April Book Club: Be Strong by Darcy Pattison

Be Strong: the Rise of Beloved Art Sculptor Nancy Schön by Darcy Pattison

For ages 6-10

Diving into Be Strong by Darcy Pattison, you’re greeted with the remarkable journey of Nancy Schön, the 95-year-old Boston artist known for her “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture in the Boston Garden. Inspired by Robert McCloskey’s classic, Schön’s work brings to life the joy of interacting with art outdoors, something Pattison captures with finesse.

What struck me most about Nancy’s story is how it delves into the real grit of creativity. Pattison doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff—those long haul projects that test your mettle. Through Nancy’s perseverance, the book’s mantra, Be Strong, resonates with budding artists, athletes, and anyone who’s ever faced a daunting goal. It’s about the push, the struggle, and the payoff of sticking with your passion.

And here’s the kicker: Nancy Schön’s illustrious public art career kicked off at 59, a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. She’s living proof that life is a series of evolving chapters, each focusing on new skills and stages.

The book itself is cleverly split. The first part weaves Nancy’s life story into an accessible narrative for younger readers, while the second part serves up a detailed biography complete with her artworks and career milestones. Rich Davis’s illustrations bring a dynamic energy to the story, capturing the essence of Nancy’s work and the children who adore it.

Be Strong is a timeless reminder of the power of persistence, whether you’re 5 or 95. Nancy Schön’s story, as told by Pattison, is an inspirational beacon for creators and dreamers of all ages.

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.