Little, Brown and Company (2016)
Dreams begin in the home and grow from experiences and lifestyle. The story Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe describes the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat through achieving his goals as an artist. Growing up in Brooklyn, Jean-Michel started and ended his days drawing in his home with his family. His mother was very supportive and drew with him whenever possible. As they both grew older, his mother grew ill, saddening Jean-Michel and he saw his mother draw with him less and less. He began taking his artwork to the streets, expanding on his artwork. Now, going by the name of "Samoo", people begin to recognize his work and look forward to his future pieces. As an adult, his dreams became a reality as he inspires others as a famous artist. He also honors his pieces for his mother, who motivates him throughout his entire journey. As his dreams come to life, this story shows many important aspects of his life that stimulates readers. This story is effected for readers because of its use of imagery, language, and realism.
The illustrations presented in the story create more dimensions and drama to show aspects of Jean-Michel's life. When he begins to develop more artwork, the scenery changes where he shows his art: from the streets to a show room. This is described when the author states, "Samoo moves from street corners to art gallery walls with powerful color composition and line, collaging and painting anything he can find" (Steptoe 27). This illustration with this statement shows his artwork in a room with the streets peering through the window. With representation of the past outside and the future inside, the author continues to show his art and the growth in his craft. The colors utilized also shows how the future of his artwork is bright and vivacious. From the dark past in the street to the now vibrant pictures and a hopeful future, the illustrations show Jean-Michel's alteration in his talents. The pictures within the story correlate to the message of the story and aids in Jean- Michel's tale.
The descriptive words in the story provide the details in Jean-Michel's story and his journey with art. His story is put into perspective in the beginning of the book as the author describes, "Somewhere in Brooklyn, between hearts that thump, double Dutch, and hopscotch and salt mouths that slurp sweet ice, a little boy dreams of being a famous artist" (Steptoe 1-2). Each aspect of the street, from the jump rope and the food, creates dimensions in the story that help put readers into the setting of the story. By reading the imagery that is in words, the story becomes realistic and helps readers to visually understand the parts of the story. These specifics identify more feelings that Jean-Michel expressed and gives better insight into the interpretation of his story.
The story of Jean-Michel is an accurate depiction of his life and the author uses this to show readers how he lived his every life. All the events that happened in the book are real and have impacted Jean-Michel in his endeavors. When he begins to recognize his mother's sickness, he becomes very sad and his feelings are expressed in the story. This is interpreted when the author articulates, "Back at home, Jean- Michel's body heals, but his heart breaks. His mother's mind is not well, and the family breaks. She no longer lies on the floor and draws with Jean- Michel" (Steptoe 17). Although he was recovering from physical injures, he begins to experience emotional sadness. Through his mother's illness, he strives to use her as his muse and allow his feelings to take over in his artwork. His life events make up who Jean-Michel is today and the truthfulness that the story shows gives readers ways to understand and learn from the situations in his life.
This story is applicable for readers because of its use of artwork, descriptive wording, and practicality. Learning about Jean- Michel's life helps readers to understand why his artwork is famous and how he has come to be who he is today. By reflecting on his life, his artwork becomes more symbolic and meaningful. Readers can gain more respect from his work by understanding where Jean-Michel came from and takeaway lessons to live by.
Review by Sydney Huffman
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