Starring Steven Spielberg:
The Making of a Young Filmmaker
Illustrated by Craig Orback
Before Steven made films, he watched them. Naturally inventive with a vivid imagination, he was known for creating stories inspired by the world around him. His passion wasn’t driven just by entertainment, however—as the only Jewish boy in his neighborhood, he was often bullied and felt the sting of antisemitism. He also suffered the pain of his parents’ divorce. Films and the magic they contained became a necessary escape. From his younger years to his first days on a movie set, this biography captures the unique ways Steven’s memories influenced his career and helped him to become the celebrated filmmaker that he is today.
Reviews
School Library Journal: STARRED REVIEW! “Life stories that focus on an individual’s childhood are particularly appealing to young readers, and the focus of this picture book biography ensures that it will inspire kids who feel familiarity with Spielberg’s early experiences . . . The book includes quotation sources, fun facts, and suggestions for age-appropriate viewing of Spielberg’s movies. VERDICT Inspiring text and illustrations evoke the journey of an iconic filmmaker. Recommended for all collections.”
Publisher’s Weekly: "Budding film buffs gain insight into the work of Steven Spielberg (b. 1946) in this play-by-play account spotlighting his school-age cinematic efforts and first amateur feature-length film . . . the creators present Spielberg as finding solace from trouble at home, bullying, and antisemitism—themes the title readily identifies in his movies."
Kirkus: ". . . It would be ideal for a slightly older audience who want to sink their teeth into a biography but aren’t quite up for a chapter book. Educational and entertaining."
Booklist: “Along with mentioning his early amateur productions, it fills in young cineastes on important technical aspects of the art—from staging and editing to watching both popular movies and audience reactions with analytical eyes. The author also looks at his subject’s religious and family background, both in his childhood and in his adult years, and closes with selective lists of his films (up to 2018’s Ready Player One) divided into age-appropriate sections.”
If you have an Indy Bookstore nearby, please support them. If not, click below:
