Rebellious: The Story of Keith Haring in 12 Pictures

Via lively prose punctuated by images of the subject’s life and work, Fight AIDS! author Long chronicles the journey of activist Keith Haring (1958–1990) from unknown rural Pennsylvania artist to international star. A prologue set in 1982 New York City sets the scene, introducing Haring as an unrepentant creative who was frequently arrested for graffiti vandalism. Later passages trace his running away from his conservative parents during high school and his eventual move to N.Y.C., where he honed his artistic skills alongside local street artists. Scans of the figure’s most prominent works shape the narrative: a picture of a crawling “radiant” baby (untitled, 1990) accompanies a chapter about his childhood, a purple piece of an embracing couple (untitled, 1987) opens a section describing his coming out as gay, and subsequent parts feature his efforts opposing nuclear war (untitled, 1982) and raising awareness for AIDS (Stop AIDS, 1989), with which he was diagnosed in 1987. Haring made a name for himself drawing on the fly in the subway, railing against “sophisticated, elitist” attitudes surrounding art, and producing pieces that address social injustice for “hundreds of millions of everyday people.” This exuberant, uplifting biography will inspire and encourage teens to more closely observe and engage with their surroundings as a means to spark creativity and connection. Ages 14–up. (June)