Joyce Scott (1)

This book is narrated by Joyce Scott, Judith’s sister. Joyce and Judith were twins, born in 1943, but because Judith had Down syndrome and a number of developmental disorders, their parents placed Judith in an institution in 1950. Judith stayed in the institution for 35 years, until Joyce, now married and a teacher, became Judith’s legal guardian and took her in to live with her and her family.

The author begins with the girls’ childhood, when they felt like they shared the world like two peas in a pod. But as Joyce entered school, their paths began to diverge. Still, Joyce writes:

“The doctors say that she is slow and will not get better, but they don’t know Judy like I do. She is perfect just the way she is. She knows things that no one else knows and sees the world in ways that I never will.”

After Judy was taken away, Joyce felt like “my whole world disappears and is replaced with the colors of gone.”

She dreamed of having Judy back again at her side, which she finally could accomplish in 1985. She heard about a local art studio, the Creative Growth Art Center, that offered programs for adults with disabilities, and enrolled Judy there. After many months, Judy finally began to work with the art materials, creating sculptures from fibers and found objects. She continued to do so for years. Then one day she created “a new piece unlike any other: small and black, all the colors gone.” Judy died the next day.

Joyce writes that now Judy is celebrated as a great artist.

Back matter includes more information on the Creative Growth Art Center, and on Down syndrome. There is also a timeline about Joyce and Judy, and about disability rights.

One should never pass up a book illustrated by outstanding award-winner Melissa Sweet. Her mixed media art is a joy to behold.

Evaluation: This book for readers 4 and up is about the love that can bind family members, especially twins, and about the ways in which opportunities rather than rejection can cause anyone and everyone to blossom, no matter what the seeming obstacles.… (más)