Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Javaka Steptoe first thought of doing a book on Basquiat following a visit to see an exhibit on the artist at the Brooklyn Museum, whose trash Steptoe would use while illustrating the book.[1][2] He was drawn to Basquiat by the "energy" of Basquiat's work and a feeling that many in the art world scorn his work and put it down as graffiti.[2] Steptoe also felt a connection through New York and between the art of Basquiat and that of his parents, both of whom were artists.[2] He particularly credits the way his father, Caldecott Honor and Corretta Scott King award winning artist John Steptoe, introduced him to the concept of considering diversity through the metaphor of windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors.[2] It took five or six years for Steptoe to write the book, which included incorporating new information about Basquiat became known.[2]

The story tells of Basquiat's connection to art and his journey towards becoming an artist. The book begins with Basquiat's childhood in Brooklyn where he notices art all around him and enjoys its creation. It tells of his connection to his mother who leaves the home due to mental illness. As a teen Basquiat moves to the Lower East Side and begins as a street artist before moving into galleries. By the end of the book he has become a successful professional artist.

The illustrations are meant to invoke Basquiat's artistic style with Steptoe's and were painted on found wood.[3] This blending was made easier by the similarity of their styles and also allowed Steptoe to include several of Basquiat's motifs[4] and what the book calls Basquiat's, "sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird, but somehow still BEAUTIFUL" creations.[5] The use of found materials "add rich texture and interesting imperfections to Steptoe’s illustrations."[1]

The book was well received by critics, including numerous starred reviews, and also received several awards. Booklist praised the, "lively, engaging introduction to a one-of-a-kind artist perfect for art-loving kids."[3] Similarly in a starred review Robbin E. Friedman writing for School Library Journal recommended the book, "Pairing simple text with expressive, encompassing illustrations this excellent title offers a new generation a fittingly powerful introduction to an artistic luminary."[6] The book also received starred reviews in Kirkus Reviews,[5] the Horn Book Guide,[4] Publishers Weekly,[7] and School Library Connection.[8] Elizabeth Bush, however, in The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books criticized the lack of Basquiat's own art, even in the book's bibliography.[9]

The American Library Association awarded the book the 2017 Caldecott Medal, given annually to the best American Picture book,[10] and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, given to recognize children's books by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.[11] Immediately following these awards the book sold an additional 1,100 copies.[12] In its King Award citation the ALA, noted how the "collage style paintings with rich texture, bold colors and thick lines take readers on an emotional journey" and called the illustrations "striking."[11]

• List of paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat