Radiant Child

Radiant Child is an inspired introduction to one of the most important artists of the late 20^th century. Jean-Michel Basquiat was a contemporary of artists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, and this picture book biography shows the journey of Basquiat, a Puerto-Rican black boy from Brooklyn, finding and creating beauty in his home, on the streets, and finally in museums. The illustrations as well as the illustrator’s life echo Basquiat’s, making Javaka Steptoe an insightful and engaging biographer.  Kids will love how art is shown to be messy and outside the lines, but still beautiful and full of meaning. Steptoe skillfully handles his portrayal of Basquiat’s mentally ill mother, not shying away from the inherent sadness, but also showing hope in how mother and son’s loving relationship continued through it. The overall message is one of finding success by believing in yourself. This “radiant, wild, genius child” predicted greatness for himself, and it all came true. Some darker aspects of his life and early death at the age of 27 are appropriately omitted from the main text, but are included in the endnotes, along with notes on Basquiat’s symbolism and notes from the illustrator. This richly textured biography shows more than how an artist came to be, but also how he works, creates, and embodies the beauty around us all.