RADIANT CHILD by Javaka Steptoe

Jean-Michel Basquiat was the darling of the 1980's New York street art renaissance.  He was a contemporary of graffiti artists such as Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf, and often collaborated with Andy Warhol.  The vibrant picture book, "Radiant Child" captures both the exuberance and struggle in Basquiat's collage-style paintings as it introduces young readers to an artist that "moves from street corners to art gallery walls."  Steptoe's artwork illustrates the text with original pieces created on discarded material, as inspired by Basquiat's own work. The text is lyrical, unrhymed, and restrained enough to allow the illustrations to command attention. The story is careful to treat Basquiat's life openly as it touches upon a harrowing car accident and his mother's mental disorder, but maintains a hopeful and uplifting tone--the budding artist turns to art for comfort and triumphs as a famous artist. Keeping stride with the story, seventeen glossy spreads evolve from clean lines in primary colors during Basquiat's youth then moves toward elaborate mixed-media compositions evocative of Basquiat's better known works from his later years. A highlight is the inclusion of Picasso's Guernica. Steptoe's deference toward Basquiat is balanced by his own mastery of expression and will intrigue readers to learn more about modern American art. This book is a great opportunity to highlight a successful and unorthodox African-American artist.

(Print picture book, nonfiction, age 8-12)