On the Tip of a Wave

By Joanna Ho, Catia Chien (Illustrator)

An artist transforms discarded life jackets into a powerful global statement.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 235 ratings

48 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Ai Weiwei, an artist driven by the plight of refugees, finds inspiration in discarded life jackets on Lesbos' shores. His bold installation at Konzerthaus Berlin captures the world's attention, turning art into activism. Through vivid illustrations, witness Ai Weiwei's journey and the transformative power of creativity. How will his work impact humanity?

From the publisher

2024 Bank Street Children’s Book Committee Best Books of the Year2023 IA Iowa City Public Library Best Books of the Year 2023 CA Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Medal2024 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Recommended TitleStarred Review from Kirkus ReviewsStarred Review from Publishers WeeklyStarred Review from School Library JournalStarred Review from BooklistFrom New York Times bestselling author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, Joanna Ho, and critically acclaimed illustrator, Cátia Chien comes a moving, powerful picture book about the life and work of activist and artist, Ai Weiwei.He [Ai Weiwei] felt the life jackets and an idea curled and crested through his fingertips. The way it always did.Told in Joanna Ho’s signature lyrical writing, this is the story that shines a light on Ai Weiwei and his journey, specifically how the Life Jackets exhibit at Konzerthaus Berlin came to be. As conditions for refugees worsened, Ai Weiwei was inspired by the discarded life jackets on the shores of Lesbos to create a bold installation that would grab the attention of the world. Cátia Chien masterfully portrays the intricate life of Ai Weiwei with inspirations from woodblock printing and a special emphasis on the color orange, the same color of the life jackets that became a beacon of hope. Through Cátia’s dynamic and stunning illustrations, we see how Ai Weiwei became the activist and artist he is today while proving the power of art within humanity.