Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
By: Javaka Steptoe
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Basquiat was a Brooklyn-born Haitian-Puerto Rican artist whose first public exhibit was in 1980 when he was only 20 years old. Basquiat’s mother is attributed with fostering his love for art, but she suffered from mental illness. Despite this difficult time in his life, he doesn’t let go of his dreams. In his paintings, he puts a crown on his mother as a sign of honor and value. His collage paintings are bright and bold and reflect his heritage. Sadly, he struggled with drug addiction and died at the age of 27. As you look at any of Basquiat’s art, watch for certain motifs he used throughout his works: a crown represented power or strength and for those who needed to be respected. Eyes represented remembering or understanding. Cars, trucks, and airplanes represented his childhood and a car accident that badly injured him.
Author/illustrator Steptoe grew up in the same part of New York City as Basquiat and so was exposed to his work in high school. He even went to one of Basquiat’s art shows. This inspired Steptoe to believe that even he, a young African American artist, had a chance for success. Steptoe used pieces of discarded wood from old Brooklyn Museum exhibit materials, the dumpsters of Brooklyn brownstones, on which to create his illustrations. While I am not personally a fan of modern art, I have lived outside New York City for a time so this book was of interest to me. I have friends who were also born and raised in Brooklyn, and this book gives me a little more understanding of their world.
Du Iz Tak?
By: Carson Ellis
Honor
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
Also read and recommended by: Lara Lleverino
The fun thing about this book is that it is written in an imaginary bug language. The story tells of the microcosm of a small square in the insect world as season changes to season over time. This would make a fun read before an ecosystem study of the backyard. The adorable illustrations are done in gouache and ink, with lots of detail and yet a lot of open white space.
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Freedom in Congo Square
By: Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie
Honor
Reviewed by: Sandy Hall
In this book, couplets count down the days of the week until Sunday. Although the book does present the harsh lives of slavery, it is appropriate still for younger children. A definite contrast is portrayed between the labored life during the week of the slaves and the exuberant dance and music of the freedom of Sunday afternoons.
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Leave Me Alone!
By: Vera Brosgol
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
One day, a grandmother shouts, "LEAVE ME ALONE!" and leaves her tiny home and her very big family to journey to the moon and beyond to find peace and quiet to finish her knitting. Along the way, she encounters ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and even hordes of aliens! But nothing stops grandma from accomplishing her goal—knitting sweaters for her many grandchildren to keep them warm and toasty for the coming winter.
Vera Brosgol's slyly clever and unexpectedly funny modern folktale is certain to warm even the coldest of hearts.
From the publisher
They All Saw a Cat
By: Brendan Wenzel
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?
From the publisher
