The theme of the review: Cool books you need on your shelves to read. And CBR15Passport, new to me author(s) (but I know one artist)
When you pick up Remember by Joy Harjo you will find a poetic piece of artwork. Michaela Goade adds to this by painting imagery that is bold, bright, deep, romantic, serious, and light. The mixture of the text and illustrations gives a story of family, the individuality, and the authors Mvskoke Nation heritage. It is a celebration of looking around you, seeing the bigger images surrounding you and the nature that we share. Goade also is inspired by her Tlingit culture. Due in March 2023 this is a book that will be winning awards, works well for classroom settings and individual readings.
Another beautiful picture book that is a must have is the title Jake Makes a World: Jacob Lawrence, a Young Artist in Harlem. The team of Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts and Christopher Myers (the work of which I have enjoyed for its uniqueness) bring to life a piece of the Harlem Renaissance in the package of Jacob Lawrence. Not only do we see how a young man dealt with the problems of his time, but how he was able to create something out of nothing. Lawrence’s talent would shape a movement and a people.
Both of these books are great for their stories alone, but their artworks put them on other levels. With Goade, you have the rich heritage of their people and other native peoples, coming alive on the page. Swirls and shapes of all sorts flow making them both complimentary to the text and their own character. And with Myers, you have his signature style, but also the feel of old-world Harlem, and the excitement one young man has for art.
The ages for Jacob Lawrence’s story would be best for at least five and up (and could go as high as second grade or third grade) whereas Remember is good for most ages.