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A former teacher and museum historian, Shelley Pearsall is now a full-time author. Her first novel, Trouble Don't Last, won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. The idea for The Seventh Most Important Thing began many years ago when she first saw outsider artist James Hampton's amazing work. She was disappointed that so little is known about Hampton and was intrigued that his work was brought to light by anonymous sources. It was the perfect foundation for this remarkable, inspiring novel. To learn more about the author and her work, visit ShelleyPearsall.com and follow her at @ShelleyPearsall.
A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING A BANK STREET BEST BOOK A KIDS INDIE NEXT PICK A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION Written in a homespun style that reflects the simple components of the artwork, the story guides readers along with Arthur to an understanding of the most important things in life. Luminescent, just like the artwork it celebrates. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review Pearsall has struck just the right tone by imbuing her well-rounded, interesting characters with authentic voices and pacing the action perfectly. Excellent. --School Library Journal, starred review A moving exploration of how there is often so much more than meets the eye. --Booklist, starred review There are so many things to love about this book. Remarkable. --Christian Science Monitor ...interweaves the power and purpose of art with an exploration of a boy's grief and redemption. --The Bulletin Pearsall shows us that hope isn't somewhere out there --it's quite literally in our own two hands. --Jen Bryant, author of A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin
