Author/Illustrator: Javaka SteptoeLittle, Brown and Company (2016)
Ages 5-10
This is a biographical story about Jean-Michel Basquiat, a talented young artist who made his debut in the 80's but whose life was cut short when he died at 27. The reader learns who and what influenced this young artist.
The author's writing style is simple and succinct with the pictures telling most of the story.
Steptoe uses similar techniques to Basquiat's to illustrate this book and to tackle the tough task of conveying the biography of this important artist through pictures. The illustrations are rich in color, texture and detail. There is so much to take in and absorb in each two-page spread, both in artistry and plot.
Winner of the 2017 Coretta Scott King and the Caldecott Awards, this picture book is a must have for all libraries, classrooms and personal collections. It tackles tough issues and includes a tapestry of different cultures and influences.
Review by Colleen Boff
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