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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

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

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe is an art history biography picture book that won the Caldecott Medal for 2017. The illustrations are excellent and worthy of the medal. The story text leaves the reader confused b/c of the story's lack of depth. Excellent book for art teacher and good library collection choice for any school library or juvenile collection. Books, picture books, award winners, non-fictions. Great book. Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

 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. 

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe is an art history biography picture book that won the Caldecott Medal for 2017. The illustrations are excellent and worthy of the medal. The story text leaves the reader confused b/c of the story's lack of depth. Excellent book for art teacher and good library collection choice for any school library or juvenile collection. Books, picture books, award winners, non-fictions. Great book. Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

 I feel the illustrations were consistent, meaningful to Basquiat, and truly what make this book fantastic.
  
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe is an art history biography picture book that won the Caldecott Medal for 2017. The illustrations are excellent and worthy of the medal. The story text leaves the reader confused b/c of the story's lack of depth. Excellent book for art teacher and good library collection choice for any school library or juvenile collection. Books, picture books, award winners, non-fictions. Great book. Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

 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.  
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe is an art history biography picture book that won the Caldecott Medal for 2017. The illustrations are excellent and worthy of the medal. The story text leaves the reader confused b/c of the story's lack of depth. Excellent book for art teacher and good library collection choice for any school library or juvenile collection. Books, picture books, award winners, non-fictions. Great book. Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

 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.    

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe is an art history biography picture book that won the Caldecott Medal for 2017. The illustrations are excellent and worthy of the medal. The story text leaves the reader confused b/c of the story's lack of depth. Excellent book for art teacher and good library collection choice for any school library or juvenile collection. Books, picture books, award winners, non-fictions. Great book. Alohamora Open a Book http://alohamoraopenabook.blogspot.com/

 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

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