Book cover of Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott

Book description

A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet.

Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Unbound as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I loved reading this book to my kids, who were immediately drawn into the heartbreaking story of Judith, a girl with Down Syndrome, who was separated from her twin sister, Joyce, and institutionalized for many years. This separation led to great pain for both sisters, until decades later, when Joyce brought Judith home, and enrolled her in an art program for differently-abled people. Slowly, Judith flourished, going on to become an artist of renown, with work displayed in museums and galleries around the world. 

This tremendous story, of the bond between sisters, the therapeutic value of the creative process, and…

From Jasmine's list on women writers and artists.

All people should have the opportunity to express themselves and share their gifts. Joyce Scott, writing with the help of Brie Spangler, tells the story of her twin sister, Judith Scott, who was born with Down syndrome, was deaf, and never learned to speak. Judith was institutionalized until Joyce, as an adult, was finally able to get her sister out. Joyce welcomed Judith into her home and enrolled her in an art class, hoping to give her something to enjoy. Judith astonished everyone by becoming an acclaimed artist whose work is displayed in museums and galleries around the world.

This…

From Nancy's list on children’s books about art.

If you love Unbound...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Want books like Unbound?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 70 books like Unbound.

Browse books like Unbound

Book cover of The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown
Book cover of It Jes' Happened
Book cover of Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Unbound, you might also like...

Book cover of Need to Know: World War II and the Rise of American Intelligence

Need to Know by Nicholas Reynolds,

The authoritative but accessible history of the birth of modern American intelligence in World War II that treats not just one but all of the various disciplines: spies, codebreakers, saboteurs.

Told in a relatable style that focuses on actual people, it was a New Yorker "Best of 2022" selection and…

Book cover of Tsunami

Tsunami by LeeAnn Pickrell,

On the morning of December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. The resulting tsunami killed an estimated 230,000 people across fourteen countries, from Indonesia to Sri Lanka to Thailand to the Maldives to India and all the way to East Africa.…

5 book lists we think you will like!