Main_large
Thumb_spread-03
Thumb_spread-02
Thumb_spread-01

DeShawn Days

By Tony Medina
Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Paperback: $11.95

Hardcover: out of stock

Ebook

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.
 

About the Creators

Thumb_tony_medina_2014 Tony Medina - Author

is the author of six beloved books for young readers, as well as multiple volumes of poetry for adults. A Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and a professor of creative writing at Howard University, Dr. Medina is a two-time winner of the Paterson Prize for Books for Young People. He lives in the Washington, DC area.

Thumb_thumb R. Gregory Christie

is a three-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Honor. His work for Lee & Low includes two books that won this award: The Palm of My Heart and Brothers in Hope. Christie has also been twice recognized on The New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books list. He currently paints in the evenings while traveling around the country doing school visits. His website is gas-art.com