Starred review from October 30, 2023
“The hustle and bustle/ the heartbeat of the city/ the quick, the slick, the grit, the wit/ the coolest place I’ve ever been.” Employing the refrain “my block looks like,” debut author Harper embodies the demeanor of this picture book’s charismatic protagonist, a child with dark brown skin and an Afro, as they travel through the Bronx. Along the way, they watch “fancy footwork and death-defying stunts” on the subway, engage with art that “soars across the world,” and encounter “brilliant minds/ politicking and debating” life’s great mysteries: top emcee, best rap record, and more. Their ever-present bubblegum popping, the protagonist heads to a dance studio, en route engaging in the dynamic movement of city life. Kinetic, portrait-filled art from Morrison (Breaking to the Beat!) reveals the neighborhood’s sights (double Dutch, the Icee man, pickup games), vibrantly conveying the essence of the protagonist’s home: “my city/ my hood/ my block. My home/ my village/ my
family/ my friends/ my soul.” Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Lindsay Auld, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words.