Synopsis
Author Tony Medina drew from his own experiences growing up in the projects to create the story of DeShawn Williams. We meet DeShawn s grandmother, who helps him with his homework, and his cousin Tiffany, who shares in his laughter and adventures. We learn of his dreams to be a rap star and of his nightmares, including one in which the graffiti in his neighborhood comes alive. Beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, this book and its diverse cast of characters will charm readers of all backgrounds. Praise for The Palm of My Heart: The real story here is the glorious art by picture-book newcomer Christie, who displays a fine-arts sensibility that is incorporated into his illustrations. Kirkus Reviews
Children's Literature
This is an incredibly stirring book, a story crafted by loving memory in heartfelt poetry, as soft as a lullaby and as tough as the boyz in the 'hood. We are invited to enter the world of a ten-year-old boy who lives with his beloved grandmother, mother, Uncle Ritchie and cousin Tiffany in an inner-city neighborhood that buzzes with life. We are also honored to enter the inner life of this sensitive child as he lives his days, playing hide and seek outside until dark, wrestling with Tiffany, staying up late with Grandma and grappling with a growing awareness of life. The illustrations are part cartoon and part psychological masterpieces, matching the depth and innocence of the text in very moving ways. This picture book is part of a growing trend in the genre, which gives a sophisticated voice to modern themes with vibrant color and real pathos. Kids who live this life will be overjoyed to find their world so well described, while children from other backgrounds will get a chance to meet somebody they would probably love to play with, after school. 2001, Lee & Low Books, $16.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer:Nancy Partridge