Uptown
This article originally appeared in SLJ’s Extra Helping. Sign up now!
Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT -- School Library Journal, 3/7/2008
Uptown. cassette or CD. 7:56 min. with paperback book. Live Oak Media. 2007. cassette with paperback book, ISBN 978-1-43010-050-8: $16.95; CD with paperback book, ISBN 978-1-43010-053-9: $18.95; cassette with hardcover book, ISBN 978-1-43010-051-5: $25.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-1-43010-054-6: $28.95; cassette with 4 paperback books, ISBN 978-1-43010-052-2: $37.95; CD with 4 paperback books, ISBN 978-1-43010-055-3: $39.95.
K-Gr 3–A young boy takes youngsters on a tour of his beloved uptown neighborhood in New York City’s Harlem in this visual and aural treat (Holt, 2000) written and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Bold watercolor and collage artwork beautifully captures the tempo and atmosphere of this child’s world. From the brownstones that look like chocolate to the Harlem Boy’s Choir to basketball games to shopping on 125thStreet, it is obvious that this boy has a strong sense of place and community and a love of home. The brief text is just right for young readers and listeners. Narrator Ricky Smith does a commendable job of capturing the tone of the book. Subtle sound effects such as an occasional car honking and the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem singing enhance the telling. A stunning and affectionate celebration of Harlem.
