cover image Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza

Colors of the Wind: The Story of Blind Artist and Champion Runner George Mendoza

J.L. Powers, illus. by George Mendoza and Hayley Morgan-Sanders. Purple House (www.purplehousepress.com), $18.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-930900-73-8

Powers traces the life of Mendoza, a blind painter, accompanied by Mendoza’s own striking paintings. As a child, Mendoza learned that he was losing his vision: “George didn’t lose all his sight, though. Instead, he started seeing flashing lights and brilliant colors even at night when he dreamed.” Despite the changes in his vision (an afterword describes his condition as “kaleidoscope eyes”), Mendoza discovered a love for running, twice competing at the Olympics. He then found his life purpose when he takes the advice of a priest to “paint what you see.” Reproductions of Mendoza’s bright, abstract paintings appear opposite the text and small line drawings of George running and interacting with others. While these cartoons help ground the narrative, they have a stiff and stilted quality that doesn’t fare well against the fiery impact of Mendoza’s own artwork. Ages 3–8. (Sept.)