Radiant Child gets 3.5 Stars {picture book, caldecott medal}

This colorful and bold art history biographical picture book won the 2017 Caldecott Medal.   I will say, the pictures are fantastic, and I feel Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe completely deserves the Caldecott award for amazing illustrations. 

I feel the illustrations were consistent, meaningful to Basquiat, and truly what make this book fantastic.
  

However, Radiant Child gets 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book review.  I love the pictures, but I think the written text is lacking.  I feel the story in this historical picture book is lacking depth and substance.  I feel the reader won't understand the impact the car accident, his mother's condition, and the other struggles he overcame had on who he became and the artist he became.  

I think you can find Jean-Michel Basquiat in the illustrations, but his story isn't completely captured in the text.  I do think the extra info about Jean-Michel Basquiat including the symbolism he used was cool, and the details with the end paper was fantastic.  

All in all, I liked this book.  I would definitely add Radiant Child to a library collection (school or public), and the school's art teacher or any art history fan will enjoy checking this book out.  Though, because I am not an art history buff I will pass on adding it to my personal collection.    

Happy Art History Biography Picture Book reading! 


Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Best For: 7 to 11 year olds, 2nd grade through 5th grade
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: If you are an art history fan, or if you know an artist then buy it; otherwise, I say pass on the purchase.
Read Aloud: Not a great read aloud. 
Lesson Ideas: Art History, Life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, overcoming struggles