Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
By Kelly Hartman
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Steptoe, Javaka. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2016 ISBN 9780316213882
PLOT SUMMARY
Jean-Michel Basquiat grew up in Brooklyn, always dreaming of becoming a famous artist. His mother, Matilde, an artist of sorts, influenced his creativity, spending countless hours drawing with him and taking him to art galleries. Due to a mental illness, Basquiat is separated from his mother, yet he continued to express himself through his vibrant art. Gaining inspiration from the streets of New York City, he splattered his collages on downtown walls, eventually achieving a place among many different art galleries. Basquiat is described as "radiant, wild, a genius child"; his art giving him fame and a voice for others in his community.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In Radiant Child, Javaka Steptoe gives an accurate description of the ups and downs of aspiring artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. The story itself is a simple recounting of the major events of the artist's childhood through adulthood, but it is not meant to be "sugar-coated". Within the end pages of the book, Steptoe includes more details, an author's note, and cited sources. The reader can trust Steptoe's dedication to this biography as a true story.
The author organizes his story in a clear and sequential manner, making it easy for even young readers to follow the timeline. The illustrations appropriately match the storyline. The use of literary devices such as rhythm and figurative language("hearts that thump", "storm of papers") become part of the story's lively style, appropriately expressing the text as a work of art, as well. The reader learns in the author's notes that Steptoe made a purposeful choice to create his own interpretations, instead of just copying and reproducing Basquiat's art for the book's illustrations. Readers can appreciate his commitment in honoring Basquiat while encouraging others to express their own voice.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean Michel Basquiat is told in present tense; an effort to keep Basquiat's life story alive and well for any budding artist. An inspiration to those wanting to express themselves in life's journey.
Just like his art, Basquiat's life was "not neat or clean"; it was, in fact, "sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird; but somehow still BEAUTIFUL."
AWARD AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
2017 Caldecott Medal Winner
2017 Coretta Scott King Award Winner
"A lively, engaging introduction to a one-of-a-kind artist perfect for art-loving kids.... An excellent read-aloud."―Booklist, starred review
"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 bookmarking--a riveting portrait of a young artist."
―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)CONNECTIONS
About this Book Connection
Just like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Javaka Steptoe used bits of New York City to create their masterpieces, students will be encouraged to do the same with their surroundings. Read "About this Book" to students and have them use "materials, people, and places in their environment" to create their own work of art.
Art Connection
Motifs and Symbolism
Help students to find crowns, eyes, and cars within the art of the book. View some of Basquiat's art and look for these motifs. Discuss the symbolism. Ask students to come up with three motifs that they would like to include in their art and encourage them to add to their art project.
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