http://www.richardpgrossenheider.com/

Richard P. Grossenheider: The Artist by Thomas L. Campbell and Katherine Hattieann Manning is an easy reader biography of a fascinating artist in American history. The book contains a treasure trove of primary documents including photographs, facsimiles of letters, newspaper clippings, and original drawings. Like many traditional biographies, the narration begins with the context of Grossenheider’s family and the story of how his grandfather came to America in the early 1800s. The authors then trace his story through his father, who was a distinguished artisan, and through Richard’s childhood and studies in biology in college, which led to his career as a naturalist and artist. The simple text is appropriate for young readers, and the book would make an interesting book report for students assigned a biography.

Though Richard P. Grossenheider is not well-known, his life contains dozens of interesting details from his experiences during World War II and his work illustrating wildlife. Campbell and Manning draw lessons from his life, including the concept that every individual makes a difference and has a role to play. Grossenheider had an unusual career path as an artist because his interest in wildlife led to an important service with developing homing pigeons during World War II. His story shows how gifts might be used in unexpected ways.

The real strength of Richard P. Grossenheider: The Artist by Thomas L. Campbell and Katherine Hattieann Manning is as an example of primary documents for young historians, who will benefit from learning how photographs, newspaper clippings, and letters can help us learn about the past and the people who made a difference. An interesting book for young historians!

“Richard P. Grossenheider: The Artist” will be available for sale in bookstores, online at Amazon.com and other channels.

About the Author:

Thomas L. Campbell lives in St. Louis, where he found inspiration for new stories. Growing up knowing that his ancestors were denied the right to read made Thomas intrigued by books, and at an early age, he started dreaming of becoming a published author. Born to a poor, single-mother and attending schools where a student with hope of getting an education had to first survive living in war zones in their own homes and communities, Thomas’ goal of being a writer was like reaching for the stars. Thomas spent decades writing urban fiction before he learned truth has the power to heal. After receiving realms of rejections from publishing companies, Thomas realized he was blind to his true calling to inspire children by writing biographies.