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DeShawn Days 
By Tony Medina
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
9781584302285
I'm DeShawn Williams
I'm ten years old
come see who I live with --
who I love!
From this inviting opening, we are swept into ten-year-old DeShawn's world where we meet his family, his friends, and learn about his hopes and dreams. DeShawn lives in the projects, where "You don't just hear music / you hear sirens too /cop cars and ambulances /screaming all the time /real loud at you." This is also a place where neighbors gather for barbecues, and where DeShawn and his cousin build a snowman in the winter. We experience the death of DeShawn's grandmother, deeply feeling his sadness and loss. And we share the hope as he and his mother turn to each other for comfort. Readers from all backgrounds will be charmed by this upbeat, compassionate, and creative young boy.
In his first children's book, author Tony Medina draws from his experiences growing up in the projects to create this dynamic character. Award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie beautifully captures the emotion, humor, and strength of the story through his powerful illustrations. An afterword from the author expands on his connection to the story and explains how he was inspired to become a writer.
- Awards
-
"Editor's Choice"
San Francisco Chronicle
Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College Children's Book Committee
ALA Notable Children's Book
American Library Association (ALA)
Bookmania Pick
Chicago Public Library
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor
Jane Addams Peace Association
More awards... - Interest Level
- Grades 2 - 6
- Reading Level
- Grades 1 - 2
- Themes
- African/African American Interest, Poetry, Self Esteem/Identity
- Accelerated Reader
- Level: 4.2
Points: .5
Tony Medina is a prolific poet and writer whose work can be found in numerous anthologies as well as several picture books published by LEE & LOW BOOKS. He was selected by Writer's Digest as one of ten poets to watch in the new millennium. Medina lives in Harlem, New York City, and is an English Professor at Long Island University.
R. Gregory Christie received his fine arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City and has illustrated several books for LEE & LOW (see titles to the right). A three time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor, Christie lives in Brooklyn, New York. You can see more of his work at gas-art.com
