Monday, March 2, 2020

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough

Title: Blood Water Paint
Author: Joy McCullough
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 6, 2018

Format: eBook
Price: $9.99
Page Count: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 9780735232129

Reading Level: Grades 9 and up (ages 14+)
Lexile: 740
Interest Level: Grades 11 and up (ages 16+)

Annotation: Told in verse, one of Rome's most talented painters, Artemisia Gentileschi, is overshadowed by men who take what they want.

Plot and Content Summary: Blood Water Paint, based on a true story, follows 17-year-old Artemisia Gentileschi as she toils as a painter in Rome during the 1600s. In her father's studio, she expresses her emotions with a paintbrush, but remains anonymous because her father signs all her paintings with his name. This is a normal occurrence, a time period where men could do whatever they want and get away with it. When an artist recognizes her talent, she wishes to train under him—but she finds out he wants something else from her. She cries out for help with her voice and with her paintings, and ultimately gains strength to fight back.

Evaluation: The way it is written in verse gives Artemisia's story more layers and adds to the sadness. It is told in a way where Artemisia's life is illustrated alongside her paintings. It was difficult, at times, to distinguish between Artemisia describing her art and describing her real life, but that is a personal problem (and not one created by the author). Really, it is a brilliant way to tell such an evocative story.

There is a lot of abuse behavior that Artemisia faces from her family, but McCullough writes it in a careful way. Although there is a small bit of resolution in the end, nothing is mentioned about her brothers who Artemisia states have overheard when she was being raped. This lack of closure is uncomfortable, but is reality.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Artemisia uses art to express and release her emotions. However, Artemisia's dad gets the credit for her creations. Still, Artemisia's strength and courage to stand up for what's true shines out. This can encourage teens to keep pushing onward no matter what obstacles are in their way. Justice will be served one day.

Issues Present: Rape, sexual assault, abuse

Many books with similar themes have been challenged and banned for "immoral content." While rape and sexual assault, along with abuse, are topics for more mature readers, it should not be removed from libraries. According to RAINN, an American is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. Every nine minutes, that victim is a child ("Scope of the Problem," n. d.). What happens to Artemisia, is, unfortunately, still relevant today. Blood Water Paint can give a voice for sexual assault survivors to speak out.

Book Talk Ideas: How does Artemisia use her art to illustrate her life? (p. 35-37) Why do you think McCullough decided to write most of Blood Water Paint in verse? What is the overall tone of this novel?

Genre/Subgenres: Historical fiction; Novels in verse

Readalikes: Buried Beneath the Baobab Tree by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, The Queen's Soprano by Carol Dines, The Language of Fire by Stephanie Hemphill

References
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