Radiant Child

Main Characters: Jean-Michel, Matilde

Setting: Brooklyn, New York City

Summary: Jean-Michel always wanted to be a famous artist.  He found art in many different things including poetry books, theaters, street games and museums.  Jean-Michel's drawings are not neat or clean and he doesn't color inside the lines, but his drawings are still beautiful.  This book teaches us that we don't have to be perfect and if you set your mind to something, you can do anything.  It is a great story about never giving up, following your dreams, and not being afraid to be different.

I would use this in the classroom by doing a lesson on what students want to be when they grow up and then having them draw what that will look like.  I would also use this in an art lesson and let students draw whatever they want however they want.  I would also use this for a lesson regarding the history of art and different artists.  I think this book is also an important lesson that if you set your mind to something, you can do anything as long as you try your best and work hard.

Questions to consider:

• Do you know of any informational texts that would pair well with this book?
• How will this book help students gain perspective?

Reference:

Steptoe, Javake. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Little, Brown & Company. New York, NY. 2016. Print.