Catching the Fire
Publication Information
Author:  Lyons, Mary	Illustrator:  Garcia, Mannie
Title:  Catching the Fire	Date:  1997
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin	City:  Boston
ISBN, paperback:  0-395-72033-8	ISBN, hardback:
Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes	ESOL:
Family:   Yes	Young Adult:
Picture:   Yes
General Information:
Book Type(s):    biography and autobiography, nonfiction, photographic essay
HSE Descriptor(s):    language arts - reading
Summary:
Philip Simmons, the great-grandson of slaves, became a revered artist and creator of ornamental iron work masterpieces in Charleston, South Carolina. Detailed color photographs convey his craftsmanship. The author interviewed Simmons and his co-workers for the carefully researched biography.
Teaching Ideas:
The book creates an opportunity to discuss the concept of apprenticeship. Perhaps students could interview workers who are apprentices in fields that are disappearing like wrought iron work or in jobs like electricians, plumbers, etc. Students might be interested in developing a timeline for Simmons's life. Students might be interested in discussing the line between construction and art, perhaps referring to the photographs in the book Alphabet City and looking for examples on a field trip. Teachers interested in self-taught artists might want to look at other books by Lyons--Stitching Stars , Starting Home, and Deep Blues.
Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
Art and Photography > art Art and Photography > art > folk art Art and Photography > photography Ethnic Groups > African-American Communities > urban Work > careers Geography > locations > U.S. states/regions > South Carolina > Charleston Work > apprenticeship

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