Radiant Child

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2016-08-01T22:17:25-04:00">August 1, 2016</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-09T11:47:47-04:00">July 9, 2019</time> by John Lee

Radiant Child

The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

By Javaka Steptoe

Genre: Juvenile Non-Fiction

Curriculum Subject: Social Studies: African American Heritage, Social Studies: Biographies, Personal Development: Self-Discovery, Guidance/Health: Emotions

Grades: Pre-K-3rd

Educator Guide

Jean-Michael Basquiat and his unique, collage-style paintings rocked to fame in the 1980s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art work had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums, in games and in the words that we speak, and in the pulsing energy of New York City. Now, award-winning illustrator Javaka Steptoe’s vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat’s own introduce young readers to the powerful message and art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean–and definitely not inside the lines–to be beautiful.

PRAISE & ACCOLADES

Winner of the 2017 Randolph Caldecott Medal

Winner of the 2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

★ “Javaka Steptoe is the perfect person to create this book: a tour de force that will introduce an important artist to a new generation.” —The Horn Book

★ “Vibrant colors and personal symbols channel the ‘sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird, but somehow still BEAUTIFUL’ paintings, incorporating meticulously attributed collage elements and capturing the artist’s energy and mystery. Stellar bookmaking—a riveting portrait of a young artist.” —Kirkus

★ “Visually arresting and vibrantly narrated.” —Publishers Weekly

★ “One extraordinary artist illuminates another in this textured, heartfelt picture book biography of the 1980s cultural phenom. Employing signature features of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work—vibrant colors, found objects, repeated motifs—Steptoe allows his own emotionally rich style to shine through the artistic and biographical references dotting the illustrations…. Pairing simple text with expressive, encompassing illustrations, this excellent title offers a new generation a fittingly powerful introduction to an artistic luminary.” —School Library Journal

“It takes an artist to display another artist. Had Basquiat chosen to create his own picture book autobiography, I don’t think he could have done a better job that what Radiant Child has accomplished here. Timely. Telling. Overdue.” —A Fuse #8 Production, an SLJ blog

VIDEOS

Live Illustration: Javaka Steptoe

"Radiant Child," a biography for children about the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, just won the prestigious 2017 Caldecott Medal. The books author/illustrator, Javaka Steptoe, joins us to demonstrate his art and talk about Basquiat. Ask him questions in the comments, and Maria Russo will ask some too.

Posted by The New York Times Books on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• School Library Journal‘s Author Interview

• TeachingBooks.net Meet the Author

• The Yarn Podcast

Finding Winnie

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2016-03-02T14:19:16-04:00">March 2, 2016</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-22T11:09:21-04:00">July 22, 2019</time> by John Lee

Finding Winnie

The True Story of The World’s Most Famous Bear

By Lindsay Mattick

Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Genre: Juvenile Non-Fiction

Curriculum Subject: Social Studies: Biographies, Folk Tales/Fairy Tales/Classics: Animals, Adventure: Animals

Grades: Pre-K-1st

Listen to Author & Illustrator Interview Educator Guide

Before Winnie-the-Pooh, there was a real bear named Winnie.

In 1914, Harry Colebourn, a veterinarian on his way to tend horses in World War I, followed his heart and rescued a baby bear. He named her Winnie, after his hometown of Winnipeg, and he took the bear to war.

Harry Colebourn’s real-life great-granddaughter tells the true story of a remarkable friendship and an even more remarkable journey–from the fields of Canada to a convoy across the ocean to an army base in England…

And finally to the London Zoo, where Winnie made another new friend: a real boy named Christopher Robin.

Here is the remarkable true story of the bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh.

PRAISE & ACCOLADES

Winner of the 2016 Randolph Caldecott Medal

★ “Little ones who love Milne’s classic stories will be enchanted by this heartening account of the bear’s real-life origins.” — Booklist

★ “The sum total is as captivating as it is informative, transforming a personal family story into something universally resonant.” — The Horn Book

★ “The book strikes a lovely, understated tone of wonder and family pride…[Sophie Blackall] proves that she’s equally imaginative at chronicling straight-on reality too.” — Publishers Weekly

★ “A perfect melding of beautiful art with soulful, imaginative writing, this lovely story, penned by Colebourn’s great-great granddaughter, is ideal for sharing aloud or poring over individually.” — School Library Journal

“Written by one of the descendants of the veterinarian that started it all. Add in the luminous artwork of Sophie Blackall and you’ve got yourself a historical winner on your hands.” – A Fuse #8 Production

VIDEOS

Me…Jane

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2015-06-23T14:00:53-04:00">June 23, 2015</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-22T16:54:57-04:00">July 22, 2019</time> by John Lee

Me…Jane

By Patrick McDonnell

Genre: Picture Book

Curriculum subjects: Self-Discovery, Individuality, Careers

Grade: PreK-1st

Download Educator Guide

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of “a life living with and helping all animals,” until one day she finds that her dream has come true.

One of the world’s most inspiring women, Dr. Jane Goodall is a renowned humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, environmentalist, and United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), a global nonprofit organization that empowers people to make a difference for all living things.  With anecdotes taken directly from Jane Goodall’s autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young– and young at heart.

PRAISE

A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book

A Charlotte Zolotow Award Winner

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book

★ “This remarkable picture book is one of the few that speaks, in a meaningful way, to all ages.” –Booklist

★ “McDonnell’s book is… inspirational.” –The Horn Book

★ “Children will appreciate McDonnell’s original format and take heart that interests logged in their own diaries might turn into lifelong passions.” –Kirkus Reviews

“McDonnell’s concentration on [Goodall’s] childhood fantasies carries a strong message to readers that their own dreams – even the wildly improbable ones–may be realizable, too.” –Publishers Weekly

“[A] tender homage… engaging… an appealing and satisfying introduction to a well-known scientist and activist.” –School Library Journal

Dave the Potter

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2015-06-23T13:34:09-04:00">June 23, 2015</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-22T11:07:29-04:00">July 22, 2019</time> by John Lee

Dave The Potter

By Laban Carrick Hill

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Genre: Non-Fiction Picture Book

Curriculum Subjects: African American Heritage, Poetry

Grade: PreK-1st

2011 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

2011 Caldecott Honor Book

Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill’s elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier’s resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave’s story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.

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★ “The volume is a visual feast, packed with contemporary photographs, reproductions, magazine covers, and posters, and enhanced by an interesting design. Together, the words and images bring this extraordinary period to life.”  —School Library Journal

Of Beetles and Angels

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2014-11-13T19:17:30-04:00">November 13, 2014</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-12T10:10:50-04:00">July 12, 2019</time> by John Lee

Of Beetles and Angels

By Mawi Asgedom

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Curriculum Subject: Social Studies: Immigration, Social Studies: Biographies, Personal Development: Character Development, Social Studies: African American Heritage, Family Life: Daily Life and Play

Grades: 5-17

Now in a paperback edition, this acclaimed memoir tells the unforgettable story of a young boy’s journey from a refugee camp in Sudan to Chicago, where his family survived on welfare. Mawi followed his father’s advice to “treat people . . . as though they were angels sent from heaven, ” and realized his dream of a full-tuition scholarship to Harvard University. Updated with 14 black-and-white photos and a new epilogue.

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PRAISE

“A moving memoir.” * Chicago Tribune

“An amazing story.” * Oprah Winfrey

“His simple lyrical narrative, both wry and tender, stays true to the child’s viewpoint as he grows up…What stays with you is the quiet, honest drama of a family’s heartrending journey.” –Booklist

“This earnest account of his life up to his graduation from Harvard is peppered with powerful moments.” –Publishers Weekly

A BookSense ’76 pick

I Am Malala

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2014-11-06T16:28:51-04:00">November 6, 2014</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-11T11:02:00-04:00">July 11, 2019</time> by John Lee

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World

By Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Curriculum Subject: Personal Development: Self-Discovery, Social Studies: Biographies

Grades: 5-17

Download Educator Guide

I Am Malala. This is my story.

Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.

Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school.

No one expected her to survive.

Now Malala is an international symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. In this Young Readers Edition of her bestselling memoir, which has been reimagined specifically for a younger audience and includes exclusive photos and material, we hear firsthand the remarkable story of a girl who knew from a young age that she wanted to change the world — and did.

Malala’s powerful story will open your eyes to another world and will make you believe in hope, truth, miracles and the possibility that one person — one young person — can inspire change in her community and beyond.

PRAISE

★ “A searing and personal portrait of a young woman who dared to make a difference.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Malala Yousafzai isn’t the first to proclaim the pen mightier than the sword, but she is probably the only teenager to emerge defiant after taking a bullet for the right of literacy.” — Los Angeles Times

“Among Yousafzai’s many gifts is the ability to convey both how extraordinary she herself is and how many children might be, too, if someone taught them how to read and write.” — TheNewYorker.com

“Everyone who laid eyes on Malala Yousafzai knew the Pakastani schoolgirl was someone special. When her mountain town of Mingora, in the Swat Valley, fell under Taliban rule, her courage made her a powerful symbol.” — Vanity Fair

When Bob Met Woody

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2014-07-24T14:36:21-04:00">July 24, 2014</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-22T15:44:25-04:00">July 22, 2019</time> by John Lee

When Bob Met Woody

By Gary Golio

Illustrated by Marc Burckhardt

Genre: Non-fiction

Curriculum subject: Social Studies: Biography; Social Studies: America

Bob Dylan is a musical icon, an American legend, and, quite simply, a poet. But before he became Bob Dylan, he was Bob Zimmerman, a kid from rural Minnesota.

This lyrical and gorgeously illustrated picture book biography follows Bob as he renames himself after his favorite poet, Dylan Thomas, and leaves his mining town to pursue his love of music in New York City. There, he meets his folk music hero and future mentor, Woody Guthrie, changing his life forever.

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PRAISE

“Sensitively written, meticulously researched.” –Kirkus

“A stirring introduction to two music legends.” –Booklist

Invincible Louisa

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2014-07-24T14:07:55-04:00">July 24, 2014</time><time class="updated" datetime="2018-10-24T11:07:59-04:00">October 24, 2018</time> by John Lee

Invincible Louisa by Cornelia Meigs Invincible Louisa

By Cornelia Meigs

Genre: Biography

Curriculum Subject: Biography; Women’s Studies

Grades: 3 – 7

This biography traces the fascinating life of Louisa May Alcott from her happy childhood in Pennsylvania and Boston to her success as a writer of such classics as Little women.

PRAISE

1934 Newbery Medalist

Ben and Me

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2014-07-18T21:07:57-04:00">July 18, 2014</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-09T11:52:02-04:00">July 9, 2019</time> by John Lee

Ben & Me by Robert Lawson Ben and Me

By Robert Lawson

Genre: Historical Fiction

Curriculum Subject: Social Studies: History; Science: Inventions

Grades: 3 – 7

Ever wonder where inventors get their ideas? As it turns out, the great inventor Benjamin Franklin got his best ideas from a mouse named Amos! Funny, interesting and wise, this classic tale has been a favorite for generations. Once you’ve met Amos and read his account, you’ll never think of Ben Franklin-or American history-quite the same way.

Explore this historical time period even further in this new edition of award-winning author Robert Lawson’s classic tale, with additional bonus material, including a map of Ben Franklin’s travels!

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Rapture Practice

Posted on <time class="entry-date published" datetime="2014-07-16T18:10:58-04:00">July 16, 2014</time><time class="updated" datetime="2019-07-22T14:14:22-04:00">July 22, 2019</time> by John Lee

Rapture Practi ce

By Aaron Hartzler

Genre: Non-fiction

Curriculum Subjects: Teen: Life Religion; Family, Personal Development: Self-Discovery

Grade: 10 & Up

Educator Guide Watch Video

Sometimes salvation is found in the strangest places: a true story.

Aaron Hartzler grew up in a home where he was taught that at any moment the Rapture could happen. That Jesus might come down in the twinkling of an eye and scoop Aaron and his family up to heaven. As a kid, Aaron was thrilled by the idea that every moment of every day might be his last one on planet Earth.

But as Aaron turned sixteen, he found himself more attached to his earthly life and curious about all the things his family forsakes for the Lord. In this funny and heartfelt coming-of-age memoir, Hartzler recalls his teenage journey to find the person he is without losing the family that loves him.

PRAISE

★ “His story emphasizes discovery more than rebellion, and the narrative is carefully constructed to show and not judge the beliefs of his family and their community… Hartzler’s laugh-out-loud stylings range from the subtle to the ridiculous…A hilarious first-of-its-kind story that will surely inspire more.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Effervescent and moving, evocative and tender.” — The New York Times Book Review

“Hartzler writes with a keen eye for detail… he is equally sure-footed describing his inner turmoil… One of the best things, however, is how lovingly Hartzler portrays his parents, even as they anger him.” — Booklist

“What rings very true… is the author’s thoughtful search for answers to his heart’s biggest questions, and his pragmatism and sense of humor on the journey.” — Publishers Weekly

“[Aaron Hatzler’s] memoir is appealing because of his honesty, and forthrightness… clear and lively.” — School Library Journal

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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