A Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome
This is a raw and honest read exposing the impacts of society’s obsession with the idea of beauty and the unrealistic expectations it puts on individuals to try to reach ‘the golden ratio’. Henley's personal story of living with Crouzon syndrome (a craniofacial condition where the bones in the head fuse together too early, inhibiting the growth of the bones) with her twin sister Zan, shines a light on the harmfulness of these narrow-minded ideas of ‘beauty’, helping us to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and faces. This book teaches us to lift each other up as we break down the barriers of discrimination. This is a must read for everyone: parents, educators, and young readers alike!
Suggested Reading Age: 12 and up
Suggested In-Class Study Grade Levels: 7 and up
Educational Resources
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A Face for Picasso Educational Resources
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Download PDF • 311KB
Author Bio: Ariel Henley
Ariel Henley is an American writer and activist. She holds a B.A. in English and Political Science from the University of Vermont. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and Narratively, and A Face for Picasso is her first novel. The goal of sharing her life story through this book is to help promote inclusion for individuals with physical differences and to redefine what it means to be beautiful.
Our Interview with Ariel Henley, October 22, 2021
Visit Ariel Henley's website to read more of her works and see what she is up to!
Ariel Henley was interviewed for CBC Radio. To listen to the episode Body Language ~ Beyond Ugly: A Documentary (original air date: September 20, 2021), go to:
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Release Date:
November 2, 2021
