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Buy Remmy now at Amazon or IndieBound. Teachers and librarians: please contact Ingram to order for your classroom or library.

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In 1964, I won a radio Draw-the-Beatles contest and saw the Beatles in concert. It was the thrill of my young life! That experience was the inspiration for The Art of Being Remmy.
 
Remmy’s story takes place in 1965. 12-year-old Remmy Rinaldi is determined to win the art awards at the end of seventh grade to prove to Dad that, in spite of his mysterious objections, she is destined to be an artist.
 
Remmy’s rival and all-around goofball Bill insists she can’t possibly beat him in the art contest. Remmy takes his challenge even if it means going behind Dad’s back with a super secret plan. In the meantime, Remmy may be losing best friend Debbie’s friendship to a devious Rat Fink.
 
The novel includes:
  • 70 illustrations
  • Author’s historical note with 10 photographs
  • Timeline of the modern women’s movement
  • Appendix of 23 bios of fine artists in history
 
REVIEWS
 
"The Art of Being Remmy is a great, sensitive and funny read about a spunky girl in the 1960’s who wants more access and respect for women...which we’re still working on!!"
—Kathryn Erskine, National Book Award-winning author of Mockingbird


"A 12-year-old New Jersey girl in 1965 defies sexist stereotypes—and her father—to take art lessons. Zisk illustrates the story with Remmy’s lively, expressive line drawings, which show that Remmy does have some skill; at the same time, they are believably the work of a talented 12-year-old…Remmy’s amusing voice, decency, and ambition make her an appealing character…A highly entertaining and thoughtful tale." –Kirkus Reviews


 
"Set in the 1960’s when the choices for women were limited, young Remmy finds a way to be true to herself and to forge her own path. Accessible, funny, and poignant, The Art of Being Remmy is a book for now. If you have a daughter—or any budding young girl in your life—buy her this book!"
—Deborah Brevoort, playwright

 
"I loved this book a lot, it brought tears to my eyes, and it filled me with happiness. this is a very inspiring book for girls and young artist!"
—Haley, a 6th grade fan
 

"The 'coming-of-age' theme and junior high setting of this tale will be familiar to middle grade readers. With its briskly paced plot and strong voice, the story will hold readers' attention well until the last page."
—Booklife Prize
 

"The Art of Being Remmy really is a fun and original novel, enhanced by quirky graphic illustrations. The story of Remmy’s drive to be an artist, while handling the drama of junior high, is a real page turner. I even teared up a bit at the end! Teachers may find it fits well with STEAM curriculum."
–Roxie Munro, author/illustrator of Masterpiece Mix

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Join Remmy's Facebook page and visit Remmy's Pinterest page and learn more about Art, Sixties Fashion, the Beatles, Sexism in the Sixties, Girl Power, and more.


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  • The Art of Being Remmy
  • The Art of Being Mary
  • Books, Blogs, and Clutter
  • Studio
  • Travel Art
  • Blog