Creatively Human: Why We Imagine, Make and Innovate

Gr 4-6–A bird’s-eye view of the concept of creativity and how it is expressed in the arts. Peterson gives an overview of many forms of art, organized by sections, such as “What Is Creativity?” “Brains and Bodies,” and “Tools and Technology.” The text is accompanied by both illustrations and photography. Yee’s art is soft, warm, and inviting. Spot art and full spreads show young people and adults of different skin colors and with different cultural markers beautifully engaged in creative endeavors, heightening the reading experience. Peterson has taken care to explore every aspect of how creativity can be expressed, even discussing how specialized tools can help people with disabilities express themselves and touching on the historical discrimination that has made certain groups underrepresented in art history. However, this book may be more popular with art teachers seeking inspiration, facts, and quotes to share with students than it will be with the students themselves. The wide coverage of so many topics means that no single topic is discussed in depth, and hands-on activities are few and far between. Readers who are pursuing a specific creative topic may prefer more specialized titles.