Christopher Myers

Rich paintings in limited colors convey the power of a people and a piece of their history. Done in the cadence of the Blues, this unique and powerful picture book inspired by the uniquely African American music and related experience is for older readers.

Misty Copeland, the African American Ballet Theater soloist, has an encouraging conversation with a young black aspiring ballerina: “darling child, don’t you know/you’re just where I started/let the sun shine on your face….” Stunning mixed media illustrations capture the movement of dance and emotions of hope.

Experienced readers will enjoy this stunning and sophisticated visit to Harlem in word and image. Landmarks like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater are included and invite discussion.

Stunning, semi-abstract illustrations create a contemporary, recognizable setting for Lewis Carroll’s now classic nonsense poem. An illustrator’s note provides background for the choice of the Jabberwock as a many-fingered ball handler on an urban basketball court.

Experience the explosion of color and movement of jazz as you pulsate with its beat in a vibrant series of poems and paintings. This father-and-son team explores a variety of jazz forms in an unforgettable book.

In 2008, the first Odyssey Award (opens in a new window) for distinguished children’s/young adult audiobook was presented to this read-along title. This package brings together the illustrations of the book with the featured Jazz music.

A boy named Jeremy defines himself in the context of his world. The animated narrator begins by looking in the mirror and seeing a boy, and then adds brother, son, artist, writer, and more as he interacts with his family and community. The lively poem concludes with a look at a very young author and illustrator and a short list of how they self-define.