The Art of Being Remmy

A blast from the past--with hopes for the future

This illustrated, funny, coming-of-age novel takes place in 1965 when mid-1960s attitudes kept girls in their place. 12-year-old Remmy Rinaldi is determined to be an artist, in spite of her father's objections, competition from a boy, and possibly losing her best friend.

Remmy and best friend Debbie have ambitious resolutions for the brand new year (besides meeting the Beatles, of course). Debbie loves all things French, including a new boy she targets as her boyfriend. Remmy is determined to win the art awards at the end of seventh grade to prove to Dad that, in spite of his mysterious objections, she is destined to be an artist (and not some secretary stuck behind a typewriter).

Remmy's rival and all-around goofball Bill insists that all great artists are men and Remmy can't possibly beat him in the art contest. So Remmy pushes her talents to the max even if it means going behind Dad's back with a super secret plan. In the meantime, Remmy may be losing Debbie's friendship to a devious Rat Fink from French Club. Can art bring her best friend back or just make things even worse?

Remmy discovers what friendship really means and helps others find their true callings while staying true to her own Spark of an Artist.



Middle grade novel with 35 chapters and 70 illustrations

Author historical note with personal photos from 1960s

Timeline of modern women's movement 1960s - 1980s

Appendix of 23 artists' bios with four photos