As young children in the 1940s, twins Judy and Joyce do everything together, “two peas in a pod.” All that changes when Joyce starts school. Judy, who is nonverbal, and has what is now known as Down syndrome, is not allowed to attend. One morning Joyce wakes up to discover Judy has been taken to live at a special school. Joyce’s sadness spans years. She visits Judy occasionally as a child; more often as an adult, making sure friends, her husband, her children know her sister. Eventually, Judy, whom Joyce is surprised to learn is also deaf, comes to live with her in California. Joyce arranges for Judy to attend the Creative Growth Art Studio in her community. There, Judy spends months without seeming to engage, until the day she begins to create. From that point on, she doesn’t stop. “For years, Judy wraps and weaves, creating fantastic, cocoon-like shapes filled with color … When she leaves this world, my sister is celebrated as a great artist. Her fame still grows.” This story of outsider fiber artist Judy Scott is also a very personal account, from Joyce’s perspective, of two sisters, “two hearts forever entwined.” Occasional use of outdated terminology, such as “special needs,” doesn’t diminish the power of Judy’s art or the sisters’ stories. The marvelous mixed-media artwork explodes with texture and form in the later pages as Judy begins to create her own art. Notes include information about Judy’s art, Down syndrome, and messages from the author and illustrator. (Ages 7-11)

A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet.

Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world.

Poignantly told by Joyce Scott in collaboration with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet and beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet, Unbound is inspiring and warm, showing us that we can soar beyond our perceived limitations and accomplish something extraordinary.