Dorothea’s Eyes: Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth by Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by Gerard DuBois


Barb Rosenstock’s Dorothea’s Eyes: Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth, illustrated by Gérard DuBois, introduces readers to the life and legacy of photographer Dorothea Lange. Known for her powerful images of the Great Depression, Lange used her camera to shed light on the struggles of ordinary people, giving voice and visibility to those often overlooked. Rosenstock’s lyrical text and DuBois’s expressive illustrations highlight both Lange’s artistic eye and her deep empathy for others.

This picture book biography is a rich resource for middle and high school classrooms, connecting to social studies, art, English Language Arts, and social-emotional learning (SEL).

Curriculum Connections

Social Studies    

  • The Great Depression: Use Lange’s photographs to explore the economic and social impact of this era on American families.

  • American History Through Artifacts: Discuss how primary sources like photographs give us insight into history.

  • Social Justice: Examine how photography can raise awareness of inequality and inspire change.

Art / Visual Literacy

  • Photography as Storytelling: Analyze Lange’s photographs for composition, focus, and emotional impact.

  • Documentary Photography: Study how artists use visual media to capture truth and influence public perception.

  • Student Projects: Invite students to document their own communities through photography or mixed media.

English Language Arts (ELA)

  • Biography Study: Compare this picture book biography to other biographical forms (articles, documentaries).

  • Author’s Craft: Analyze Rosenstock’s descriptive language and figurative imagery.

  • Critical Thinking: Explore how words and images work together to tell Lange’s story.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Empathy & Perspective: Lange’s work asks us to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

  • Resilience: Dorothea overcame personal challenges, including childhood illness, to follow her passion.

  • Voice & Agency: Students can reflect on how their voices and talents might bring about change.

Discussion Questions

  1. How did Dorothea Lange’s personal challenges shape the way she saw the world?

  2. What makes a photograph powerful or memorable?

  3. Why do you think Lange chose to focus her camera on people living in poverty?

  4. How can photographs tell the truth in ways that words sometimes cannot?

  5. Do you think artists have a responsibility to document social issues? Why or why not?

  6. How might Dorothea’s work inspire us to look at our own communities differently today?

Dorothea’s Eyes is more than just a biography, it’s a reminder of the power of observation, empathy, and storytelling. Dorothea Lange used her art to hold up a mirror to society, making the invisible visible. Sharing her story with students helps them see how creativity and compassion can combine to make history and inspire social change.

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