner of the Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children's Literature
Winner of the Silver Medal at the Society of Illustrators' Original Art Show

Born in 1914 New York City to Italian immigrants, Ralph Fasanella’s youth was one of dress factories, union meetings, and Momma’s stories of the Bread & Roses Strike around the dinner table. By teaching himself how to paint, Ralph discovered he could use art to fight for working people.

Anne Broyles taps into Ralph's indomitable spirit to show his evolution as an artist, while Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s energetic art leaps off the page with wonder and homages to Ralph’s style.

Meticulously researched with quotes from Ralph, the robust back matter includes reproductions of his paintings, historical photos, a timeline, a bibliography, a source notes, and much more.

A Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustration Winner
An Oregon Book Award Winner!
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

★★★THE REVIEWS ARE IN!★★★

★ "Broyles highlights the man’s ‘rambunctious,’ resilient, and independent nature. . . . Tentler-Krylov’s dynamic watercolors bring her subject to life. . . . A perfect companion to Levinson's The People's Painter."—The Horn Book, Starred Review

★ "The illustrations employ striking, vibrant colors and attention to minute details, masterfully emulating Fasanella’s own style. Readers will enjoy poring over them. . . . A very fine introduction to the life and work of a significant American craftsman."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

★ "For readers ready to be plunked into the underbelly of the 20th century and then uplifted by one painter’s take on its myriad social issues and politics, this is a grand start."—School Library Journal, Starred Review

★ "Broyles details Ralph’s life via an engaging narrative of the intersection between art and organizing, while Tentler-Krylov’s closely worked, watercolor-textured illustrations echo the artist’s own detailed style."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review