Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews

Benny Andrews lived an impoverished childhood in Plainview, Georgia. Benny and other African-American children attended school only five months each year because they were needed on the farms and in the fields of their white bosses the rest of the time. Benny loved to draw, and whenever he had time, he would draw the people around him doing everyday things. Benny dreamed of going to high school and changing his life. He did not want to be a field worker. He wanted to be an artist. Benny worked hard, served in the military, and went to college to study art. He became an artist and gave back by working hard for civil rights.

This inspiring story of the life of Benny Andrews is engagingly written by Kathleen Benson. It is clear she has done a lot of research. All the illustrations in the book are oil paintings by Benny Andrews. This completes the story in a fantastic way. Children will be able to see how Benny’s hard work paid off. The back matter includes a time line of Benny’s life, more information about him, a photo of him, and resources. This is a charming, educational, and inspirational portrait of the artist.