This story of an accomplished Black-American architect in the early 1900’s is sure to inspire. The book, Curve and Flow: The Elegant Vision of L.A. Architect Paul R. Williams written by Andrea J. Loney and illustrated by Keith Mallett, chronicles the life of Paul Williams, a famous L.A. architect. As a boy Paul loved to draw, especially buildings, and followed his dreams despite formidable odds. His parents died when he was small, he and his brother were separated, yet he was cared for by family friends. He encountered “the stone wall” of racism by the time he was old enough to put together a portfolio. His high school guidance counselor told him Black people can’t even buy expensive homes let alone design them. But, Paul “liked a challenge” and had a unique vision of homes he wanted to create. He began designing in Los Angeles in the 1920’s, with an architectural style that mimicked the beautiful rolling California hills. He wanted homes to blend into the scenery matching the “curves and flows” of the natural landscape, and to take advantage of the light and beautiful California sunshine entering the home. Through patience, perseverance and top-notch talent, Paul became the first African-American to be licensed to practice architecture west of the Mississippi in 1921, nonetheless he always had to work around racism, even in L.A. His wealthy White clients felt uncomfortable sitting side by side. In turn, Paul developed a drawing technique where he sat across the table and sketched upside down and backward, bringing his designs to life right before their eyes. Paul also designed buildings for Black families, such as the YMCA and Second Baptist Church, he won numerous architectural competitions and worked as the Vice President of Broadway Savings and Loan to serve the local Black community. Paul and his family could not live in homes he designed, until 1948, when the Supreme Court dismantled laws protecting restrictive housing covenants. In 1952, Paul finally had the opportunity to design his dream home which today, along with numerous other homes Paul designed, sits on the National Register of Historic Places. By the time he retired in 1973 Paul had designed over 3,000 structures all over the world.

This is a gorgeously illustrated picture book biography about Los Angeles's "architect to the stars." The title refers to architect Paul R. Williams's signature style of clean lines and elegant curves, but also to the stark reality that he, as a Black man in America, could not take the same path to success as white architects. He was denied access to most of the professional resources afforded to others, and wouldn't even be allowed to buy many of the houses he designed because of his race. This book highlights the talents and struggles of a remarkable architect, and approaches the reality of racism with blunt but age-appropriate language. This is a must-have in any elementary library biography section.